Live Wire
UK Prime Minister Says Russia Interfered in Brexit Vote
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum. However, he released no evidence, and existing investigations have not established that foreign activity changed the result.
Riyadh Airport Terminal Struck Again as Attacks Intensify
A fresh strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed a Pakistani national and injured 11 people, marking the fourth attack on the aviation hub in five days as regional tensions and civilian flight disruptions intensify.
Eritrea Asks UN to Intervene as Confrontation With Ethiopia Escalates
Eritrea has asked the UN Security Council to intervene in its confrontation with Ethiopia as both governments trade accusations of invasion and aggression. Fighting near Tigray and the dispute over Red Sea access are raising fears of a wider Horn of Africa war.
Global Debt and Energy Shock Dominate IMF–World Bank Meetings
Global finance leaders are gathering in Bangkok as an energy shock, rising borrowing costs and record public debt threaten vulnerable economies. The IMF and World Bank face pressure to deliver faster crisis financing and meaningful debt relief.
Taiwan Will Not Surrender Its Freedom, Lai Tells China
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said the island would pursue peace and dialogue but would not surrender its freedom or accept subordination to China. He defended higher military investment as necessary to deter conflict and protect Taiwan’s democracy.
US Sanctions International Criminal Court in Unprecedented Escalation
The United States has sanctioned the International Criminal Court as an institution, threatening its access to banks, technology and dollar transactions. The unprecedented escalation follows disputes over ICC investigations involving American and Israeli officials.
US Gulf Oil Shutdown Nears 1.3 Million Barrels a Day as Isaias Approaches
Hurricane Isaias has halted nearly 1.3 million barrels a day of US Gulf oil production, with 121 offshore platforms evacuated. The precautionary shutdowns add to global supply pressures as operators wait to assess damage and determine when production can resume.
TCS Shares Rally Over 6% as AI Revenue Accelerates
TCS shares surged more than 6% after stable margins, international growth and annualised AI revenue of $3.1 billion lifted investor confidence. The results also helped markets look past the US suspension of the company’s green-card sponsorship route.
Houthi Attacks on Saudi Airports Kill Three Civilians
Three foreign nationals were killed and 36 people wounded when Houthi attacks struck airports in Riyadh and Abha. Saudi Arabia retaliated against more than 80 sites in Yemen as the conflict spread from coastal battlefields to civilian aviation infrastructure.
Syria Weighs Military Assistance for Saudi Arabia
Syria is considering defensive support or a possible troop deployment to assist Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks and fighting in Yemen escalate. Damascus denies deciding to join the war and says its domestic recovery remains the government’s priority.
RBI Raises Repo Rate to 5.50% as Inflation Returns
The RBI has raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50%, its first increase since February 2023. The move may lift loan EMIs as the central bank confronts rising food and fuel inflation without abandoning its strong growth outlook.
Russia Hosts Taliban and Regional Powers for Afghanistan Talks
Russia brought the Taliban, India, China, Iran, Pakistan and Central Asian states together for Afghanistan talks. The meeting advanced regional engagement but ended without a joint statement after Kabul and Islamabad clashed over terrorism and cross-border attacks.