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Putin's United Russia party wins 355 seats in Duma election; 4 other parties cross threshold to enter parliament

US ships in Indian Ocean ‘will be attacked’ if war resumes, warns Iran

Delhi Air pollution: Strict crackdown on waste burning

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Fleming's aspirations as England Test coach include WTC, top ranking and Ashes

J&K Assembly Session begins amid chaos: BJP, ruling alliance clash as statehood demand dominates

Trump-Xi summit: US Treasury Secretary holds meeting with Chinese Vice Premier

Bessent meets China’s He Lifeng to prepare for Trump-Xi summit

S Jaishankar, former Army chief among high-profile names issued Delhi SIR notices

CDU suffers historic defeat in eastern Germany as AfD surges, Merz vows to stay on

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Arvind Kejriwal, family members, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta get SIR notices

AI actress Tilly Norwood glitches mid-interview, switches from English to Chinese | Watch

Saudi vs Houthis: Houthis claim missiles & drones used in attack on key Saudi sites

Punjab man consumes poison outside DC office; Congress, BJP target AAP government

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'Lot of things to learn from experienced players': Jayasuriya backs Rohit, Virat for 2027 ODI World Cup

Chancellor Friedrich Merz vows to stay on as exit polls signal major poll setback

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Several petrol pumps, other businesses to refuse UPI payments above Rs 2,000 from Oct 16: Is it legal?

Mahabharat actor Saurav Gurjar arrested in Hyderabad, sent to 14-day judicial custody in sexual exploitation case

New OTT releases this week (September 21-27, 2026): Shaque: Trust No One, Hunkkaar, Don’t Be Shy- 5 new titles coming to Netflix, Prime Video and more

WATCH | Mysterious lights over Tehran caught on video. Drone, aircraft or something else?

Noel Tata challenges Chandrasekaran’s reappointment as Tata Sons chairman. What happened at the board meeting

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Delhi: Flagged voters remain on the draft roll but face hearings

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Maharashtra TET paper leak: All 18 accused arrested. How alleged Agra-to-Maharashtra racket unfolded

Jailer 2: Vidya Balan joins Rajinikanth's upcoming film as Kantha | Watch

Microsoft executive called AI training the ‘largest theft of labour in human history’

40-foot waves crash into cruise ship in dangerous stretch near Antarctica. Watch

Italy moves to ban face veils in schools as Meloni pushes new integration measures

A fierce political battle has erupted in Uttarakhand over an alleged "shuddhikaran" (purification) ritual conducted at a venue in Haldwani after a rally addressed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Congress leaders have termed the act discriminatory and linked it to caste prejudice, while the BJP has rejected the allegations and accused the opposition of politicizing the issue.


Political slugfest erupts over alleged 'purification' ritual in Haldwani 

Srinagar witnessed a heated political confrontation as the BJP and the National Conference staged rival protests against each other. BJP workers gathered at the iconic Ghanta Ghar, accusing the Jammu and Kashmir government of "misrule" and demanding accountability. In response, the National Conference organized counter-protests, including demonstrations outside the BJP's Jawaharnagar office.


BJP and National Conference stage rival protests in Jammu & Kashmir's Srinagar

Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Egypt comes at a time of heightened tensions across West Asia. Beijing is increasingly presenting itself as a stabilising force capable of engaging all sides in regional disputes while expanding economic and strategic partnerships. Discussions are expected to focus on trade, infrastructure, connectivity, energy cooperation and regional security. The visit also highlights China's growing diplomatic ambitions as it seeks a larger role in shaping developments across the Middle East and North Africa.


Xi Jinping positioning China as a stabilising force amid tensions in West Asia

When the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran six months ago, US President Donald Trump delivered a speech as the conflict unfolded.&nbsp;Trump posted an eight-minute video in which he gave several justifications for the decision to launch the strikes. Towards the end of the speech, he also urged Iranians to topple their country's regime.His exact words in the overlapping hours of February 28 and March 1 were:&nbsp;"Finally, to the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand…when we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations."&nbsp;For almost six weeks, the war front remained active. An Iranian school came under attack in a double-tap strike, killing schoolchildren. Iran's then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and members of his family were also killed in a strike on his compound. Several members of Iran's top leadership were eliminated.&nbsp;However, Iran's ruling establishment did not collapse. The American administration then quickly changed its tone and said regime change was never the goal.&nbsp;Iran also retaliated with a barrage of strikes on American assets and troops across West Asia.&nbsp;The normal passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz came to a halt. The critical waterway remains the biggest point of contention between the US and Iran over control of the strategic passage.Over the past two weeks, Washington shifted its focus towards economic pressure on Iran by imposing fresh sanctions and threatening to further weaken the country.&nbsp;Iranian leaders dismissed the threats and maintained their defiant stance towards the US.Military escalation has now begun again. The US launched strikes on Larak Island earlier this week, prompting Iran to retaliate.&nbsp;The attacks intensified over the past 24 hours, with US strikes hitting multiple locations along Iran's southern coast.&nbsp;Iranian media reported explosions in other coastal areas, including Konarak, Bandar Abbas, Jask and Asaluyeh, as well as Qeshm Island.&nbsp;Iranian authorities said at least 18 people had been killed across the country in the latest strikes. The US strike on Kuhestak has emerged as a major flashpoint for Iran.&nbsp;Iranian officials said a house in Kuhestak was hit while a wedding celebration was underway.Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said at least four people were killed and more than 68 others, including women and children, were wounded.&nbsp;Footage released by the Iranian Red Crescent showed a damaged building with blown-out windows and walls. Debris was scattered across the ground.&nbsp;Locals have criticised the latest American attacks. Iran then responded with attacks that went beyond US targets inside the country.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-not-retreating-from-gaza-netanyahu-rules-out-troop-pullback-cites-terror-threat-1788365264654">'We are not retreating from Gaza': Netanyahu rules out troop pullback, cites terror threat</a>&nbsp;The Iranian military launched attacks on US bases and assets in Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq's Erbil region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its forces carried out a combined missile and drone attack on US facilities in Erbil.&nbsp;Tehran also claimed that it hit Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain, which hosts US forces. The Bahrain Defence Force accused Iran of continuing what it called a "systematic hostile approach."&nbsp;The IRGC said it launched a "heavy" ballistic missile attack on Prince Hassan Air Base and a US Marine base in Jordan.&nbsp;In Kuwait, Iran claimed it targeted the headquarters and residence of the American commander at Ali Al Salem Air Base.&nbsp;Within hours of Iran's retaliation, Trump issued another statement on social media. Two parts of his remarks stood out.&nbsp;Trump said he was not trying to force Iran to the negotiating table and did not care whether Iran signed the agreement.&nbsp;He also brought the regime change issue back into focus. Trump asked, 'When are the Iranian people going to rise up and fight?'&nbsp;As US tactics continue to shift and the Trump administration's goals remain unclear, a question raised six months ago when the war began has returned.&nbsp;What is Donald Trump's endgame? And if regime change is the goal, why does the US keep changing its stance on it?

Six months after Trump first urged Iranians to overthrow their government, renewed US-Iran strikes and his latest regime change remarks have again raised questions over Washington's ultimate endgame in the conflict.

When the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran six months ago, US President Donald Trump delivered a speech as the conflict unfolded. Trump posted an eight-minute video in which he gave several justifications for the decision to launch the strikes. Towards the end of the speech, he also urged Iranians to topple their country's regime. His exact words in the overlapping hours of February 28 and March 1 were: "Finally, to the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand…when we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations." For almost six weeks, the war front remained active. An Iranian school came under attack in a double-tap strike, killing schoolchildren. Iran's then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and members of his family were also killed in a strike on his compound. Several members of Iran's top leadership were eliminated. However, Iran's ruling establishment did not collapse. The American administration then quickly changed its tone and said regime change was never the goal. Iran also retaliated with a barrage of strikes on American assets and troops across West Asia. The normal passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz came to a halt. The critical waterway remains the biggest point of contention between the US and Iran over control of the strategic passage. Over the past two weeks, Washington shifted its focus towards economic pressure on Iran by imposing fresh sanctions and threatening to further weaken the country. Iranian leaders dismissed the threats and maintained their defiant stance towards the US. Military escalation has now begun again. The US launched strikes on Larak Island earlier this week, prompting Iran to retaliate. The attacks intensified over the past 24 hours, with US strikes hitting multiple locations along Iran's southern coast. Iranian media reported explosions in other coastal areas, including Konarak, Bandar Abbas, Jask and Asaluyeh, as well as Qeshm Island. Iranian authorities said at least 18 people had been killed across the country in the latest strikes. The US strike on Kuhestak has emerged as a major flashpoint for Iran. Iranian officials said a house in Kuhestak was hit while a wedding celebration was underway. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said at least four people were killed and more than 68 others, including women and children, were wounded. Footage released by the Iranian Red Crescent showed a damaged building with blown-out windows and walls. Debris was scattered across the ground. Locals have criticised the latest American attacks. Iran then responded with attacks that went beyond US targets inside the country. Also Read: 'We are not retreating from Gaza': Netanyahu rules out troop pullback, cites terror threat The Iranian military launched attacks on US bases and assets in Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq's Erbil region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its forces carried out a combined missile and drone attack on US facilities in Erbil. Tehran also claimed that it hit Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain, which hosts US forces. The Bahrain Defence Force accused Iran of continuing what it called a "systematic hostile approach." The IRGC said it launched a "heavy" ballistic missile attack on Prince Hassan Air Base and a US Marine base in Jordan. In Kuwait, Iran claimed it targeted the headquarters and residence of the American commander at Ali Al Salem Air Base. Within hours of Iran's retaliation, Trump issued another statement on social media. Two parts of his remarks stood out. Trump said he was not trying to force Iran to the negotiating table and did not care whether Iran signed the agreement. He also brought the regime change issue back into focus. Trump asked, 'When are the Iranian people going to rise up and fight?' As US tactics continue to shift and the Trump administration's goals remain unclear, a question raised six months ago when the war began has returned. What is Donald Trump's endgame? And if regime change is the goal, why does the US keep changing its stance on it?

Six months after Trump first urged Iranians to overthrow their government, renewed US-Iran strikes and his latest regime change remarks have again raised questions over Washington's ultimate endgame in the conflict.

What is US endgame in Iran? Trump revives regime change talk amid fresh military escalation | RTP

Nicaragua's parliament has passed a controversial constitutional reform backed by President Daniel Ortega that effectively bars opposition parties from participating in elections. The measure also extends the presidential term and further consolidates power in the hands of Ortega's government.


Nicaragua's parliament passes controversial law banning opposition party 

Nepal's devastating floods have evolved into the biggest challenge of Prime Minister Balen Shah's tenure. With the death toll surpassing 1,000 and thousands still missing, the government faces immense pressure to lead rescue, relief and reconstruction efforts. Rescue teams continue searching for missing residents and trapped hydropower workers as damaged infrastructure hampers operations. The disaster is testing both the government's crisis response and its long-term vision for recovery.

Nepal floods: Nepal's Prime Minister Balen Shah faces biggest test amid devastating floods

For years, the West has pursued a simple strategy toward Vladimir Putin: punish Russia economically, isolate Moscow diplomatically and force the Kremlin to pay a price for its war in Ukraine.But is that strategy still working?Putin may be isolated from much of the Western political establishment. Yet the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit tells a very different story.Russia remains deeply engaged with China, India and much of the non-Western world. Putin can still sit at the table with major powers — and that makes the claim that Russia is simply “isolated” increasingly difficult to sustain.But there is a catch.At the SCO summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a message that Moscow cannot easily dismiss: the world must move from endless wars toward an end to war. Modi's appeal reflects India's increasingly independent diplomatic position — maintaining its strategic relationship with Russia while simultaneously deepening ties with the United States.China presents another complicated equation.Beijing has become crucial to Moscow economically and strategically, but that does not necessarily make Russia the senior partner. The longer the war continues, the greater Russia's dependence on China could become.Meanwhile, Europe is moving in the opposite direction.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-may-be-isolated-but-sco-showed-russia-is-not-cut-off-1788420897346/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-may-be-isolated-but-sco-showed-russia-is-not-cut-off-1788420897346/embed</a>The EU continues sanctions against Russia and is preparing further measures targeting individuals, Moscow's military-industrial complex and its ability to sustain the war.Britain is also helping Ukraine expand its long-range strike capability. Moscow has warned that British military targets could face retaliation if British-made missiles continue being used against Russian territory.And NATO is increasingly focused on what comes after Ukraine — with European governments concerned about alleged Russian hybrid attacks, airspace incidents and the possibility of wider confrontation.So the old definition of isolation no longer fits.Russia is economically constrained, militarily challenged and politically estranged from much of Europe.But it is not diplomatically alone.The Verdict? Putin has not broken out of Western isolation — he has learned to operate around it.And perhaps that is the bigger story.The world is no longer divided neatly between Moscow and the West.India wants strategic autonomy. China wants greater global influence. Europe wants security. Washington wants leverage.And Putin is trying to turn those competing interests into diplomatic space for Russia.Is he isolated? In the West, increasingly yes.In the world? Not even close.&nbsp;

The EU continues sanctions against Russia and is preparing further measures targeting individuals, Moscow's military-industrial complex and its ability to sustain the war.

For years, the West has pursued a simple strategy toward Vladimir Putin: punish Russia economically, isolate Moscow diplomatically and force the Kremlin to pay a price for its war in Ukraine. But is that strategy still working? Putin may be isolated from much of the Western political establishment. Yet the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit tells a very different story. Russia remains deeply engaged with China, India and much of the non-Western world. Putin can still sit at the table with major powers — and that makes the claim that Russia is simply “isolated” increasingly difficult to sustain. But there is a catch. At the SCO summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a message that Moscow cannot easily dismiss: the world must move from endless wars toward an end to war. Modi's appeal reflects India's increasingly independent diplomatic position — maintaining its strategic relationship with Russia while simultaneously deepening ties with the United States. China presents another complicated equation. Beijing has become crucial to Moscow economically and strategically, but that does not necessarily make Russia the senior partner. The longer the war continues, the greater Russia's dependence on China could become. Meanwhile, Europe is moving in the opposite direction. https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-may-be-isolated-but-sco-showed-russia-is-not-cut-off-1788420897346/embed The EU continues sanctions against Russia and is preparing further measures targeting individuals, Moscow's military-industrial complex and its ability to sustain the war. Britain is also helping Ukraine expand its long-range strike capability. Moscow has warned that British military targets could face retaliation if British-made missiles continue being used against Russian territory. And NATO is increasingly focused on what comes after Ukraine — with European governments concerned about alleged Russian hybrid attacks, airspace incidents and the possibility of wider confrontation. So the old definition of isolation no longer fits. Russia is economically constrained, militarily challenged and politically estranged from much of Europe. But it is not diplomatically alone. The Verdict? Putin has not broken out of Western isolation — he has learned to operate around it. And perhaps that is the bigger story. The world is no longer divided neatly between Moscow and the West. India wants strategic autonomy. China wants greater global influence. Europe wants security. Washington wants leverage. And Putin is trying to turn those competing interests into diplomatic space for Russia. Is he isolated? In the West, increasingly yes. In the world? Not even close.

The EU continues sanctions against Russia and is preparing further measures targeting individuals, Moscow's military-industrial complex and its ability to sustain the war.

The Verdict | Putin is isolated — but not alone

One of Hong Kong's most recognisable pro-democracy activists, Joshua Wong, has pleaded guilty in a major national security case that could see him face life imprisonment. Prosecutors accuse Wong of conspiring with foreign entities to push for sanctions against Hong Kong and China following the 2019 pro-democracy protests. Already serving a prison sentence in a separate national security case, Wong's latest plea has once again drawn global attention to Beijing's crackdown on dissent and the future of political freedoms in Hong Kong.


Hong Kong's pro-democracy activist pleads guilty in national security trial

Can Nepal outsource its own responsibility towards the Himalayas?&nbsp;Well, apparently, it has.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even as families are still coming to terms with the tragedy, the Balendra Shah government has written to India, China and the United States to take blame for the recent flash floods, and pay compensation, instead of sending aid.&nbsp;So, even as people suffer, Nepal doesn't want help. It needs accountability.&nbsp;Is Nepal right in doing so?&nbsp;Well, Nepal is right about one thing: the Himalayan climate crisis is real, and it is human-made.&nbsp;&nbsp;But Kathmandu's demand for climate reparations cannot absolve it of responsibility.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-floods-nepal-pm-balendra-shah-govt-cannot-absolve-itself-of-blame-1788284122135/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-floods-nepal-pm-balendra-shah-govt-cannot-absolve-itself-of-blame-1788284122135/embed</a>&nbsp;The uncomfortable question Nepal must answer is this: what has Kathmandu itself done to protect the ecological system from which it earns billions of dollars in tourism, hydropower and other economic activity?&nbsp;Take, for instance, Mount Everest. Nepal has long known that the world's highest mountain is being subjected to extraordinary commercial pressure. Yet the response has too often been to raise permit prices rather than impose stricter rules. Overcrowding happens every year, despite a cap on the number of permits.&nbsp;Veteran sherpas have repeatedly argued for a ceiling of 250 climbers, yet thousands of people end up at Mount Everest, generating enormous quantities of waste and putting additional pressure on an extremely fragile environment.&nbsp;Nepal possesses enormous hydropower potential and is actively seeking foreign investment to exploit it. And it has Chinese companies investing in it. Indian companies also have investments.&nbsp;But are other countries invading and forcing themselves in? No. Nepal makes decisions about which projects to approve, which companies to invite, which environmental assessments to conduct and which rivers and valleys to develop.&nbsp;If Kathmandu believes that Himalayan countries deserve compensation because they are disproportionately exposed to climate change, then the next logical step is for Nepal to become a model of Himalayan environmental governance. Limit tourism, impose scientific rules, enforce waste rules rather than merely announcing them, and conduct environmental assessments for hydropower and infrastructure projects.&nbsp;The answer, therefore, is not to blame other countries immediately, when your own actions have contributed to your country's situation.&nbsp;Every country has a responsibility to support genuine climate finance, and avert global warming. but it is not a one-way street.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Himalayas don't know political borders. All they know is how to respond to human exploitation.&nbsp;And that is exactly what they have done this time too.

Nepal has long known that the world's highest mountain, Mt. Everest, is being subjected to extraordinary commercial pressure. Yet the response has too often been to raise permit prices rather than impose stricter rules. Overcrowding happens every year, despite a cap on the number of permits.

Can Nepal outsource its own responsibility towards the Himalayas? Well, apparently, it has. Even as families are still coming to terms with the tragedy, the Balendra Shah government has written to India, China and the United States to take blame for the recent flash floods, and pay compensation, instead of sending aid. So, even as people suffer, Nepal doesn't want help. It needs accountability. Is Nepal right in doing so? Well, Nepal is right about one thing: the Himalayan climate crisis is real, and it is human-made. But Kathmandu's demand for climate reparations cannot absolve it of responsibility. https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-floods-nepal-pm-balendra-shah-govt-cannot-absolve-itself-of-blame-1788284122135/embed The uncomfortable question Nepal must answer is this: what has Kathmandu itself done to protect the ecological system from which it earns billions of dollars in tourism, hydropower and other economic activity? Take, for instance, Mount Everest. Nepal has long known that the world's highest mountain is being subjected to extraordinary commercial pressure. Yet the response has too often been to raise permit prices rather than impose stricter rules. Overcrowding happens every year, despite a cap on the number of permits. Veteran sherpas have repeatedly argued for a ceiling of 250 climbers, yet thousands of people end up at Mount Everest, generating enormous quantities of waste and putting additional pressure on an extremely fragile environment. Nepal possesses enormous hydropower potential and is actively seeking foreign investment to exploit it. And it has Chinese companies investing in it. Indian companies also have investments. But are other countries invading and forcing themselves in? No. Nepal makes decisions about which projects to approve, which companies to invite, which environmental assessments to conduct and which rivers and valleys to develop. If Kathmandu believes that Himalayan countries deserve compensation because they are disproportionately exposed to climate change, then the next logical step is for Nepal to become a model of Himalayan environmental governance. Limit tourism, impose scientific rules, enforce waste rules rather than merely announcing them, and conduct environmental assessments for hydropower and infrastructure projects. The answer, therefore, is not to blame other countries immediately, when your own actions have contributed to your country's situation. Every country has a responsibility to support genuine climate finance, and avert global warming. but it is not a one-way street. The Himalayas don't know political borders. All they know is how to respond to human exploitation. And that is exactly what they have done this time too.

Nepal has long known that the world's highest mountain, Mt. Everest, is being subjected to extraordinary commercial pressure. Yet the response has too often been to raise permit prices rather than impose stricter rules. Overcrowding happens every year, despite a cap on the number of permits.

The Verdict | Nepal wants climate reparations, but what about its own responsibility?

The Saudi-led Mecca Defence Pact is expanding its footprint. Bangladesh has said it's viewing the mutual-defence agreement — signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan on August 7 — positively, after reportedly receiving an invitation from Riyadh. Pakistan says six to seven other Muslim-majority nations are also interested in joining. Meeting in Istanbul, top diplomats from the founding members agreed to work on a framework and establish a secretariat to coordinate activities under the pact, which treats an attack on any member as an attack on all.


Bangladesh considers joining Mecca defence pact, members agree to establish secretariat

The Centre has deferred the Census exercise in Manipur, just a day before house-listing was set to begin, following sustained protests demanding an updated National Register of Citizens (NRC) first. Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting after weeks of torch rallies by Meira Paibi activists. Meitei and Naga groups fear a census without NRC could trigger "demographic changes" from alleged illegal migration, while the Kuki-Zo Council has opposed the demand, calling for an impartial census first.


Census exercise deferred in Manipur, two community groups demand NRC before Census

Nepal’s deadly floods have raised difficult questions about climate change, disaster preparedness and accountability. While PM Balendra Shah is calling for international action, Nepal must also confront its own role in managing risks across the fragile Himalayas.

As India continues to be among the first responders in times of crisis, the disaster also highlights a larger reality: the Himalayas do not follow political borders, and disasters upstream can affect communities across the region.

Nepal floods: Nepal & PM Balendra Shah govt cannot absolve itself of blame 

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is facing backlash after openly boasting, in a Hebrew-language interview ahead of Israel's October elections, that his "close to 1,000 hours" on American television helped him influence US leaders and finally push Washington to strike Iran. "It took a long time to bring the United States to its senses," he said. The remarks surface as the Pentagon stays quiet on Army Secretary Dan Driscoll's abrupt exit, reportedly following months of tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.


Benjamin Netanyahu spills details on how he convinced Trump to strike Iran 

A political storm is brewing in Tamil Nadu over the question of who should lead the opposition alliance in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Congress leaders have strongly backed Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial face, while the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has projected its own vision for national leadership. The disagreement has escalated, with some Congress ministers reportedly threatening to quit the cabinet if their party's position is ignored.


Congress wants Rahul Gandhi, TVK projects Vijay as 2029 PM candidate 

Big relief for thousands of students who took to the streets after the July 20 NEET paper leak protests. The Supreme Court has quashed all FIRs filed against protesters between July 20 and 25 across every state and union territory, except those with serious criminal antecedents. Using its special Article 142 powers, the CJI-led bench said it wanted to protect the "future prospects" of young protesters. Following the order, the Cockroach Janta Party called off its planned September 5 march in Delhi.

Cockroach Janta Party calls off protests, SC quashes all FIRs against student protesters

A war of words has broken out between US Vice President JD Vance and Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. At a Sterling Heights rally, Vance angrily told El-Sayed to "keep my wife's name the hell out of your mouth," calling him "evil" and accusing him of repeatedly targeting Second Lady Usha Vance and his family. The clash follows El-Sayed's social media post referencing Vance's grandfather, seen by many as a jab at Usha Vance's Indian heritage. Michigan's Senate race remains a tight contest.


US Vice President JD Vance tells Al-Sayed to keep Usha Vance's name out of his mouth

PM Modi's Kyrgyzstan visit wrapped up with a strong presence at the SCO Summit, where he sent a clear message on terrorism — calling for terror networks to be dismantled and pushing for better connectivity to Afghanistan. On the sidelines, Modi held key bilateral talks with Russia's Putin and Iran's Pezeshkian. With Putin, he stressed that endless wars, referring to the Ukraine conflict, must come to an end. With Pezeshkian, Modi called for renewed peace dialogues.

SCO Summit 2026: PM Modi calls for zero-tolerance on terrorism & terror financing

PM Modi's Kyrgyzstan visit wrapped up with a strong presence at the SCO Summit, where he sent a clear message on terrorism — calling for terror networks to be dismantled and pushing for better connectivity to Afghanistan. On the sidelines, Modi held key bilateral talks with Russia's Putin and Iran's Pezeshkian. With Putin, he stressed that endless wars, referring to the Ukraine conflict, must come to an end. With Pezeshkian, Modi called for renewed peace dialogues.


Indian PM Narendra Modi's stance on ongoing wars and terrorism reflected in SCO declaration

Major global powers assembled in Bishkek for the SCO Summit. The focus remained on the forum’s stance on wars in Ukraine and Iran.&nbsp;One of the most important statements on this front came from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;During a bilateral meeting with Russian president on the sidelines of SCO, Indian Prime Minister said world must move from endless war to end of war.&nbsp;In a bilateral meeting with Iran's President, Masoud Pezeshkian, PM Modi reiterated India’s support for all peace efforts.&nbsp;He urged Tehran to ensure peace and freedom of navigation.&nbsp;On the other hand, Pezeshkian asked Indian PM to use extensive contacts to help the dialogue process.&nbsp;Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, previously praised Modi's stance that today's era is not of war.&nbsp;Ukraine's President Zelensky has also previously urged PM Modi to help end the war.&nbsp;The SCO Summit has once again sparked diplomatic discussions regarding India's potential role in advancing peace efforts on both Ukraine and Iran fronts.&nbsp;New Delhi's multi-aligned foreign policy gives it a unique position in steering through the era of global polarisation.&nbsp;From Israel to Iran and from US to China and Russia, India has maintained critical diplomatic balance between different poles of emerging world order.&nbsp;Moving to the SCO roundtable, Indian Prime Minister defined three main pillars of SCO – security, connectivity and opportunity.&nbsp;He stressed on the need for zero tolerance towards terrorism and also emphasized that there should be no double standards in fight against terrorism.&nbsp;The final declaration of the summit mentioned the exact verbatim.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the Bishkek declaration, member states strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and emphasized that double standards in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable.&nbsp;The SCO also called on the international community to combat terrorism, including the cross-border movement of terrorists.&nbsp;During the summit, several power dynamics were also at play.&nbsp;As leaders posed for a family photo, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin walked up to PM Modi, all three leaders had a brief chat and then took position on the podium.&nbsp;As all the leaders were interacting with each other, Pakistan's Prime Minister had an awkward moment.&nbsp;He was seen walking to the podium without interacting with anyone.&nbsp;Later Pakistan Prime Minister's X account posted a cropped picture showing him at the centre of the SCO family picture.&nbsp;In order to make Shehbaz Sharif a central figure, his office had to crop out half of the picture, leaving out leaders including Indian Prime Minister Modi and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian.&nbsp;From international issues to diplomatic power play, SCO 2026 emerged as a platform of convergence despite differences.&nbsp;From efforts to end wars to countering terrorism, it provides a critical forum for multilateral engagement.

During a bilateral meeting with Russian president on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the world must move from endless war to end of war. In a bilateral with Iran's President, Masoud Pezeshkian, PM Modi reiterated India’s support for all peace efforts.

Major global powers assembled in Bishkek for the SCO Summit. The focus remained on the forum’s stance on wars in Ukraine and Iran. One of the most important statements on this front came from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During a bilateral meeting with Russian president on the sidelines of SCO, Indian Prime Minister said world must move from endless war to end of war. In a bilateral meeting with Iran's President, Masoud Pezeshkian, PM Modi reiterated India’s support for all peace efforts. He urged Tehran to ensure peace and freedom of navigation. On the other hand, Pezeshkian asked Indian PM to use extensive contacts to help the dialogue process. Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, previously praised Modi's stance that today's era is not of war. Ukraine's President Zelensky has also previously urged PM Modi to help end the war. The SCO Summit has once again sparked diplomatic discussions regarding India's potential role in advancing peace efforts on both Ukraine and Iran fronts. New Delhi's multi-aligned foreign policy gives it a unique position in steering through the era of global polarisation. From Israel to Iran and from US to China and Russia, India has maintained critical diplomatic balance between different poles of emerging world order. Moving to the SCO roundtable, Indian Prime Minister defined three main pillars of SCO – security, connectivity and opportunity. He stressed on the need for zero tolerance towards terrorism and also emphasized that there should be no double standards in fight against terrorism. The final declaration of the summit mentioned the exact verbatim. In the Bishkek declaration, member states strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and emphasized that double standards in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable. The SCO also called on the international community to combat terrorism, including the cross-border movement of terrorists. During the summit, several power dynamics were also at play. As leaders posed for a family photo, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin walked up to PM Modi, all three leaders had a brief chat and then took position on the podium. As all the leaders were interacting with each other, Pakistan's Prime Minister had an awkward moment. He was seen walking to the podium without interacting with anyone. Later Pakistan Prime Minister's X account posted a cropped picture showing him at the centre of the SCO family picture. In order to make Shehbaz Sharif a central figure, his office had to crop out half of the picture, leaving out leaders including Indian Prime Minister Modi and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian. From international issues to diplomatic power play, SCO 2026 emerged as a platform of convergence despite differences. From efforts to end wars to countering terrorism, it provides a critical forum for multilateral engagement.

During a bilateral meeting with Russian president on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the world must move from endless war to end of war. In a bilateral with Iran's President, Masoud Pezeshkian, PM Modi reiterated India’s support for all peace efforts.

SCO Summit: India’s multi-aligned foreign policy positions it at centre of global peace efforts | Race to Power

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Rift widens in Pakistan's ruling coalition as Bilawal Bhutto openly questions PM Sharif

The 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek has brought together some of the world's most influential leaders, including India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. With conflicts in West Asia, the ongoing Ukraine war, regional security concerns and counter-terrorism efforts dominating discussions, the summit is being closely watched for key diplomatic engagements and strategic outcomes.


SCO summit: India's stance of 'peace' gives git a strategic advantage

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed concern over reports of xenophobia in South Africa, highlighting the need to protect Nigerian citizens and strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries. The issue has renewed discussions around the safety of foreign nationals, discrimination, and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.


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Iran has warned that any further U.S. military strikes or aggressive actions will be met with a decisive and severe response.

Iran warns of disproportionate response if US carries out further attacks

SCO members converge in Bishkek amid raging wars, PM Modi gives message of peace

North Korea is closing the door on diplomacy. Kim Jong Un has formally rejected Donald Trump's latest overtures, declaring his nuclear program absolutely irreversible. In a hard-hitting speech to the Supreme People's Assembly, Kim said nukes are the ultimate guarantee for defending sovereignty and accused the US of global state terrorism, pointing to its actions in Iran. He vowed an exponential boost in nuclear forces, saying weapons-grade material production has more than doubled in 5 years. Pyongyang says it will only talk if Washington recognizes it as a nuclear power and drops its hostile policy. No denuclearization, no compromise.


Kim Jong Un formally rejects Donald Trump's diplomatic overtures 

The US Iran war has witnessed a brief exchange of strikes again.Days after Donald Trump threatened unprecedented economic sanctions on Iran, and the U.S. Treasury slapped sanctions on 60 individuals and entities, the West Asia region once again witnessed military action. This time, the target for American troops was the Larak Island.US military struck two Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island, and later said that the strikes were to prevent Iran from deploying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz. The attack comes after Trump last week said that the US Navy removed or detonated all mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial waterway which has remained the biggest flashpoint between both countries.Larak Island serves as a critical maritime choke point at the narrowest section of the Strait of Hormuz. The island’s location and military infrastructure give Tehran a strategic position from which Iranian authorities can monitor and even control the scale of maritime activity across a waterway that is the root cause for stalemate in talks right now.The IRGC said that the US strike killed and wounded several soldiers and civilians. In response, Iranian forces claimed to have hit two U.S. airbases in Jordan with ballistic missiles, inflicting heavy damage. Iran also claimed a strike targeting US personnel in the UAE. However, Emirati officials denied that any such attack had occurred.Following the first strike and retaliation in a month, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian warned, that while Iran does not seek war, the country can deliver a decisive response in the face of aggression. The US President on his part has issued a fresh threat, warning of a strike on Kharg Island, which is Iran's main oil export terminal.Trump had shared an AI generated video with the caption, 'Kharg is going to be blown to smithereens.'But the expanse of American strikes is still unclear. Will the US resume full-scale or even partial sporadic strikes on Iranian assets?The question arises amid reports, which indicate that Washington is attempting to avoid large-scale combat with Iran to preserve its stockpiles of critical munitions and missile interceptors.The Wall Street Journal had reported that the US is shifting its strategy toward a tighter maritime blockade and intensified economic sanctions.Question is: will Trump change that tactic if the economic impact on Iran is not what Washington had anticipated? &nbsp;

The US-Iran war sees fresh strikes on Larak Island as Iran retaliates, while Donald Trump threatens action against Iran's Kharg Island.

The US Iran war has witnessed a brief exchange of strikes again. Days after Donald Trump threatened unprecedented economic sanctions on Iran, and the U.S. Treasury slapped sanctions on 60 individuals and entities, the West Asia region once again witnessed military action. This time, the target for American troops was the Larak Island. US military struck two Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island, and later said that the strikes were to prevent Iran from deploying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz. The attack comes after Trump last week said that the US Navy removed or detonated all mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial waterway which has remained the biggest flashpoint between both countries. Larak Island serves as a critical maritime choke point at the narrowest section of the Strait of Hormuz. The island’s location and military infrastructure give Tehran a strategic position from which Iranian authorities can monitor and even control the scale of maritime activity across a waterway that is the root cause for stalemate in talks right now. The IRGC said that the US strike killed and wounded several soldiers and civilians. In response, Iranian forces claimed to have hit two U.S. airbases in Jordan with ballistic missiles, inflicting heavy damage. Iran also claimed a strike targeting US personnel in the UAE. However, Emirati officials denied that any such attack had occurred. Following the first strike and retaliation in a month, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian warned, that while Iran does not seek war, the country can deliver a decisive response in the face of aggression. The US President on his part has issued a fresh threat, warning of a strike on Kharg Island, which is Iran's main oil export terminal. Trump had shared an AI generated video with the caption, 'Kharg is going to be blown to smithereens.' But the expanse of American strikes is still unclear. Will the US resume full-scale or even partial sporadic strikes on Iranian assets? The question arises amid reports, which indicate that Washington is attempting to avoid large-scale combat with Iran to preserve its stockpiles of critical munitions and missile interceptors. The Wall Street Journal had reported that the US is shifting its strategy toward a tighter maritime blockade and intensified economic sanctions. Question is: will Trump change that tactic if the economic impact on Iran is not what Washington had anticipated?