The crescent moon has been sighted, marking the beginning of Ramadan 2026. Muslims around the world commence the holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, emphasizing spiritual renewal, compassion, and community solidarity during this sacred period.


Ramadan 2026: Crescent Moon Sighted Signaling Start of Ramzan

Russia and Iran are set to conduct joint naval exercises in the Sea of Oman and northern Indian Ocean, deepening military cooperation and showcasing strategic maritime coordination amid rising tensions with the United States. The drills, aimed at enhancing maritime security and countering threats like maritime terrorism, come alongside broader regional military activities and diplomatic pressures.


Russia Joins Iran in Explosive Naval Showdown at the Sea of Oman 

A large fire was reported near Iran’s capital Tehran, with visuals circulating online showing thick smoke rising from the area. Iranian authorities have not yet released detailed information on the cause or extent of the incident. The development comes amid heightened regional tensions, though no official link to security or military activity has been confirmed.

Breaking: Massive Fire Breaks Out Near Iran’s Capital Tehran | WION

Multiple media reports citing sources familiar with White House deliberations suggest the risk of a potential US military operation against Iran is increasing if nuclear diplomacy collapses. The reports come amid a significant US military buildup in the region and continued negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme. While no official announcement has been made, the developments have intensified global attention on the possibility of escalation.


Breaking: Reports Citing White House Sources Say US–Iran War Imminent | WION

#Gravitas Scientists have uncovered bacteria that have been trapped in ice for nearly 5,000 years.  These ancient microbes are resistant to ten of the basic antibiotics we rely on today.


5,000-year-old Bacteria Resistant to 10 Antibiotics 

#Gravitas As hostile drones grow smaller, smarter, and deadlier, the Indian Army is preparing to hunt them down mid-air. The Ministry of Defence has issued a request for information seeking advanced drone catcher systems.  These are automated interceptor drones equipped with nets designed to trap or destroy hostile unmanned aerial systems.  


Indian Army News: Indian Army Seeks 'Drone Catchers' | Gravitas

A majority of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, according to recent polls. Public sentiment highlights growing concerns over accountability, transparency, and the political implications surrounding the high-profile case.


Epstein Files: Majority of Americans Disapprove Trump's Handling of Epstein Probe

Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Shakeel Butt has confessed to lying in a video in which he denied the team’s hardships during their recent Australia tour. The players faced poor hotel accommodations and were compelled to perform daily chores due to mismanagement by the Pakistan Hockey Federation.


Pakistan Hockey Team Details Ordeal During Australia Tour

Scientists have uncovered the origins of Antarctica's mysterious “gravity hole”. A vast anomaly where sea levels sit dramatically lower than the global average. Scientists say this is linked to ancient tectonic shifts deep inside Earth, this hidden force is reshaping how we understand gravity, oceans and the planet’s dynamic interior.


Antarctica's Massive Gravity Hole  | Watch Why Sea Levels Drop 420 Feet!

Reports indicate Elon Musk’s companies, including SpaceX and xAI, are bidding for classified Pentagon projects involving drone swarm technology. The developments have drawn attention amid discussions around military AI, autonomous systems, and next-generation warfare capabilities.


Elon Musk Firms In Pentagon Race To Develop AI Drone Swarms — Reports | Gravitas

Freezing temperatures are grounding Ukraine's interceptor drones just as Russia intensifies missile and drone attacks on energy infrastructure. As hypothermia deaths rise and Geneva talks continue, President Zelensky accuses Trump of unfair pressure. Kyiv says that Putin is weaponising winter.


Freezing Cold Grounds Ukraine's Drones | Hardest Winter in the Life of Every Ukrainian | Gravitas

Shiv Sena (UBT) has raised serious questions over leadership within the INDIA opposition bloc, urging alliance partners to decide who should lead ahead of key state elections. With Congress and Trinamool Congress now set for a direct contest in West Bengal’s 2026 Assembly polls, the leadership debate has intensified. Names like Mamata Banerjee and MK Stalin are being floated, with even Lalu Prasad Yadav earlier backing Mamata as a potential face of the alliance. Is the I.N.D.I.A bloc facing a leadership crisis? We decode the political signals.


I.N.D.I.A. Bloc Leadership Row: Mamata or Stalin? | Sena (UBT) Questions Rahul's Leadership

India is set to block the flow of excess water from Ravi river into Pakistan as the Shahpur Kandi dam is set to be completed by March-end. This is seen a continuation of India's policy after the Pahalgam terror attack whereby the Indus Waters Treaty was suspended.


Pakistan Heading Towards Parched Summer as India's New Dam to Turn Off Ravi Water Tap | Gravitas

Indonesia's capital Jakarta is facing a major garbage crisis as all the landfills serving the region are almost full. The country, which is the second-largest plastic polluter in the world, is facing criticism for its mismanagement of waste.


Indonesia: Jakarta Faces Major Trash Crisis With Overloaded Landfills

#Gravitas America is moving more of its war machines into West Asia. At least 50 advanced fighter jets, including F-35s, F-22s and F-16s, are being mobilised while Iran is set to carry out military drills with Russia and China. Amidst these tensions, Iranian officials are offering U.S. companies access to vast energy and mineral reserves and pitching it as a 'trillion-dollar opportunity' for Washington. Will economic incentives help defuse a confrontation? Or is the region getting closer to an all-out war?


Iran Tempts Trump with Trillion-Dollar N-Deal as US Rushes More Firepower to West Asia | Gravitas

The United States has presented fresh seismic data alleging that China conducted a secret low-yield nuclear test near its Lop Nor site in 2020. Beijing has strongly denied the claims, insisting it remains committed to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban framework. With arms control talks stalled and China rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal-- from submarines to warhead production -- fears of a new nuclear arms race are growing. Is this a strategic shift or political pressure ahead of new nuclear negotiations? We break down the allegations, China’s response, and what it means for global security.


US-China Tensions: US Alleges China Conducted Secret Low-Yield Nuclear Test in 2020 | Gravitas

French President Emmanuel Macron has hailed India as a nation that leads global innovation, pointing to Indian-origin CEOs heading some of the world’s biggest tech companies. As India and France deepen cooperation in AI, defence, space and emerging technologies, global tech giants are investing billions into India’s AI infrastructure. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlining a vision to make India one of the world’s top AI superpowers, is India entering its defining technological decade? We decode.


Macron in India: India-France Ties Deepen as Macron Praises India’s Innovation | Gravitas

China's mysterious 'Nantianmen project' is increasingly garnering attention as it competes with U.S. in space supremacy. While the project is aimed at blending cutting-edge defence technology with imaginative storytelling, speculation is rife that some of the weapons it has envisaged can become a reality in the near future.


Gravitas Special: China’s Mysterious Nantianmen Project Under Lens as Space Race With US Heats Up

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised what he described as “unfair” pressure from US President Donald Trump amid the ongoing conflict. The remarks come as Ukraine faces mounting battlefield challenges, with reports highlighting difficulties for air defence systems operating in harsh sub-zero winter conditions.


Ukraine: Zelensky Slams 'Unfair' Pressure from Trump, Ukraine's Air Defences Falter in Sub-Zero War

Iran and Russia will conduct naval manoeuvres in the Sea of Oman on Thursday, following the latest round of talks between Tehran and Washington in Geneva. A Russian Navy corvette from the Baltic Fleet has arrived at Iranian port of Bandar Abbas. Tehran says that a helicopter carrier belonging to the Navy of the Russian Federation has entered Iran's southern waters as part of joint maritime cooperation and docked at the First Naval Region base of the Iranian Navy.


Putin Powerplay: Russia Joins Iran Naval Drills Near US Carrier Amid Gulf Tensions 

Elon Musk: Pentagon Builds Autonomous Killer Drones, Voice Control Drones Redefine Future of War

Emmanuel Macron visited India as both nations elevated their relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. The move underscores deepening cooperation in trade, technology, defense, climate action, and global diplomacy, reflecting shared interests and a commitment to strengthening bilateral and international ties.


Macron in India: India-France Elevate Ties to Special Global Strategic Partnership

Narendra Modi met with Olzhas Bektenov at Hyderabad House in Delhi, discussing ways to strengthen India-Kazakhstan relations, enhance strategic cooperation, and explore opportunities in trade, technology, and regional security. The meeting underscores the growing partnership between the two nations.


Narendra Modi Meets Olzhas Bektenov at Hyderabad House in Delhi

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