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Greenland Deal Gives US Two Additional Arctic Military Sites
The United States plans to establish two additional military sites in Greenland, expanding its Arctic footprint after months of pressure over the territory. The agreement gives Washington greater strategic access to the increasingly contested region.
The BJP’s Shah Bano Moment: The Chimera Called the SC/ST Act
Two judges tried to add basic safeguards to the Atrocities Act. Parliament deleted them within months, fearing Dalit and Adivasi votes ahead of 2019. This is the Shah Banu moment of the BJP.
Ramzan Kadyrov Wins Fifth Term in Chechnya With 99.85% Vote
Ramzan Kadyrov has secured a fifth term as Chechnya’s leader with 99.85% of the vote, according to official results. The near-unanimous outcome reinforces his grip on the Russian republic.
US Prepares Sweeping Sanctions Targeting International Criminal Court
The United States is preparing sweeping sanctions against the International Criminal Court, potentially targeting the institution itself. The measures could disrupt its banking, payroll and technology services as Washington presses it to abandon cases involving American and Israeli officials.
Sridhar Vembu Opposes Charges Against IIT Bombay’s Professor Doolla
Sridhar Vembu has backed IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who faces an FIR after student Sahil Wakode’s death. The case has divided the campus over caste-discrimination allegations, academic discipline, student welfare and the need to protect due process.
Tata Trusts Declares Chandrasekaran’s Reappointment "void ab initio"
Tata Trusts has declared N Chandrasekaran’s reappointment as Tata Sons chairman invalid, arguing that the board vote lacked the mandatory support of both Trust-nominated directors. The dispute exposes a deeper battle over leadership, listing and control of the Tata Group.
Australia Begins Global Lobbying Push for UN Security Council Seat
Australia has launched its campaign for a 2029–30 UN Security Council seat, promising to represent smaller nations and defend international rules. Its bid will focus on conflict prevention, civilian protection, climate security, artificial intelligence and the concerns of Pacific countries.
Pakistan Strikes Afghanistan’s Kunar, Killing at Least Three as Tensions Rise
Pakistan has reportedly struck Afghanistan’s Kunar province, killing at least three people. The attack brings the TTP insurgency, Taliban–Islamabad tensions and the unresolved Durand Line drawn through the Pashtun homeland back into dangerous focus.
AfD Wins Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Its Second State Victory in Two Weeks
The AfD has won 38.2% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, securing its second state-election victory in two weeks after taking Saxony-Anhalt. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU fell below the 5% threshold, while other parties continue to rule out governing with the AfD.
Italy’s Government Plans Nationwide Ban on Islamic Veils in Classrooms
Giorgia Meloni says Italy will move to restrict burqas, niqabs and hijabs in schools as part of a broader integration package that could also cap foreign students per class and require some parents to learn Italian. The proposal has not yet become law.
Trump Unveils ‘AI Force’ and New AI Czar, Rejecting Calls to Slow Development
Donald Trump has announced plans for a new “AI Force” and AI czar, comparing the initiative to Space Force while rejecting calls to slow artificial intelligence development. The White House has not yet explained the new body’s structure, powers or whether it will be civilian or military.
Berlin and Mecklenburg Vote as AfD Surge Tests Germany’s Political Centre
Voters in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are heading to the polls in a major test for Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The elections come just two weeks after the AfD won 43.8% in Saxony-Anhalt, intensifying pressure on Germany’s traditional parties.