World

A heated exchange occurred in the U.S. Congress when Mehdi Hasan, British-Pakistani journalist, asked a lawmaker about objections to the Islamic call to prayer being heard near his constituency. The lawmaker told Hasan he should “go back to the UK”, sparking debates over race, religion and press freedom in America.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump said he had a conversation with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Diwali and re-asserted a controversial claim about possessing low-price Russian oil. The remarks came during a public event and raised eyebrows among analysts for their diplomatic implications, given India’s strategic balancing between major powers, energy procurement challenges and U.S.–Russia tensions. (Maharashtra Times)

The banned group Jaish‑e‑Mohammed (JeM) in Pakistan has launched an online training programme titled “Tufat al-Muminat” exclusively for women, with a registration fee of PKR 500 (~INR 156). The move underscores the militant group’s efforts to expand recruitment and fundraising via digital platforms and gender-specific mobilisation.

Japanese politics is witnessing a pivotal power shift as Sanae Takaichi, known for her “China hawk” stance, gains influence within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Her potential ascent as Japan’s first female Prime Minister could intensify Tokyo’s push for stronger defense cooperation with India while tightening scrutiny of China’s regional ambitions. Analysts expect Takaichi’s policies to align closely with Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy amid evolving security alliances.

President Donald Trump’s attempt to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine has hit another dead end after he indefinitely postponed a planned summit with Vladimir Putin. Despite months of diplomatic maneuvering, major obstacles persist — rigid territorial demands, Trump’s inconsistent leverage, and both sides’ unwillingness to compromise. Analysts say Putin continues exploiting Trump’s desire for a deal, while Kyiv refuses territorial concessions. The decision underscores the fragile state of ceasefire diplomacy amid shifting global priorities following the recent Gaza truce.

Zohran Mamdani, New York Assembly member, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claims of pluralism in India during a Diwali event in Queens, sparking heated debates within the Indian diaspora community. His statements questioned India’s socio-political fabric and reignited discussions on religious freedom and democratic values among expatriates. The debate emphasized generational differences in diaspora perspectives and highlighted ongoing concerns regarding India’s political direction internationally.

A public clash erupted between former US President Donald Trump and Australian political leaders over a high-profile deal concerning rare earth minerals that are vital for clean energy and technology sectors. The dispute involved trade terms, security concerns, and strategic cooperation with significant implications for regional geopolitics and supply chains in the Indo-Pacific. The disagreements underscore the complexities of international cooperation amid shifting political landscapes and economic priorities in critical resource management.

The planned US-Russia summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin experienced a pause as critical peace talks regarding Ukraine stalled over territorial disputes. Diplomatic efforts face challenges with Ukraine rejecting Russia’s demands, while international stakeholders push for renewed negotiations. The delay raises concerns over escalation risks in Eastern Europe.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed cautious optimism that negotiations could soon yield a Gaza ceasefire, calling ongoing talks “progressive and encouraging.” The White House confirmed that discussions between Israel, Hamas, and Qatari mediators continue, focusing on humanitarian corridors and prisoner exchanges as global diplomatic pressure intensifies for a peaceful resolution.

India has officially upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy, signaling a renewed diplomatic presence in Afghanistan for the first time since 2021. The move follows External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, reflecting India’s aim to deepen engagement despite not formally recognizing the Taliban regime. The embassy will now oversee humanitarian, development, and trade initiatives.