Reports suggest growing diplomatic pressure from Saudi Arabia urging former U.S. President Donald Trump to reconsider or ease the ongoing restrictions linked to the Strait of Hormuz situation.

The escalating standoff is now raising fears of wider instability across critical maritime chokepoints, including the Bab al-Mandeb Strait — a key global shipping route connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Hormuz Showdown Risks Reigniting Hostilities On Bab Al-Mandeb Strait

The United States Congress is facing mounting turmoil as multiple lawmakers come under scrutiny over allegations of misconduct. Growing public and political pressure is fueling demands for accountability and potential removal of those implicated, intensifying the debate around ethics in American politics.

Lawmakers Face Allegations Of Misconduct, Facing Demands For Their Removal

A rare and intense public clash has erupted between US President Donald Trump and Pope Leo, with Trump calling the pontiff “weak on crime” and refusing to apologise despite mounting backlash. The row deepened after Trump shared—and later deleted—controversial images depicting himself in a Christ-like form. The dispute stems from sharp differences over the Iran conflict, highlighting a growing divide between political power and moral authority on the global stage.

Trump-Pope Leo Clash Explodes: 'Weak on Crime' Jibe, No Apology Amid Global Backlash

With uranium enrichment emerging as the central sticking point in U.S.–Iran negotiations, Russia has stepped in as a potential power broker.

The Kremlin has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to take in Iran’s enriched uranium as part of a possible peace agreement between the United States and Iran.

This proposal could help bridge one of the most difficult gaps in ongoing nuclear talks, where the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile remains the biggest obstacle to a deal.

Putin Holds Key To U.S-Iran Deal, Tehran Demands War Reparations From Gulf

Pope Leo has begun an 11-day tour of Africa, starting in Algeria, in what is being called a historic visit.

Ahead of his arrival in Cameroon, Anglophone separatists have announced a temporary ceasefire and “safe travel passage” in the conflict-hit region.

The Pope’s tour will also include visits to Angola and Equatorial Guinea, focusing on peace, stability, and humanitarian outreach.

Pope Leo Starts Africa Tour In Algeria For Historic Visit

Israel observes Yom HaShoah, a solemn day dedicated to honoring the memory of six million Jews who were killed during the Holocaust.

Across the country, sirens sound and people pause in silence to remember the victims and reflect on one of history’s darkest chapters. Ceremonies, survivor testimonies, and memorial events highlight the importance of remembrance and education.

Israel Marks Holocaust Remembrance Day: Honoring 6 Million Lives Lost

India is celebrating Baisakhi, the vibrant harvest festival that also marks the Sikh New Year. From holy dips in Haridwar to mass gatherings at the Golden Temple and Anandpur Sahib, devotees offered prayers and participated in celebrations full of color, culture, and gratitude.

Amritsar Fields Turn Golden | Seasonal Shift Transforms Punjab Landscapes

The UK government is considering a ban on social media access for children under 16 as part of a new initiative to protect young users from online risks. To test the policy, a six-week pilot program will involve 300 teenagers, monitoring how age restrictions could affect social media use, mental health, and online safety.

UK Considers Under-16 Social Media Ban; 300 Teens to Join Six-Week Pilot 

A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests menstrual blood could offer a breakthrough in treating osteoarthritis. Researchers found that extracellular vesicles in menstrual blood may help slow tissue degradation, opening new possibilities for therapy. With over 529 million people affected globally, this discovery could mark a significant step in joint disease treatment.


Menstrual Blood Breakthrough? New Hope for Osteoarthritis Treatment, Study Finds

A groundbreaking innovation in vision science is giving hope to millions suffering from severe vision loss. A tiny, hair-thin microchip implant — known as the Prima retinal implant — is showing remarkable success in restoring central vision in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

This revolutionary device, just 2 mm wide and thinner than a human hair, is implanted under the retina to replace damaged photoreceptors. Early trials report “astounding” results, with some patients regaining the ability to read, recognize objects, and perform daily tasks again.

Bionic Eye Breakthrough: Microchip Restores Vision in AMD Patients

Bangladesh is witnessing a worrying surge in suspected cases of Measles, with nearly 5,800 infections reported nationwide, raising alarm among health authorities. Hospitals across several districts are under pressure as children continue to be the worst affected, with many requiring urgent treatment and isolation care.

Health Matters: Nearly 5,800 Suspected Measles Cases Across Bangladesh

India is bracing for a weaker-than-usual monsoon in 2026, a development that could shake food prices, farm output and economic growth at a sensitive time. The India meteorological department has forecast monsoon rainfall at 92 percent of the long-period average, making it the first below-average monsoon in three years.

Indian Monsoon: India Braces For Weaker-Than-Usual Monsoon In 2026

India is witnessing an uneven weather pattern, with the India meteorological department forecasting a mix of heatwave conditions, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across different regions of the country.

India: Dry Winds And Rapid Temperature Rise Grip Multiple States


Super Typhoon Sinlaku has rapidly intensified in the western Pacific and is now threatening the Mariana Islands, including the U.S. territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. The storm has become the strongest weather system on Earth so far in 2026.


Super Typhoon Sinlaku Intensifies, Targets Mariana Islands 

Dozens of people have died in Angola after heavy rains triggered severe flooding across several regions, including the capital Luanda. Torrential downpours submerged streets, destroyed homes, and forced thousands of residents to flee their neighborhoods.

Angola Floods: Deadly Floods Ravage Angola, Dozens Reported Dead

Russian forces have launched fresh attacks on settlements in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, causing civilian casualties and damage to homes and infrastructure. Local authorities said drones and glide bombs were used in strikes on several villages, including areas around Zolochiv and Derhachi.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian Attacks Hit Kharkiv Settlement Amid Intensifying Ukraine War

US President Donald Trump has strongly urged the United Kingdom not to “give away” Diego Garcia, as London moves forward with plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back the strategically vital military base.

Chagos Island Deal: Britain Pauses Chagos Island Sovereignity Deal 

Days before Pakistan had helped to secure a ceasefire in the Iran war this week, the United Arab Emirates was seeking repayment of a US$3.5 billion deposit from Islamabad’s central bank.
The withdrawal, brushed off as a “routine financial transaction” by Pakistan’s foreign ministry, equated to roughly 21 per cent of the country’s foreign exchange reserves. It was accompanied by a wave of criticism on Emirati social media directed at Islamabad.

Pakistan Seeks Financial Aid From Saudi Arabia, China After UAE Loan Repayment 

BTS officially launched their highly anticipated 2026 ‘Arirang’ World Tour in Goyang, marking a powerful reunion between the global K-pop supergroup and their devoted fanbase, ARMY. Despite heavy rain, thousands gathered at the Asian Games Stadium to welcome the group back on stage, celebrating their return with emotional performances and high-energy moments.

BTS Arirang' World Tour: BTS Launches 2026 'Arirang' World Tour In Goyang

Vote counting is underway in Peru’s presidential election after a chaotic voting process marked by delays and logistical failures. Authorities extended voting in some areas after ballot shortages and late delivery of materials left thousands of voters unable to cast their ballots on time

Peru Elections: Peru Vote Counting Underway; Election Official Detained Amid Voting Chaos

Rising living costs in the United States are pushing many people to cut back on binge-watching and streaming subscriptions. A recent survey found about 55% of Americans plan to reduce their subscription spending in 2026 as they try to save money amid persistent inflation pressures.

Americans Ditch 'Binge-Watching' Amid Inflation Pressure 

Venezuela has signed major oil agreements with Chevron aimed at boosting production in the country’s vast crude reserves. The deals were signed with state oil company Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), allowing Chevron to expand its operations in the Orinoco Oil Belt, one of the world’s largest oil reserves.

Venezuela Signs Key Oil Deals With Chevron 

Two people were killed after the U.S. military carried out a strike on a boat suspected of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific Ocean, according to officials. The operation was conducted by U.S. Southern Command, which said the vessel was moving along known narcotics-smuggling routes in the region.


US Drug Boat Strike: US Strike On Suspected Drug Boat Leaves Two Dead 

Global tensions have surged after Donald Trump ordered a naval blockade of Iranian ports following failed peace talks. The US says the move targets Iran’s actions and nuclear ambitions, while allowing neutral ships to pass. Israel has backed the decision, adding to pressure on Tehran. Trump warned that Iran will never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, raising fears of a wider conflict in the already volatile region.

US-Iran War:  US Navy Begins Blockade Of Iranian Ports

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