U.S, Iran trade dozens more strikes for a second straight day - The Washington Post

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese concluded their 3rd Annual Summit in Melbourne, signing key declarations focused on trade, defence, and maritime security. • PM Modi utilized a cricket analogy, describing the bilateral ties as being "focused like a one-day match" to emphasize the intensity and goal-oriented nature of the partnership.

• The United States leverages its unique geographic advantages and naval superiority to maintain a dominant global military presence and rapid deployment capability. • Key pillars of American geopolitical power include a vast network of international alliances and the continued dominance of the U.S. dollar in global finance.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Thursday that global conflicts can only be resolved through diplomatic engagement and constructive negotiations rather than aggression. • The statement comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia and ongoing hostilities between the United States and Iran.

• German scholars argue that a commitment to international law is a strategic necessity for "middle powers" with limited global influence to maintain a stable international order. • The authors highlight a contradictory application of legal standards, noting the failure to enforce law during the Ukraine war and the prioritization of Israel's protection over humanitarian law in Gaza.

• Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire with Iran is "over" following a series of new attacks. • Despite the termination of the ceasefire, Trump indicated that diplomatic negotiations may still continue.

• Author Manjari Singh of the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) argues that the United Nations is being weaponized by great powers to influence conflicts in West Asia. • The piece highlights a recurring pattern where multilateral institutions and powerful nations unilaterally determine the outcomes of regional disputes.

• India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged all parties in West Asia to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions following a surge in regional conflict. • The statement follows warnings from US President Donald Trump regarding potential strikes on Iran after he declared a ceasefire over due to Iranian attacks.

• Germany has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting education in regions affected by crises, conflicts, and natural disasters. • Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan announced the continued support for the "Education Cannot Wait" global fund during a video message at the Global Citizen Festival in New York.

• India has expressed deep concern regarding escalating tensions in West Asia, specifically citing recent attacks on commercial shipping as a threat to regional peace. • The Indian government is urging all involved parties to exercise restraint and return to diplomatic dialogue to resolve ongoing conflicts.

In triggering an entirely optional byelection, Nigel Farage has given opponents weeks to repeat the claims about his financesTo some, Nigel Farage appears to be in a trap of his own making, fighting for re-election in single combat with a giant bin before potentially having to do it all again against the other political parties. But inside Reform UK, the mood is upbeat. As one insider said of the prospect of a double byelection: “Bring it on.”This is not just braggadocio. Farage is an enthusiastic and highly skilled campaigner, and is clearly relishing the idea of going to his electorate with a “Clacton versus the establishment” message, although doing so twice within weeks might test even his commitment – especially when the Reform UK leader is forced to argue that the establishment is embodied by an anthropomorphised bin. Continue reading...

Outsourcing firm counts cost of failures that left retired UK civil servants without an income for monthsCapita has revealed that the bill for cleaning up its mess at the crisis-hit civil service pension scheme could wipe up to £40m off annual profits – a day after its chief executive apologised to MPs for a “very poor service”.The company had faced a grilling at a Commons committee hearing on Wednesday, with its chief executive, Adolfo Hernandez, repeatedly apologising for failures that have kept thousands of civil servants waiting for payments and retirement quotes. Continue reading...