Trump Declares Strait of Hormuz Demined Amid New Warnings to Iran
President Donald Trump Tuesday stated that the Navy has removed or detonated all mines from international waters in the Strait of Hormuz. The president made the direct threat to the
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Stay informed with the latest political, economic, and social developments from the UAE and the Middle East—delivered with accuracy, depth, and context.
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Australia’s Teen Social Media Ban Faces a TikTok Comeback
Even with Australia’s tough regulations around social media for under-16s, the platform TikTok is welcoming Australian teens back. New data indicates that the first drop in usage after the ban
Vietnam’s Heritage, Tourism and Global Presence Take Center Stage
From September 5-9, an exhibition will be held in the central province of Gia Lai, involving 17 provinces and cities in Visit Vietnam Year – Gia Lai 2026. The […]
Hospital Fire in Pakistan Kills 14 Babies in Tragic Blaze
The fire occurred at the Mother and Child Health Ward in its Islamabad district office of the public Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on the third floor, according to
Operation Atlantic City: NATO Expands High North Military Readiness on Jan Mayen
It is reported that U.S., British and Norwegian forces are in full training exercise on and around the remote Jan Mayen island during Operation Atlantic City from August 26 to
Oil Prices Settle Down Over 3% as Investors Shrug Off US Sanctions on Iran
Oil fell by over 3% on Tuesday to reach its lowest level since last week amid broad investor passivity on Tuesday’s oil price trading. At present, investors see this trend
Iran Declares Full Readiness to Counter Widened US Economic Sanctions
Iran has publicly claimed to be successful in resisting the new U.S. sanctions, which were expanded. Iran has made it official that it is confident of countering the new enlarged
Tornado Tears Through French Village, Leaving Dozens Injured and Homes Damaged
In the village of Pomas, in south-western France, 39 people were injured, and hundreds of houses were damaged by a powerful tornado. Fourteen people were taken to hospital, two
Meta’s New App Lets Anyone Build Entire Games—Just by Describing Them
Meta is betting that game creation is about to get much easier. The company just rolled out Pocket to all US users. It’s Meta’s new game coding app for
Kazakhstan’s Cultural Heritage to Take Center Stage at Smithsonian Folklife Festival 2027
According to Qazinform News Agency from the Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information, Kazakhstan is getting ready to participate in the 2027 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, presenting the country’s traditions, music,
Kazakhstan Secures First S&P Sovereign Credit Rating Upgrade Since 2016
S&P Global Ratings for the first time since 2016 has upgraded Kazakhstan’s sovereign credit rating from ‘BBB-’ to ‘BBB’ with a ‘stable’ outlook. It is an important achievement given the
Trump Claims Iran Desires a Deal Amid Unprecedented Economic Warfare
Iran “would love” to reach an agreement with the United States, but is not yet ready for “the right deal,” U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday. Trump stressed that
Türkiye Seeks Interpol Red Notice for Israeli Prime Minister Over Gaza Flotilla Attack
Türkiye has officially asked INTERPOL to issue a red notice for Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This is an international request, linked to a case of prosecution over a military
YouTube Changes How Views Are Counted: Here’s What Now Counts as a View
YouTube announced on 17th August that it’s altering its view-counting policies so that a video is now counted every time it is played or someone joins a live broadcast. Although
Cinemalaya 2027 Opens Entries for Full-Length Films: Submit Your Story Now!
Are you ready to show your film in Cinemalaya? Then get your films submitted in Cinemalaya Film Category. The deadline for submission of entries for the 2027 edition of the
Did Xi Jinping inform Donald Trump that China is not going to go for Taipei as long as he is US President?
The global geopolitics is quite an interesting topic for discussion. China, Taipei and the US are certainly a big part of it, especially since Donald Trump became the President of
House Republicans back up Donald Trump on efforts to make DC safer
Earlier this month, House Republicans backed US President Donald Trump’s significant effort to make the capital state safer. This represents a further heightening of the GOP’s scrutiny of the capital
Putin hails Trump administration’s ‘energetic’ efforts to stop Ukraine crisis
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently praised the Donald Trump administration’s “energetic” efforts to stop the crisis in Ukraine and hinted that both Russia and the US could strike an agreement
Has UK’s human rights situation deteriorated? Let’s understand
The Donald Trump administration recently produced a report that focused on the human rights situation in the UK. The document released annually looks at global human rights. This time,
Israel speaking to multiple countries about ‘resettlement of Palestinians’
The crisis is Gaza has been raging on for almost a couple of years. International outrage about Israel’s continued military operation in the territory is rising and it appears Israeli
Researchers Raise Concerns: Trump’s order ensures politicians control all federal grants
US President Donald Trump continues to steal the limelight. Just earlier this month, he signed an order that aims to ensure that political appointees control billions of dollars in federal
These nations are looking at stronger bilateral relations in times of global uncertainty
Just earlier this month, the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand met for their annual meet-up. The mood has been described as ‘far from frosty’ by global media outlets.
The deepening military cooperation among Russia, China, Iran, North Korea is concerning?
Russia’s so-called brutal military operation in neighbouring Ukraine is often considered a critical catalyst for cooperation among Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. The US-based CNAS is calling this the
Is Conor McGregor fit for the President of Ireland role?
Just recently, Ireland’s Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien compared MMA fighter Conor McGregor to the country’s outgoing President Michael D Higgins (a former arts minister and sociology lecturer). He
Public’s trust in President Zelensky takes a big plunge after anti-corruption bodies hit
It has just been reported that Ukrainian President Zelensky’s trust rating has fallen from 65% last month to 58% this month. This decline comes after a decision to place a
Scotland’s Next First Minister: Kate Forbes to not be part of 2026 Holyrood Election
The most recent election to the Scottish Parliament happened back in 2021. The next one is expected to be held in May 2026. It has been reported in different media
Canada to recognise Palestine at UN general assembly in September
Late last month, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his country’s plans to formally recognise Palestine at the upcoming UN general assembly in September 2025. This is a significant update
Italy summons Russian ambassador to protest Sergio Mattarella’s inclusion in list of ‘Russophobes’
Italy recently summoned Russian ambassador Paramonov to protest against President Sergio Mattarella’s inclusion in a list compiled by Russia of leaders accused of anti-Russian sentiment. This update about this list
The political and humanitarian crisis in Sudan has just gotten deeper
In 2023, the Sudanese armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces started a deadly fight that is still ongoing and has resulted in the displacement of nearly 13 million
Horizon Europe: EU’s plan to exclude Israel from key fund fails to reach majority
Late last month, European Union member states did not reach a qualified majority needed to exclude Israel from a significant research and innovation fund. Germany and Italy said that they
Mali’s junta arrests generals and French national over alleged coup plot
Mali’s ruling military junta has arrested a group of military personnel and civilians, including two high-ranking generals and a French national, accusing them of plotting to destabilize the country. Security
Pentagon weapons shipments to allies stress munition stockpiles, report says
The U.S. Department of Defense is conducting a comprehensive review of arms exports to global allies, citing growing concerns over diminishing stockpiles of key munitions, including Patriot air defense missiles
South Korea, US to conduct major joint military drills starting August (18)
South Korea and the United States will begin their annual joint military exercises, Ulchi Freedom Shield, on August 18. The 11-day drills, similar in scale to 2024, will be adjusted
North Korea removes border loudspeakers amid tensions with South
South Korea’s military announced on Saturday that it has detected North Korea beginning to dismantle some of its loudspeakers along the inter-Korean border. This development comes days after South Korea
Prepare for ‘theaters of war’: IDF trains for large-scale attacks; launches military exercise ‘Dawn’
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a surprise military exercise on Sunday, codenamed “Dawn,” aimed at evaluating the preparedness of its general headquarters and main command centers for large-scale, multi-front
Russia, China begin naval drills as Trump, Medvedev discuss nuclear issues
Russia and China have begun large-scale joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan, just one day after Donald Trump announced the deployment of two U.S. nuclear submarines near Russian
Attack on military base in Burkina Faso kills about 50 soldiers, residents say
An attack on a military base in northern Burkina Faso has reportedly left around 50 soldiers dead, according to local sources. The assault occurred on Monday in Dargo, located in
Fresh F-35 Fighter Jet Crash in California Raises New Questions After UK Jet Leaves India Following Month-Long Grounding
The F-35 stealth fighter jet program, hailed as a technological marvel of 21st-century air power, is once again under intense scrutiny following a crash involving a US Navy F-35 in
Serbia and China Conduct First Joint Military Exercise Amid Western Concerns
In a move that underscores Serbia’s increasingly complex foreign policy, Serbian and Chinese special forces concluded their first-ever joint military training exercise, Peacekeeper 2025, from July 19–28 in China’s Hebei
Germany to Send $9.7 Billion in Military Aid to Ukraine in 2026 Amid Record Defense Spending
According to a budget announcement made by the German Bundestag, Ukraine is allocated a huge budget of $9.7 Billion in 2026 as military aid by the German Government. The aid
Student Traffic Initiative (STV) is back in Bubaneshwar and Cuttack – Details here
The Student Traffic Initiative which has been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been revoked by the Police Commissionerate on Monday, 28th July. The initiative paved the
India rejects purchase of F-35 Stealth Fighter from the US
The Indian government, reportedly, is unlikely to proceed with any major new defense acquisitions from the U.S. in the near term, including the F- 35 purchase. The news reported by
Portugal intends to join a Sixth Generation Fighter Programme
Portugal Minister of National Defence João Nuno Lacerda Teixeira de Melo recently said that the country is aiming at joining one of the two competing European ‘sixth-generation’ combat aircraft programmes
Poland’s Top General and NATO discussed Ukraine War and Global Security
Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) was hosted by Gen. Wiesław Kukuła, chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, in Warsaw to discuss the topics
Ukrainian defenders face fierce fighting in eastern city of Pokrovsk, Zelenskyy says
On Friday, the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian forces were facing fierce fighting around the city of Pokrovsk in the east. Russia has been using the villages captured
16 People, including 2 Children killed from a Russian Attack in Kyiv
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed about the attack and noted the casualty count as 14 during his nightly video sessions and added that the rescuers are at work in recovering people
Security Forces Seize Huge Arms Cache in Manipur
The security forces in Manipur had made a large haul after recovering 90 illegal weapons and more than 728 assorted ammunition by executing a joint operation. This was done in
4 Maoists Killed in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur Encounter
Four Maoists were killed during an encounter with security forces this morning in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. The encounter occurred in the south-western region of the district. Security forces
Pakistan hosts defence meet with US, Central Asian countries
On Saturday, Pakistan held a high-profile defence conference in Islamabad attended by military chiefs from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan marked with an emphasis on counterterrorism cooperation,
Zelensky Revamps Ukraine’s Security Council with Key Appointments
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky introduced the new composition of the National Security and Defense Council on July 19, 2025, as part of a wider reshuffle of the government. Aside from
UN calls for investigation into deaths of political prisoners in Belarus
UN human rights experts have recommended “immediate and fair investigation” of the deaths of political prisoners in Belarus, citing government action against individuals who speak out against government actions. Thousands
France Praises Morocco’s Cultural Growth and Creative Industries
An act that signifies increased bilateral cultures, the ministry of culture in France has made its official recognition over the staggering growth of the cultural and creative industries in Morocco.
Syria Tells Fighters to Respect Ceasefire in Sweida
Even though the government announced a ceasefire, deadly fighting between armed fighters from the Druze society and armed groups from the Bedouin tribes continues in Syria’s southern province of Sweida.
US Opens National Security Probe Into Chinese Drones and Solar Materials
The United States has initiated a national security inquiry into imported drones and polysilicon, a component in solar panels and semiconductors. According to Reuters, the inquiry started on July 1,
Big Prisoner Swap: 10 Americans Released, 250 Venezuelans Returned Home
In an unexpected twist, the United States, Venezuela, and El Salvador executed a large prisoner swap that involved over 250 people. It is rare for countries to work together in
Bolsonaro faces trial: Brazil orders ankle monitors and a ban on social media
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is in deep trouble again. On Friday, July 18, 2025, Brazil’s federal police searched his house and political office. The order is from Brazil’s Supreme
Behind Donald Trump’s ambitious South Korean deal to boost US shipbuilding industry
Last month, media reports from different parts of the globe focused on a key agreement. South Korea has agreed to put in $150 billion into a dedicated US shipbuilding fund,
IMF upgrades outlook for global economy as Trump tariffs prove less damaging
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) – a 191-country lender – has upgraded the economic outlook for the global economy, including the US, for 2025 and 2026 as President Donald Trump’s […]
Japan’s $550 Billion Investment Framework: What It Means for U.S. Trade and the Economy
Former United States President Donald Trump announced an investment of $550 billion by Japan to the United States under a framework for trading and investing. Described as the “largest foreign
Saudi Arabia Pledges Billions in Investment to Syria-Led by Mohammed bin Salman and Minister Khalid Al‑Falih
Saudi Arabia has pledged to support Syria’s post-war rebuilding and economic recovery with commitments exceeding $6.4 billion in investment agreements. These commitments resulted from exposure to Crown Prince Mohammed
Congressman Vince Fong Showcases Economic Impact of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” on Small Businesses and Farms
U.S. Rep. Vince Fong (R-CA-20) appeared before the House Ways and Means Committee during a field hearing on July 26, 2025 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library to highlight the
G20 Finance Ministers Reach Rare Consensus: Central Bank Independence & Global Economic Challenges
During their July 17-18, 2025 meeting in Durban, South Africa, the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors delivered a major speech, the first joint communique since October, something they
China Urges U.S. to Honor Market Economy Rules After Proposed 93.5% Graphite Tariff
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday that relations between the two countries economically are beneficial to both sides and urged U.S. policymakers to respect market economy norms concerning
Carney Predicts U.S. Trade Deal Will Likely Include Some Tariffs – What You Should Know
Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney has warned that a trade agreement with the U.S. will require accepting some tariffs which he sees as inevitable. Carney spoke earlier on Thursday
Indonesia in Talks with US Over Tariff Deal Details and Exemptions
Indonesia is still negotiating the details with the US to complete its new trade deal. The US reduced an intended tariff on Indonesian goods from 32% to 19% as part
Fed Chair Powell Justifies $2.5B Renovation in Detailed Response to Trump
Jerome Powell, the Chair of the Federal Reserve, has strongly denied claims that the Fed is spending recklessly highlighted by its renovation of the historic Marriner S. Eccles Building in
Viral Videos Claim Venezuelans Celebrate Maduro’s Fall, Sparking Frenzy Across Social Media
It was in the early morning of social media that President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. had attacked Venezuela and overthrown Maduro. Video circulating on the social network on
Iran Erupts: Leader’s Chilling Message to Rioters as Protest Deaths Reach 15
The Supreme Leader of Iran demanded that the “rioters be put in their place” after a week of demonstrations shook the Islamic Republic, and probably gave the security forces the
Georgia Senate Sessions Highlight Troubling Impact of Social Media on Young Minds
Big tech has gone too far into the lives of children, and some Georgia lawmakers want to push back. After legal missteps in an effort to rein in the industry,
Dang Comes Alive as Magh Cultural Festival Opens in Grand Style
The Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Chet Narayan Acharya, has said that it is everyone’s responsibility to preserve culture. Inaugurating the Magh Cultural Festival–2082 (Tharu Sambat 2649), organised by Tharu
France Moves to Ban Social Media for Children Under 15 in Bold Digital Safety Push
France will attempt a new onslaught to shield kids against over-screen time, with a draft law suggesting that social media accessibility to those under 15 should be banned by the
Japan’s Emperor Rings in the New Year with Warm Greetings to the Nation
Emperor Naruhito of Japan, accompanied by members of his family, bid farewell to New Year’s visitors waving flags, whom he welcomed at the Imperial Palace on Friday. Pictures showed him
Red Lanterns, Big Wallets: Cultural Tourism Sparks Chinese New Year Spending Boom in Beijing
During the Chinese New Year holiday, tourist arrivals to Beijing reached 8.808 million while tourist receipts amounted to 10.97 billion yuan (approximately 1.56 billion USD), according to the Beijing Municipal […]
Denmark Moves to Impose Strict Limits on Youth Social Media Use
This week, when Australia started implementing a social media ban on children below 16 years old (a world-first), Denmark is considering doing the same and highly restricting social media access
US May Require Foreign Tourists to Submit Five-Year Social Media History for Entry
In a new proposal that has been presented by the American officials, tourists visiting the country will have to submit a five-year social media history in exchange for gaining entry
Newport News Approves $3M Music and Culture Festival for Memorial Day Weekend 2026
A bid to establish a major music and culture festival over a Memorial Day weekend in 2026 has been granted by the Newport News City Council and amounts to $3.03
Riyadh Lights Up With Ugandan Culture, Arts, and Flavors
The events of Ugandan culture within the Global Harmony initiative ended on 10th December in the Al-Suwaidi Park, which is one of the zones of the Riyadh Season. The two-day-long
Austria Passes Headscarf Ban for Schoolgirls Under 14, Parliament Decides
Austria has enacted a law that prohibits school-going girls below 14 years old from wearing headscarves. The three centrist parties – the ÖVP, the SPÖ and the Neos- led by
Sadu Weaving Earns UNESCO Intangible Heritage Status, Culture Ministry Announces
In partnership with the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Culture has proclaimed the art of ‘Sadu Weaving‘ in the list of the United
Moroccan Caftan Earns Place on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List
At the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural and Sports Organization (UNESCO), a number of living traditions were, this year, inscribed on the
From Australia to Europe, Nations Move to Curb Children’s Access to Social Media
Australia has become the world’s first nation to ban social media for children under the age of 16, preventing them from using social media platforms such as TikTok, Alphabet’s YouTube,
