US air force cancels promotions over grading error in security test

• 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 U.S. military and Iran engaged in a series of reciprocal strikes for a second consecutive day, escalating regional tensions. • U.S. forces targeted Iranian assets overnight, while Iran retaliated by striking U.S. military bases located in Bahrain and Kuwait.

• 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.

President ordered investigation after fictitious federal body allocated funding and office space, triggering renewed scrutiny of corruption A fictitious federal entity that was allocated 1.3 billion naira (£705,248) in Nigeria’s 2026 budget has precipitated a political storm in Africa’s largest democracy in the run-up to January’s general election.The fake agency came to light last October when Femi Gbajabiamila, the president’s chief of staff, wrote to the police alleging that his signature, along with official seals and reference numbers, had been forged by Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who was claiming to have been appointed by the presidency to head the presidential foreign intervention promotion council (PFIPC). Continue reading...

Keir Starmer revealed Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s strange choice of gift on the flight back from AnkaraWhat does a world leader do with a gun and six bullets? That was the conundrum Nato leaders faced after the Turkish president offered them each a revolver after the Ankara summit.Keir Starmer was the first to mention the highly unusual gift presented by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to his guests. On the flight back from Ankara, where Nato leaders had gathered for two days, the British prime minister said he and others had received a revolver engraved with their name. Continue reading...