Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a three-day halt to strikes on Kyiv, coinciding with the arrival of US special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow. The envoys are pursuing a ‘fresh, concrete proposal’ from President Trump to revive stalled peace efforts in the five-year-long Russia-Ukraine conflict, offering a potential diplomatic breakthrough amidst recent escalations.

Dominican Republic’s Joheirry Mola has been crowned Miss World 2026, marking a historic 75th anniversary for the pageant. An educator and community advocate, Mola’s victory in Vietnam shines a light on her dedication to empowering youth through education. India’s Nikita Porwal made it to the Top 40, showcasing rich cultural heritage.

The RBI’s FCNR(B) scheme successfully attracted over $100 billion from NRIs, pushing India’s forex reserves to a record $729.3 billion. The scheme closed early due to overwhelming response, strengthening the Indian Rupee amidst global economic pressures and geopolitical tensions. This strategic move provided crucial support to the nation’s financial stability.

US forces destroyed three Iranian crude oil carriers following Iran’s ballistic missile attacks on two US Navy ships, marking a significant escalation in the Washington-Tehran confrontation. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor, is at the heart of the conflict, raising concerns over global oil supplies and regional stability. Brent crude prices have already risen amidst the heightened risks.

Kenyan President William Ruto has ordered Tata Chemicals to cease operations at Lake Magadi, citing over a century of insufficient local investment and job creation. The government plans to replace the Indian company with new investors focused on domestic manufacturing. This move has sparked controversy, with the opposition Democracy for the Citizens Party alleging the decision is linked to President Ruto’s business interests in the area, pointing to significant lithium and oil deposits. The party warns of severe job losses and disruption to essential services for over 100,000 residents.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor highlights PM Modi as President Trump’s top choice for a G20 meeting, underscoring their personal friendship and the robust India-US partnership. With a $500 billion trade target and frequent high-level visits, bilateral ties are set for significant growth, despite ongoing trade deal negotiations.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Kyiv underscores India’s readiness to contribute to ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Amid discussions on commercial shipping attacks and renewed peace overtures from Moscow, India positions itself as a potential mediator, navigating complex geopolitical dynamics while advocating for global stability.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, once a proponent of the "India Out" campaign, has publicly lauded the India-backed Thilamale Bridge as a symbol of enduring ties. This significant shift comes after India’s crucial economic assistance and continued investment in the island nation’s infrastructure, marking a notable change in Male’s foreign policy orientation.

Former US President Donald Trump has proposed renaming the Strait of Hormuz to ‘Trump Strait,’ claiming the vital waterway is now under American control. This controversial suggestion, made on Truth Social, challenges international maritime law and follows previous attempts to unilaterally rename other significant bodies of water, raising questions about global norms and geopolitical influence.

The recent G20 meeting in Asheville exposed significant rifts between the US and its allies over President Trump’s economic policies. Tariffs, the Iran conflict, and unilateral financial interventions drew sharp criticism from European and Canadian officials, who argue these actions hinder global growth and erode trust in international trade. The summit highlighted diverging approaches to economic regulation and energy.