Kuwait’s Interior Ministry said it had arrested members of a Hezbollah-affiliated terrorist cell accused of planning operations that threatened national security. Authorities described the operation as a major success in preventing destabilising activities inside the country. The group was reportedly linked to external networks and had been under surveillance before being apprehended. The case highlights Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to counter extremist threats and maintain internal stability amid a volatile regional environment.

Seven hostile drones shot down

In a separate development, the Kuwait National Guard announced it had intercepted and downed seven hostile drones within 24 hours, signalling a sharp escalation in aerial threats. Officials did not disclose the origin of the drones but indicated they were considered hostile and posed a direct security risk. The incident reflects a broader pattern of increasing drone activity across the Gulf, where such technology is being used in asymmetric warfare.

Kuwait condemns Iranian attacks

Kuwait strongly condemned continued Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states, aligning with broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) positions. In a statement, Kuwaiti authorities criticised Tehran’s actions as destabilising and called for respect for regional sovereignty.

Dispute over UN reporting

Kuwait also rejected aspects of recent United Nations reporting , arguing that the assessments failed to clearly and explicitly condemn Iran’s role in the attacks. Officials said the omission undermines international accountability and called for stronger global responses to escalating security threats in the region.

GCC issues unified response

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) echoed Kuwait’s stance , issuing a collective condemnation of what it described as “heinous” Iranian attacks against member states. The unified response underscores growing alignment among Gulf nations as they face shared security challenges, particularly in relation to missile and drone threats.

Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel as military strikes, tanker attacks and the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz rattle global markets.

Global energy watchdog, the International Energy Agency (IEA), said on Thursday, March 12, the conflict has created the "largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market", removing millions of barrels a day from the market.

The Strait of Hormuz alone normally carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. With shipping traffic collapsing after Iranian retaliation and US-Israeli strikes, global energy markets have entered a period of extreme volatility.

For Africa, the consequences could be severe.

According to a Ghanaian financial analyst, Nelson Cudjoe Kuagbedzi, the biggest risk for African economies lies in the disruption of international supply chains.

“Okay, so I think the biggest risk has to do basically with the disruption in the international supply chains,” he told Global South  World. “Most of the goods and products that we use in Africa are imported, most especially petroleum products.”

That vulnerability is rooted in the structure of Africa’s energy sector. Despite producing crude oil, the continent lacks sufficient refining capacity and therefore imports much of the fuel it consumes.

In fact, Africa imports more than 70% of its refined petroleum products, leaving economies highly exposed to fluctuations in global oil markets.

Nelson says the continent’s limited production also makes it impossible to cushion the impact of a prolonged conflict.

“It is also important to know that the total crude output in Africa represents less than 10% of global crude output,” he explained.

The crisis also exposes another longstanding economic challenge of how Africa exports raw materials but imports many finished products.

“We haven't also developed our economies enough to the extent that we will use homegrown solutions to solve homegrown policies,” Kuagbedzi said.

“I mean, raw cocoa, raw gold, raw coffee, raw timber.”

For him, the war should serve as a wake-up call.

However, the Middle East remains the backbone of global oil supply. Many members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) are located in the region, producing a significant share of the petroleum used worldwide.

According to Nelson, that concentration makes Africa particularly vulnerable.

“Most of the OPEC members that produce the chunk of the petroleum products, whether crude or refined, that we use in Africa, most of those OPEC members are in the Middle East,” he said.

With tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz disrupted and oil shipments stalled, markets are already reacting. Brent crude surged past $100 per barrel for the first time since the Ukraine war's energy shock.

If the crisis deepens, some analysts warn prices could climb much higher, intensifying inflation worldwide.

A short video circulating online appeared to show columns of thick black smoke rising from several locations. Orange flames were still visible at the time the footage was recorded, suggesting ongoing fires at the blast sites.

Audio in the clip captured residents shouting and wailing as the loud detonations echoed through the city. Local reports also indicated temporary power disruptions in some areas following the explosions.

The incident comes against the backdrop of escalating friction between Washington and Caracas. 

Less than a week earlier, US President Donald Trump said that the CIA had carried out a drone strike on a “dock area” allegedly linked to Venezuelan drug trafficking operations. Colombian President Gustavo Petro later said the target was a cocaine-processing facility in the Venezuelan port city of Maracaibo.

The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Maduro of presiding over what it describes as a “narco-terrorist” state, claims the Venezuelan government strongly rejects.

Saturday’s blasts also follow recent remarks by Maduro signalling a willingness to engage in dialogue with Washington. “We must begin to speak seriously, with the facts in hand,” he said in an interview with the Mexican newspaper La Jornada.

These explosions occurred just hours after Maduro met Chinese envoy Qiu Xiaoqi in Caracas to review more than 600 bilateral agreements and discuss political cooperation, underscoring Venezuela’s deepening ties with Beijing at a time when both countries face increasing pressure from the United States.

Bhat’s DNA samples matched those of his mother’s, collected in Pulwama and brought to Delhi for comparison with remains preserved at Lok Nayak Hospital. 

Experts at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) confirmed the match, identifying Bhat as the driver whose body had been severely damaged in the explosion.

Investigators said DNA profiling was critical to the identification, as the remains were beyond recognition.

Police officials suspect Bhat was the leader of a “white-collar” terror cell composed largely of doctors. The group was allegedly part of an “inter-state and transnational” module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. 

Seven suspects were arrested in Jammu and Kashmir just hours before the Red Fort blast.

Investigators believe Bhat was “steering and motivating” the module, which included other medical professionals. A red Ford EcoSport linked to him was recovered from a farmhouse in Khandawali village, Haryana, on Wednesday. Forensic and ballistic teams examined the vehicle after it was seized.

The SUV, police said, was mainly used by Dr. Muzamil Shakeel Ganai, another doctor from Pulwama and one of the seven arrested suspects. Ganai worked alongside Bhat at the School of Medical Sciences and Research Centre at Al Falah University in Faridabad, Haryana.

Bhat, a resident of Koil village in Pulwama, had previously studied medicine in Srinagar and briefly worked as a senior resident at the Government Medical College in Anantnag.

Former colleagues later described him as negligent and abrasive, with a pattern of absenteeism and patient complaints.

Two other doctors from Al Falah University — Dr. Ganai and Dr. Shaheen Shahid Ansari of Lucknow — were detained in the days before the explosion.

Authorities are now focusing on whether the group planned further attacks and how a trained doctor became the alleged mastermind of one of Delhi’s deadliest blasts in years.

Hundreds of participants — including government officials, students, and atomic bomb survivors — gathered at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to remember the bombing, which contributed not only to Japan’s surrender at the end of World War 2 but also to the start of the global nuclear arms race.

Flowers were laid at the cenotaph, with the ruins of the Atomic Bomb Dome visible in the background.

Local residents and younger generations shared their thoughts during the commemoration.

“In order for us to move forward, we need to pay our respects and gratitude to those who have rebuilt the city, and I think it's important for us to continue to develop Hiroshima, the world and Japan,” said 62-year-old Kozo Morien, a resident of Hiroshima.

Risa Kobayashi, whose grandmother survived the bombing, emphasised the importance of preserving Hiroshima’s story for future generations.

“My grandmother was also a victim, but she is getting older, and the number of people who have experienced it is decreasing. So, unless young people go out and tell their stories, I think in less than 20 years there will be no one left who can tell their stories,” the 18-year-old Hiroshima student told AFP in an interview.

The Hiroshima anniversary takes place amid ongoing concerns about nuclear proliferation and the risk of conflict involving nuclear-armed states such as the US and Russia.

For Morien, ongoing geopolitical tensions highlight the need for Japan to strengthen its defences to prevent another catastrophe like Hiroshima.

“Regardless of whether we have nuclear weapons or not, there's no doubt that nuclear weapons are a deterrent in reality. They act as a deterrent to prevent war. That's why Ukraine ended up like that. Japan is surrounded by three nuclear-powered countries — China, North Korea and Russia — so I think it's necessary for us to strengthen our defence capabilities to prevent the use of nuclear weapons.” 

The hospital, overwhelmed and under-resourced, has resorted to placing multiple infants in a single incubator or using blankets for warmth.

One tragic case involves Mohammed Natiez, whose baby girl died shortly after birth when no power was available to support her survival.

His wife had been severely injured in an Israeli airstrike and, according to CGTN, underwent an emergency C-section. Natiez blames the fuel crisis for his daughter’s death.

"It was the lack of fuel that killed my daughter. If there had been fuel, she would still be alive. We are just sitting in the tent. Tell me, what could a child like this have done (to deserve this)?" he queried.

The bereaved father is pleading for fuel to be made available to the hospital to protect the remaining babies.

"There are many more babies like my daughter who could die because of the fuel shortage. Please, send fuel to the hospital. This should not have happened. Send fuel to the hospital, to the children," he added.

Palestine's health ministry has revealed that over 58,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the Israeli-Hamas war started in October 2023.

He appealed for this during a visit with German Minister of Interior, Alexander Dobrindt, to the site of an Iranian missile strike in Bat Yam, on the outskirts of Tel Aviv.

Saar emphasised that such actions constitute clear violations of international law, stating, "We see here the results of the barbaric Iranian regime's strategy to hit, shamelessly and deliberately, civilian population centres with ballistic missiles. This is clearly a war crime ."

He further highlighted that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had openly acknowledged targeting civilian areas.

The Foreign Minister also raised concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions, noting the country's recent decision to halt cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"We see Iran's decision to stop the oversight, the inspection of the IAEA on its nuclear programme. They continue to deceive, they continue to mock the international community," urging global powers to take necessary steps to address the threat posed by Iran's nuclear programme.

The recent conflict, marked by a 12-day war between Israel and Iran, saw significant casualties on both sides. Iran reported over 600 civilian deaths, while Israel suffered 28 fatalities. The hostilities culminated in a ceasefire mediated by the United States, with President Donald Trump announcing forthcoming talks between U.S. and Iranian officials.

Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high. Iran's parliament has approved a bill to suspend all cooperation with the IAEA , effectively halting inspections and oversight of its nuclear facilities. This move has drawn international criticism, with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warning that Iran could potentially resume uranium enrichment within months.

Among the deceased are Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of the General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces; IRGC Commander Hossein Salami; and Brigadier General Ali Shadmani, who had recently assumed command of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.

The funerals, held in Tehran, drew large crowds of mourners paying their respects to these prominent figures.

The Iranian Ministry of Health reported 610 deaths and 4,746 injuries resulting from Israeli airstrikes.

However, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimates higher figures, citing 974 deaths and 3,458 injuries, including both military personnel and civilians.

Israel reported 29 fatalities and over 3,200 injuries due to Iranian missile and drone attacks. The Israeli military targeted over 900 sites in Iran, aiming to dismantle its nuclear capabilities and missile production infrastructure.

The conflict concluded with a ceasefire mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump, following discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian officials.

The agreement stipulated that both nations would cease hostilities, with the understanding that any further aggression would nullify the truce.

While the ceasefire has brought temporary relief, tensions remain high . Iranian citizens have expressed both hope for lasting peace and concern over potential future conflicts. The Iranian government faces internal criticism for its handling of the situation, and the international community continues to monitor the region closely.

Powerful explosions rocked Tehran on Monday as Israel launched strikes on what it described as “regime targets” in the Iranian capital, heightening tensions just one day after U.S. air raids on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure .

In a swift and fierce response, Iran fired multiple missile salvos at Israel and pledged to retaliate against the United States, escalating the confrontation as the conflict entered its 11th day.

According to Iranian state media, Israeli forces targeted the Fordo nuclear enrichment facility, a heavily fortified site located deep in the mountains south of Tehran. The attack came on the heels of a U.S. strike over the weekend using "bunker buster" munitions to hit the same facility in a show of support for its ally, Israel.

Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said the Israeli military was "carrying out strikes of unprecedented force against regime targets and agencies of government oppression in the heart of Tehran."

Spearheaded by civil society groups like “Brothers and Sisters in Arms,” the initiative aims to ensure "that everybody will be safe".

According to a social activist, Shula Keshet, the abandoned bus station is "the only place in Israel that has a shelter against atomic bombs. It's in a very terrible place, by the way."

The shelter, originally opened during the Gulf War in 1991, can accommodate up to 16,000 people.

"Surrounding this place, [are] citizens and people, families, Israelis or non-Israelis, immigrant workers, asylum seekers, etc., [who] did not have any place to go," Shula Keshet added.

Protests erupted in Tehran and several other cities following Friday prayers, with demonstrators voicing support for their leaders, as broadcast by state television. One protester's banner read, “I will sacrifice my life for my leader,” about Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

According to Israeli authorities, 25 people have been killed in Israel due to Iranian missile strikes since June 13. In response, Iran reported on Sunday, June 15, that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in at least 224 deaths, including military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians.

On the other hand, US President Donald Trump, during an engagement with reporters outside the White House, said all he needs from Iran is "total surrender", adding that he has given up and run out of patience, so next week is "going to be very big".

This comes after Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, rebuked and rejected Trump's push for the country to surrender.

According to Reuters, Trump and his team are mulling plans and options to join Israel in its attack on Iran.

Israel's military said 50 jets hit 20 missile-related targets in Tehran overnight and urged civilians to leave parts of the capital for their safety.

Israel added that its air force destroyed Iran's police headquarters.

"As we promised, we will continue to strike at symbols of governance and hit the ayatollah regime wherever it may be," Defence Minister  Israel  Katz said.

Aoun called the regional climate “delicate” and emphasised that Lebanon’s focus must remain on stability and economic recovery after years of financial collapse and war-related destruction.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam echoed the sentiment, condemning Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian targets but warning that the fallout could destabilise not only the Middle East but global peace .

He reiterated Lebanon’s position to “prevent being dragged into a regional war,” particularly to avoid jeopardising efforts to rebuild the south and restore state authority.

The concern stems from fears that Iran-backed groups operating in Lebanon, primarily Hezbollah and Hamas, could retaliate on Iran’s behalf. Both groups have fired rockets into Israel from Lebanese territory during the Gaza war, prompting Israeli reprisals.

Israel’s surprise airstrikes on Friday, June 13, marked the most intense escalation yet in its decades-long conflict with Iran.

Over three days, Israel bombed more than 100 high-value sites across Iran, including missile bases, nuclear facilities, and military command centres, killing senior commanders and at least six nuclear scientists.

The strikes continued through the weekend, claiming control of the airspace over Tehran and hitting over 80 additional targets, including the defence ministry, missile launchers and civilian areas, killing at least 244 people, according to The Guardian .

Iran responded with missile barrages on Israeli cities, killing at least 14 and injuring nearly 400. Missiles hit Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other areas, including a deadly strike in Bat Yam.

Iran warned Western powers, especially the U.S., U.K., and France, not to intervene militarily or face retaliation.

Tensions between Iran and Israel soured as the two rivals engaged in a rare and the most intense confrontation in decades.

The conflict ignited on Friday, June 13, when Israel launched a large-scale air assault, just days ahead of a planned sixth round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States .

Iran, in a fierce response, launched successive waves of drone and missile attacks, with nighttime strikes illuminating the skies above Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

After an overnight missile attack launched by Iran on Israel from Saturday night (June 14) through to Sunday morning (June 15), 10 people were reported dead.

Iran's government, however, has confirmed the death of 78 people and 320 others battered with injured during the initial stage of Israel's attack.

On Sunday, June 15, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Israel and Iran may “have to fight it out” amid ongoing airstrikes between the two nations, but expressed hope that a deal could still be reached. Trump made the remarks before boarding Air Force One en route to the G7 Summit in Alberta, Canada. When asked about his efforts to de-escalate tensions. “I hope there’s going to be a deal. I think it’s time for a deal… but sometimes they have to fight it out,” he said. The statement followed an Israeli airstrike last week that targeted a nuclear facility and military sites in Iran, reportedly killing dozens. Israel said the operation was necessary to hinder Iran’s progress toward developing a nuclear weapon.

Israel’s strikes renew focus on Iran nuclear strike challenges

Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian military facilities, including nuclear sites, have revived concerns over the feasibility of dismantling Iran’s nuclear program. A March report from the Royal United Services Institute indicates that such an operation would require extensive firepower and U.S. assistance. Even then, penetrating Iran’s deeply buried enrichment sites would be difficult. The Natanz facility was targeted, but the depth of its underground infrastructure—estimated at around 8 meters—remains uncertain. The report concludes that military action should be considered only as a last resort due to operational and escalation risks.

Iranian missile strikes injure, trap Israeli civilians

Emergency teams in Israel are treating the wounded and rescuing individuals trapped in residential buildings following Iranian missile strikes on central and coastal areas, according to Israeli authorities. Two high-rise buildings in central Israel were hit, leaving people trapped in elevators, Israel Fire and Rescue reported . Footage from Reuters showed significant structural damage to an apartment block and emergency responders conducting search operations. Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency service, stated that it has transported 12 individuals to hospitals and is treating several for minor injuries. A 10-year-old boy is reported to be in serious condition.

IAEA confirms no external radiation after Natanz strike

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported Monday that there is potential for radiological and chemical contamination inside Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment facility following Israeli airstrikes. However, radiation levels outside the site remain normal. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated that uranium poses a significant health risk if inhaled or ingested, but the danger can be mitigated with appropriate protective equipment. He emphasised that there is no radiological impact on the population or environment and noted that no further damage was observed at Natanz or the Isfahan nuclear site since Saturday. Grossi made the remarks during an emergency IAEA board session requested by Russia.

European markets open slightly higher amid Israel-Iran tensions

Major European stock indexes opened modestly higher on Monday. Oil prices remained elevated and volatile due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Israel-Iran conflict. Following Israel’s strike on Iranian nuclear and military sites, oil surged over 7% on Friday, reflecting Tehran’s role as a key global producer despite sanctions. Concerns about supply disruption have persisted but eased slightly early Monday. U.S. benchmark crude traded at $73.71 per barrel, while Brent crude stood at $74.00, down from Friday’s peak but still about 7% above pre-conflict levels.

In northern Israel, four women were killed late Saturday, June 14, when a missile brought down a three-storey home in Tamra, raising the total Israeli death toll to 13 since the conflict reignited on Friday , June 13.

Meanwhile, Israel responded with a massive aerial offensive, targeting what it described as key military and nuclear sites inside Iran. Among the sites hit were fuel depots near Tehran, the defence ministry headquarters, and facilities linked to the Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND).

A large fire was seen at a depot in Shahran, while explosions echoed across Iran’s capital in the early hours of Sunday.

The Iranian government confirmed that 78 people had died and over 320 were wounded during the initial wave of Israeli strikes. While no updated figures were provided on Sunday, Tehran claimed the attacks had killed high-ranking officials, including top military commanders and nuclear scientists. Among them were General Mohammad Bagheri and Revolutionary Guard leader Hossein Salami.

Tensions soared further as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israel of breaching international law by attacking nuclear facilities and claimed Tehran had “conclusive evidence” of U.S. involvement. Washington, however, distanced itself from the hostilities.

President Donald Trump stated the U.S. had “nothing to do” with Israel’s bombing campaign but warned Iran of severe consequences if U.S. interests were harmed.

As fuel shortages loomed, Iranians queued at gas stations across the country, fearing broader economic fallout. The Iranian oil ministry confirmed Israeli strikes on two fuel storage sites.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed continued retaliation, pledging to strike “every pillar of the ayatollah regime.” In turn, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of an even more forceful counterattack should Israeli aggression persist.

Amid international appeals for restraint, Israeli forces urged Iranian civilians to evacuate areas near suspected weapons facilities. The conflict, rooted in decades of hostility and proxy warfare, has now entered a volatile new phase, raising fears of a regional war that could engulf the broader Middle East.

"The Iranian dictator is turning the citizens of Iran into hostages," Katz said, "And bringing about a reality in which they –especially the residents of Tehran– will pay a heavy price because of the criminal harm to Israeli civilians. If (Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei continues to fire missiles toward the Israeli home front–– Tehran will burn."

Despite this warning, Tehran residents have vowed not to leave their city.

Speaking to AFP on Saturday, 31-year-old Tehran resident, Shokouh Razzazi, said, "It is natural that war has its stress, but I will not leave my city, my place of residence and store food. These events have also happened previously [Iran-Iraq war 1980-1989]. I trust my country, and I don't think that bad things will happen."

72-year-old Saied Tehrani also added that "I feel safe because I live in my own country and city, and just as we have been safe until now, we will be safe in the future. I have no special plans to leave Tehran."

Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated dramatically as the two nations exchanged direct fire for the first time in decades, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

The confrontation erupted after Israel launched a massive aerial offensive early Friday, June 13, just days before a scheduled sixth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States .

Dubbed "Rising Lion,” the Israeli assault reportedly targeted Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility and resulted in the assassination of top military leaders, including Major General Mohammad Bagheri and Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami. Iran claimed that dozens of civilians were killed and several key nuclear sites were damaged.

In retaliation, Iran unleashed waves of drone and missile attacks, with a night-time bombardment which lit up the skies over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The strikes killed three people and left dozens injured, marking the deadliest and most direct exchange between the two rivals in recent history.

The discovery was made on February 25 and quickly reported to the police.

Papar police chief Supt Kamaruddin Ambo Sakka confirmed that a 42-year-old man brought the matter to the Kinarut Police Station at around 1:30 p.m. local time.

"Investigating officers went to the location together with the bomb disposal unit from the Papar police headquarters and the Sabah headquarters for further inspection and found that the bomb was still active.

"The explosives are believed to be a bomb left over from the Second World War," he was quoted by The Star .

Officers, along with a bomb disposal team from the Papar and Sabah police headquarters, went to the site to inspect the bomb.

After examining it, they confirmed that the explosive was still active and needed to be handled carefully.

On the morning of February 26, police prepared to safely detonate the bomb.

As a result, roads near the area were closed, and authorities warned people to be cautious.

The Sabah State Railways Department was also told to stop train operations for safety reasons while other agencies, including the Environment Department, Aviation Department, Sabah Electricity, and the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, were informed about the situation.

Authorities have taken all necessary steps to ensure the bomb is disposed of safely without harming anyone.

The attacker, identified as Francisco Wanderley Luiz, reportedly attempted to enter the Supreme Court building before detonating an explosive device outside its doors.

Authorities said the man was unsuccessful in gaining entry to the building, and the explosion took place right at the entrance, resulting in his death. Police believe this was a suicide bombing, with Luiz acting alone, though the full motive remains unclear.

Vice Governor Celina Leão confirmed the details of the attack, describing two explosions: one originating from a vehicle, and the second at the court’s doorstep.

Over 50 Indian flights received hoax bomb threats on October 27, contributing to over 350 threats in the past two weeks, primarily communicated via social media. Airlines including Akasa Air, IndiGo, and Vistara were affected, prompting security inspections that cleared the aircraft for operation. In response, the Union Civil Aviation Minister announced plans to ban individuals issuing hoax threats from flying and implement stricter penalties. The IT Ministry has also directed social media platforms to swiftly remove false information and cooperate in identifying those behind the threats. The Hindustantimes reports that some individuals responsible have already been traced, though their details remain undisclosed.

E-commerce expansion

E-commerce firms like Flipkart and Amazon are increasingly focusing on expanding in Tier-II and Tier-III towns, driven by rising demand from these regions during India's festive season. Flipkart's 'The Big Billion Days' sale saw strong participation from thousands of smaller towns, with significant sales in categories like electronics, fashion, and home products. The company also launched 11 new fulfillment centres, creating over 100,000 local jobs, according to the Business Standard .

Drop in polyester staple fibre export

India has sought compensation from Turkiye following Ankara's extension of safeguard measures on polyester staple fibres, which has adversely affected Indian exports. During recent WTO consultations, India expressed concerns about the impact of these measures, seeking resolution or compensatory measures. India's exports of polyester staple fibres dropped to USD 22.18 million in 2023-24 from USD 23.55 million in the previous year, Business Standard reports. Additionally, India has been active in addressing trade issues, previously proposing retaliatory customs duties in response to safeguard measures from the EU and the UK on steel products. India's overall trade with Turkiye stands at USD 6.65 billion in exports and USD 3.78 billion in imports for 2023-24.

Launch of private military aircraft facility

India is set to launch its first private military aircraft manufacturing facility, a joint venture between Airbus SE and TATA Advanced Systems, in Gujarat on October 28. This initiative aims to boost local defense production and reduce dependence on foreign imports. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the facility. The factory will produce C-295 transport aircraft, with the first delivery scheduled for 2026 and the remaining by August 2031, according to Livemint . This initiative follows a $2.6 billion contract for 56 aircraft, with 40 to be manufactured in India. The new C-295s will gradually replace older Avro cargo planes and Russian-made An-72s as part of India's efforts to enhance its military capabilities amidst delays in Russian weapon supplies due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Defense export

India is exporting military equipment to over 100 countries, with the US, France, and Armenia as its top three defense export customers. The Defense Ministry is focusing on boosting exports and domestic production. Notable exports include aircraft parts to the US, electronics to France, and artillery systems to Armenia. Since 2014-15, the value of defense production has tripled, increasing from Rs 46,429 crores to Rs 1.27 lakh crores, with the private sector contributing 21%. Business Standard reports that major products include LCA Tejas fighter jets, warships, artillery systems, and missile systems.

Kiyoharu Bajo, a 69-year-old retired business consultant, described the news as surprising but monumental. "It's a great thing," he told the AFP, adding that the prize comes at an important moment, with global nuclear threats looming due to conflicts like the Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East.

"Hiroshima citizens have been spreading the anti-nuclear message for more than half a century, but unless it’s known worldwide, it won’t have the impact we need. In this sense, the prize provides a good opportunity," Bajo remarked.

Susumu Ogawa, 84, who lost several family members in the Hiroshima bombing, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the need for global nuclear disarmament. "All nuclear weapons in the world have to be abandoned," he said.

Visitors to Hiroshima also spoke on the importance of the award. Vojtech Tichy, a 33-year-old tourist from the Czech Republic, expressed concern over the recurring nature of global conflicts. "Seeing these monuments reminds us of this horrific tragedy, but wars continue, like in Ukraine and Israel. I'm afraid something like this could happen again," he said, lamenting humanity’s tendency to repeat historical mistakes.

Cathy Watson, a 60-year-old nurse from Australia visiting Hiroshima with her husband, noted the relevance of the prize in light of ongoing conflicts. "I think it’s really important, especially considering what’s happening in the Middle East," she said. "People don’t seem to learn from the past, but it’s wonderful that the survivors have received this recognition."

On August 6 and 9, 1945, the United States detonated atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki killing an estimated 80,000 people.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported on Thursday, October 10, that an incident occurred 70 nautical miles southwest of Yemen's Hodeidah. Authorities are currently investigating the situation. According to the vessel's master, the ship was struck by an unidentified projectile, resulting in damage. However, no fires or casualties were reported. The crew is safe, and the vessel is continuing to its next port of call, The Economic Times reports.

Rebel attacks

Suspected attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted a ship in the Red Sea on Thursday, marking a continuation of threats to shipping in the region amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict. A projectile struck the vessel, causing damage but no injuries, while additional projectiles fell nearby. According to AP , the rebels have targeted over 80 merchant vessels since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza, claiming to focus on ships linked to Israel, the U.S., or the U.K. Despite this, many attacked vessels have no ties to the conflict. The Houthis have previously seized one vessel and sunk two, leading to the deaths of four sailors.

New Russian embassy

Russia will reopen its embassy in Aden, Yemen’s interim capital, in early 2025, nearly a decade after its closure. This move, discussed in a recent meeting in Riyadh, indicates a revival of foreign diplomatic missions in Aden amid increased security following the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council. Russia’s Charge d’Affaires, Evgeny Kudrov, affirmed support for Yemen's internationally recognized government, and officials suggested that other nations, including India and Gulf states, may also establish embassies in Aden. Arab News reports that this announcement comes amid concerns about potential Russian arms negotiations with the Houthi militia and U.S. sanctions on Yemeni MP Hamed Abdullah Hussein Al-Ahmer for his support of Hamas.

Israeli airstrikes kill Yemenis

A Yemeni academic, Dr. Shawqi Alawdi, and his family were among seven people killed in an Israeli airstrike in Damascus on Tuesday night. The strike targeted a building in the Al-Mazzeh neighbourhood and injured 11 others. Alawdi, a pharmacology professor, had lived in Syria for four years and was known for his unique teaching style, Arab News reports. His death elicited condolences from friends and students in Yemen and Syria. Concurrently, the International Federation of Journalists called on the Houthi militia to release Yemeni journalists recently abducted for criticizing the group, part of a broader crackdown on dissent as Yemenis commemorate the 1962 revolution.

Rights protection

At the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Anjila Al Maamari, representing the Justice for Yemen Pact Coalition, highlighted the urgent need for an independent international investigative mechanism to address human rights abuses in Yemen. She emphasised that mere technical capacity is insufficient and called for effective investigations into violations of international law. As highlighted by ISHR , the coalition insists on the importance of impartial inquiries and advocates for the inclusion of victims, particularly women and youth, in peace processes to ensure justice and reparations.

The demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans, demanding that the South African government cut all diplomatic ties with Israel.

They also called for the adoption of an anti-apartheid bill targeting supporters of Israel. This reflects the deep-rooted historical and moral stance of South Africa against apartheid-like policies.

The march further saw participation from various religious groups, civil rights organisations, and political figures.

Notably, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Nazier Paulsen voiced strong support for the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement, urging South Africa to lead the global effort against Israel's policies.

"Boycotts, divesting and sanctions and we have to lead that our history dictates that South Africa has to lead the programme of boycotts, sanctions and divestment," Paulsen said.

MP Fadil Adams adding his voice to the calls also said "I'm here today because if you want to be a South African, you have to be part Palestinian. I'm here today because suffering anywhere is suffering everywhere. I'm here today because Palestine must be free. I'm here today because Zionism is an evil and it must end."

Lamiez Ebrahim, a prominent activist at the march, emphasised the importance of economic sanctions. "Hitting them where it hurts—money—is crucial. We've been boycotting their products for months, and it's making an impact," she stated.

South Africa in 2023 filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of committing genocidal acts against Palestinians in Gaza.

This case, officially titled "Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel)," was initiated on December 29, 2023.

Monday, October 7, 2024, marks a year since the Israeli-Palestinian war started. On this day in 2023, Palestine's militant group, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on revellers at the Nova Music Festival in Israel.

Hamas militants breached the Gaza border fence at 60 different points. According to Israeli reports, around 1,200 people were killed and over 251 were taken hostage during the assault.

The attack triggered an Israeli military response that has caused the deaths of over 41,000 Palestinians and widespread destruction so far.

The Nova Music Festival, a trance music event, was held on October 6 and 7, 2023, in Re'im, located in southern Israel.

"We still think that there is a tiny bit of hope on the diplomatic front. Because Lebanon is bombed every day, Beirut is bombed every day, every night, for 24 hours. The Bekaa in Lebanon, the south, we're afraid we're turning into a new Gaza in Lebanon," he told AFP.

Commenting on the deaths of Hezbollah leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Hassan Nasrallah, he said: "It's a criminal attitude, he (Benyamin Netanyahu) murdered Ismail Haniyeh while he was negotiating a ceasefire, and he murdered Hassan Nasrallah while he was negotiating a ceasefire, so he knew what was going to happen. We find what has happened unacceptable, and it has dragged a country and perhaps an entire region into a war that will never end."

The situation in Lebanon has been increasingly volatile , with frequent exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters. This conflict has intensified since Israel's military operations in Gaza began, drawing parallels between the two regions.

The fear is that Lebanon could face a similar fate to Gaza, which has been subjected to severe blockades and military actions for years.

According to a report by Aljazeera , more than 2000 people have been killed in Lebanon from Israeli strikes.

The explosion happened around 8:00 pm, local time, catching many by surprise. Ibrahim Liman, a member of an anti-jihadist militia working with the army, confirmed the death toll and the number of injured.

“There was an explosion at a tea joint in Kawuri around 8:00 pm yesterday. We have recovered 19 dead bodies and 27 injured,” Ibrahim Liman told AFP.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but both Boko Haram and their rivals, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), are known to be active in Borno State. These groups have been responsible for numerous attacks in the past, although large bombings in towns have become less frequent since the Nigerian army pushed militants back from their strongholds in 2014.

This recent attack comes just weeks after multiple suicide bombers killed 32 people in the Gwoza area of Borno State, targeting a wedding, a hospital, and a funeral.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has been in office for over a year, has prioritised tackling insecurity in Nigeria . Despite efforts to curb violence, the country continues to face threats from jihadist groups in the northeast and heavily armed gangs in the northwest.

The conflict in northeast Nigeria has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced more than two million people since 2009. The recent bombing in Kawuri village underscores the persistent threat posed by militant groups and the need for continued vigilance and security measures to protect civilians in the region.

At precisely 9:53 local time (12:53 GMT), the exact moment when the attack took place in Buenos Aires three decades ago, sirens echoed throughout the city.

As the sirens wailed, friends and families of the victims held up pictures, a silent tribute to their loved ones.

In a ceremony held last year at the site where the AMIA headquarters once stood, demands were made for the perpetrators of the terrorist attack to be brought to justice. This call for justice has been a recurring theme every year on the 18th of July for the last three decades.

Argentina's President Javier Milei said in an address on July 17, "Today we chose to speak out, not stay silent."

"We're raising our voices, not folding our arms. We choose life because anything else makes a game out of death," he said.

On Monday, July 15, twelve people were killed in central Somalia during a clash between government soldiers and local militias over two truckloads of weapons illegally brought from Ethiopia. Among the dead were two soldiers. The incident occurred in the village of Shiilamaow, approximately 20 kilometres northwest of Abudwak town, near the Ethiopian border. A Somali security official, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media, reported the details. The Internal Security Ministry stated that government forces had seized the weapons from "illegal weapons traders" and were escorting them when armed militias set up a checkpoint and intercepted the convoy, adds VOA .

Soldier builds helicopter from scratch

A Somali army soldier has built a helicopter from scratch, defying the odds. His ingenuity and determination have led to this remarkable achievement, showing that what many thought to be impossible is now within reach. Mohammed Ali, a 24-year-old soldier bought every material he used from his pockets. He tells VOA that he has always dreamt of becoming an aeronautical engineer.

Kuwait Amir offers condolences to Somalia

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of condolences on Tuesday to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, expressing heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the terrorist attack in Mogadishu. In his message, His Highness the Amir wished a swift recovery for the injured and strongly condemned the terrorist act targeting innocent civilians, reports KUNA .

MWL, Arab Parliament Condemn Terrorist Attack in Somali

The Muslim World League (MWL) condemned the terrorist attack in Mogadishu, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency on Monday, July 15. In a statement, the MWL General Secretariat denounced the heinous crime that claimed dozens of lives, reaffirming its rejection of all forms of extremism and the resulting violence and terrorism. On behalf of its global assemblies, bodies, and councils, the MWL expressed full solidarity with Somalia and its people in facing threats to the country's security and stability, Asharq Al-Aswat reports. The organisation also extended sincere condolences to the victims' families and wished the injured a swift recovery.

Somalia cafe bombing kills nine

A car bombing at a cafe in Mogadishu killed nine people watching the Euro 2024 final, officials said on Monday, July 15. The Spanish national team won the game. Al-Shabaab is suspected of carrying out the attack. Somalia's government has been fighting against the group for over 17 years. Punch reports that the country has asked the African Union to slow the withdrawal of its forces from Somalia.

What they said

IndiGo indicated that there was a quick response to the situation and all passengers were rescued.

All necessary protocols were followed, and the aircraft was taken to a remote bay as per guidelines by airport security agencies,” IndiGo said .

What they said

The government of Rwanda in a statement said they will “not shoulder responsibility for the loss of lives in the IDP camps around Goma or the security and governance failures of the government of the DRC”. It further called for “credible investigation and verification to be completed first, to establish what really happened”. Meanwhile, Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo in a social media post described the allegations as ridiculous. “The RDF, a professional army, would never attack an IDP camp. Look to the lawless FDLR & Wazalendo supported by the FARDC, for this kind of atrocity,” she wrote .