Top Stories
Xi’s Military Purge Deepens as China Expels Two Senior Generals
China has expelled Generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli from the Communist Party and military over alleged corruption, faction-building and disloyalty. The removal of two combat veterans leaves Xi Jinping’s top command body with only two active members and deepens an extraordinary military purge.
India’s 7.8% Growth Wins Praise from JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has praised India’s 7.8% growth and its position as the fastest-growing major economy, while warning that inconsistent taxation, uneven enforcement of rules and barriers facing foreign companies could prevent the country from converting momentum into investment.
Trump Reportedly Halted US Strikes on Houthis at the Last Minute
Donald Trump reportedly halted planned US strikes on Yemen’s Houthis shortly before launch, despite Saudi requests for military support. The decision avoided an immediate expansion of the conflict but left Riyadh confronting renewed Houthi attacks and advances without direct American intervention.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour Becomes Latest Cultural Battleground Over Gaza
Ed Sheeran’s US tour has been thrown into turmoil after Macklemore was dropped following pro-Palestinian remarks, prompting several supporting acts to quit. Sheeran has now called the situation in Gaza “catastrophic and unjustifiable,” turning the tour into a wider free-speech debate.
India’s Monsoon Retreat Begins After One of the Driest Seasons in Years
India’s southwest monsoon has begun withdrawing from western Rajasthan with nationwide rainfall still about 15% below normal and 43% of the country’s geographical area rain-deficient. The weak season is already raising concerns over rice output, reservoirs and winter crops.
A 94% Collapse in Container Traffic Shows the Gulf Crisis Is Bigger Than Oil
Container traffic through Hormuz has reportedly fallen 94%, while grain, steel, fertiliser and manufactured goods are also being disrupted. With insecurity spreading towards Bab el-Mandeb, the Gulf crisis is becoming a global supply-chain problem far beyond oil.