The Indian Navy took delivery of Mahendragiri (Yard 12654), the sixth ship of the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) frigates and the fourth constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai. This delivery signifies a crucial milestone in India's pursuit of self-reliance in warship design and construction. Project 17A frigates are advanced multi-mission platforms engineered to address evolving maritime challenges. Designed by the Warship Design Bureau, these ships represent significant advancements in stealth, firepower, automation, and survivability, thereby reinforcing India's indigenous defense capabilities.
- The Indian Navy received Mahendragiri, the sixth Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) frigate.
- It is the fourth such frigate constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai.
- The delivery marks a significant step towards India's self-reliance in warship design and construction.
Amid fresh unrest, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Manipur State government resumed talks with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups, who are under a Suspension of Operations (SOO) pact. This marks the first such meeting since the restoration of an elected government in Manipur on February 4, led by Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh. The previous Biren Singh government had refused to extend the SOO pact in February 2024. Discussions focused on operational and security issues, with both sides agreeing to relocate some SOO camps to reduce friction with local populations and improve security.
- The MHA and Manipur government resumed talks with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups under a Suspension of Operations (SOO) pact.
- This was the first dialogue involving the Manipur government since the restoration of an elected government on February 4, 2026.
- The previous Biren Singh government had refused to extend the SOO pact in February 2024.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Iran's latest peace proposal, delivered via Pakistan, aimed at ending the war between the countries. Trump stated he was "not satisfied" with the terms, indicating Iran was "asking for things I can't agree to." This rejection comes as the Revolutionary Guards warned American warships of retaliation if Iran is attacked. Following a previous ceasefire and direct talks in Pakistan that failed, Trump had announced a blockade of Iranian ports, which remains in place, further escalating tensions in the region.
- U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran's latest peace proposal, stating he was "not satisfied" with its terms.
- Iran delivered the proposal through Pakistan, which is mediating between the two nations.
- The Revolutionary Guards issued warnings of retaliation against American warships if Iran is attacked.
The article, penned by Shashi Tharoor, argues that the war in Iran has devastated the country and shattered the Gulf region's long-held image as a stable haven for capital and trade. This conflict has triggered global economic consequences, including surging fuel prices, LPG/LNG shortages, and disruptions to supply chains, affecting Indian manufacturers and the working class. The Gulf's vulnerability is exposed, with businesses reconsidering expansion, capital flows hesitating, and migrant labour facing uncertainty. The war has undermined confidence in the region's security, impacting trade routes and investments, and highlighting India's deep entanglement with the Gulf's stability.
- The war in Iran has caused widespread physical destruction and crippled vital infrastructure within the country.
- The conflict has triggered significant global economic repercussions, including rising fuel prices and supply chain disruptions.
- The Gulf region's perceived stability and economic resilience have been shattered, leading to uncertainty for capital, businesses, and migrant labour.
A unique funeral for Raja Liaquat Ali Khan, whose family members in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) watched from across the Kishanganga river, has reignited calls to reopen Line of Control (LoC) crossing points in Kashmir. Khan, a resident of Kupwara, had family divided by the LoC since the militancy turmoil of 1989-90. While former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee had facilitated meetings on humanitarian grounds, cross-LoC trade and bus services were suspended in 2019 after the Balakote strikes, impacting divided families. Netizens and Kashmiri organizations are now demanding a review of the policy to allow families to meet.
- A funeral held across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir has brought renewed attention to the plight of divided families and the need to reopen crossing points.
- Cross-LoC trade and bus services, which facilitated contact for divided families, were suspended in 2019 following the Balakote strikes.
- The suspension has severely impacted families separated by the LoC, preventing them from meeting even for significant life events.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Bishkek, emphasized that terrorism remains the most serious threat to global peace. He called for a unified and consistent approach to eliminate terrorism, extremism, and radicalism, stressing that terrorism has no nationality or theology and cannot be justified. Singh highlighted the importance of credibility and rejecting double standards, particularly concerning state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. He also invoked the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family) and called for an "orderly world" defined by peace and prosperity, urging SCO members to prioritize diplomacy over conflict.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh advocated for a unified and consistent approach by SCO members to combat terrorism, extremism, and radicalism.
- He asserted that terrorism is a global threat that cannot be justified under any circumstances and has no nationality.
- Singh stressed the need for SCO members to maintain consistency and reject double standards, especially regarding state-sponsored cross-border terrorism.
The U.S. war on Iran has evolved into a "battle of wills" over the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, characterized by naval blockades and stalled diplomacy. Iran has restricted traffic through the Strait since the US-Israel attacks on February 28, refusing to ease control until the US lifts its blockade of Iranian ports. Despite a ceasefire in Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes continue, and the US maintains its blockade, hoping economic pressure will force Iran to yield. The article advocates for a phased, reciprocal de-escalation: the US lifting its blockade and Iran reopening the Strait to commercial shipping, to reinforce the fragile ceasefire and build confidence for future talks.
- The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has intensified into a standoff over control of the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
- Iran has restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Israel attacks, demanding the US lift its blockade of Iranian ports.
- Diplomatic efforts, mediated by Pakistan, have stalled, with Iran refusing further direct talks with Washington.
The 'all-weather friendship' between China and Pakistan is increasingly reflected in their deepening space cooperation, offering strategic advantages to Islamabad. China has been instrumental in launching numerous Pakistani satellites, including communication and remote-sensing satellites, and plans to send a Pakistani astronaut to its Tiangong space station by 2026. Pakistan also utilizes China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), which provides high-precision information crucial for disaster relief, urban planning, and environmental management. This dual-use space technology has significant defense implications, enhancing Pakistan's navigation and telecommunication capabilities.
- China and Pakistan have significantly deepened their space cooperation, reflecting their 'all-weather friendship' and providing strategic advantages to Pakistan.
- China has launched multiple Pakistani satellites, including communication and remote-sensing satellites, over the past two decades.
- A Pakistani astronaut is scheduled to visit China's Tiangong space station by 2026 as part of this collaboration.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, to lead the Indian delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting. He is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with counterparts from Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyz Republic, among others, to strengthen defence cooperation. During the meeting, Mr. Singh will reiterate India's commitment to global peace and stability, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance against terrorism and extremism. The discussions will cover regional and global security challenges and efforts to enhance defence collaboration among SCO member states.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.
- He is expected to hold bilateral discussions with defence ministers from Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyz Republic to enhance defence cooperation.
- India will reiterate its commitment to global peace and stability and its firm stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism and extremism.
Iran has proposed ending its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. lifts its blockade and ends the war, a proposal that would postpone discussions on Iran's nuclear program. The offer, conveyed via Pakistan, is unlikely to be accepted by U.S. President Donald Trump, as it leaves key disagreements unresolved. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Russia and met President Vladimir Putin, who praised Iran's fight for sovereignty. Iran also seeks Oman's support for a mechanism to collect tolls from vessels passing through the strait.
- Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. lifts its blockade and ends the ongoing conflict.
- The Iranian proposal aims to postpone discussions on its nuclear program and was conveyed to the U.S. via Pakistan.
- U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly unlikely to accept the offer, as it does not address underlying disagreements.
Anthropic's AI model, Mythos, designed to find software vulnerabilities, has reportedly been accessed by unauthorized users, raising significant cybersecurity concerns. Mythos operates by interacting with software to identify flaws, capable of chaining multiple vulnerabilities into exploits, and has found thousands of high-severity vulnerabilities. The breach, following an earlier incident of publicly accessible internal files, questions Anthropic's ability to safeguard its powerful technologies. The incident highlights the alarming asymmetry between defenders, constrained by patch cycles, and attackers, who can exploit vulnerabilities rapidly, potentially in minutes with AI. This necessitates a re-evaluation of risk tolerance and preparation for a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
- Anthropic's AI model, Mythos, designed for vulnerability discovery, has been accessed by unauthorized users.
- Mythos can identify thousands of high-severity vulnerabilities and chain them into working exploits.
- The incident raises questions about Anthropic's security measures and the broader implications for cybersecurity.
Indian Railways has mandated an audit of its signalling systems across the network to identify deficiencies and enhance reliability for safe train operations. This directive from the Railway Board follows several fatal accidents and derailments in the past three years, where signal failures, particularly in automatic signalling territories, were suspected causes. The audit will assess the quality of new installations, adherence to approved drawings and specifications, compliance with Technical Advisory Notes, and the condition of equipment, wiring, earthing, and bonding. The objective is to identify faulty systems, ensure standard compliance, and improve overall reliability of the signalling infrastructure.
- Indian Railways has ordered a comprehensive audit of its signalling systems nationwide.
- The audit aims to rectify deficiencies and improve the reliability of critical assets for safe train operations.
- This decision follows multiple fatal accidents and derailments linked to signal failures.
This article analyzes the legal aspects of the U.S.-Iran conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, focusing on international waters, blockades, and interceptions. It explains that the seas are a shared global commons, with freedom of navigation upheld by UNCLOS. While the U.S. imposes sanctions as economic warfare, these are based on U.S. law, not international law, and are not authorized by the UN. Iran's actions, like detaining ships, are in retaliation to the U.S. blockade. The Strait of Hormuz is an international passage where 'transit' rights apply, allowing unhindered passage but with some restrictions on ship conduct. The IMO is working to resolve the issue, condemning Iran's attacks but not U.S. actions.
- The Strait of Hormuz conflict involves U.S. sanctions and Iranian retaliatory actions, raising questions about international maritime law.
- The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) establishes the seas as shared global commons, upholding freedom of navigation for merchant ships.
- U.S. sanctions, while a form of economic warfare, are based on U.S. domestic law and lack international authorization.
Israel initiated 'Operation Wings of Dawn' to fly out 240 members of the Bnei Menashe community from Mizoram to Tel Aviv, amidst the ongoing war in West Asia. This is the first of three batches, with a total of around 600 individuals expected. The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) is facilitating the move, settling families in absorption centres in Nof HaGalil and Kiryat Yam. India clarified it did not facilitate the flight, stating its responsibility is to prevent human trafficking and ensure legal migration. The operation proceeds despite India's travel advisory due to security risks in Israel, particularly in northern areas targeted by Hezbollah.
- Israel's 'Operation Wings of Dawn' is relocating members of the Bnei Menashe community from Northeast India to Israel.
- The first batch of 240 individuals from Mizoram has been flown to Tel Aviv, with a total of 600 expected.
- The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) is spearheading the initiative, settling new arrivals in Nof HaGalil and Kiryat Yam.
The ongoing Kuki-Naga conflict in Manipur escalated on Friday, resulting in three deaths and several injuries. Two Kukis and one Tangkhul Naga were killed in Ukhrul district. Both the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights (KOHUR) and the Naga Village Guard (NVG) accused each other of initiating the attacks. KOHUR claimed armed Tangkhul Naga men attacked Kuki villages, while NVG stated armed Kuki extremists opened fire on their patrol. The conflict highlights continued tensions and tactical movements by armed cadres under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.
- The Kuki-Naga conflict in Manipur escalated, leading to three fatalities and multiple injuries.
- Casualties included two Kukis and one Tangkhul Naga in Ukhrul district, a Tangkhul-dominant area.
- Both the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights (KOHUR) and the Naga Village Guard (NVG) blamed the opposing community for initiating the violence.
The article details the complex, decades-long conflict in Lebanon, involving Israel, Hezbollah, Iran, and the US. It traces the conflict from the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) presence to Hezbollah's rise as a powerful militia backed by Iran. Recent events include a joint US-Israel air campaign against Iran, which led to Hezbollah attacking Israel, breaking a 15-month ceasefire. Despite a tenuous ceasefire and ongoing talks in Washington and Islamabad, Lebanon remains fragile, facing challenges of disarmament, civil war, and a severe humanitarian crisis with 35% of its population below the poverty line by early 2026.
- Lebanon's conflict predates Iran's Islamic Republic, rooted in its role as a battleground for foreign causes against Israel.
- Hezbollah, backed by Iran, evolved into Lebanon's most powerful militia, inflicting losses on the IDF.
- A joint US-Israel air campaign against Iran in February 2026 led to Hezbollah attacking Israel, breaking a ceasefire.
US President Donald Trump ordered the Navy to destroy Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in West Asia. Iran responded by stating it had banked the first proceeds from tolls on shipping through the strait and vowed retaliation after US forces seized an Iranian vessel. Two container ships seized by Iran near the Strait of Hormuz with 40 crew were taken towards Bandar Abbas. The US stated it's not under pressure to end the war, but "the clock is ticking" for Tehran, while Iran vowed to keep the strait closed to all but approved vessels as long as the US Navy blockades its ports.
- US President ordered the Navy to destroy Iranian boats caught laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran claimed to have collected revenue from tolls on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran seized two container ships with about 40 crew near the Strait of Hormuz, vowing retaliation.
The first anniversary of the Pahalgam massacre, which resulted in 26 civilian deaths in Jammu and Kashmir, was observed with goodwill gestures, rallies, and silent tributes. Political leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, paid homage and reiterated their commitment to eradicating terrorism. Security forces were on high alert, and locals demonstrated solidarity with tourists, offering free entry to gardens and extra pony rides. While pledging against terrorism, leaders also drew attention to other past massacres in Kashmir, emphasizing the need for joint efforts from the elected government, Union government, and security apparatus to ensure lasting peace and prevent future tragedies, aspiring for non-violence and dignity through talks.
- The first anniversary of the Pahalgam massacre, which killed 26 civilians, was observed with tributes and rallies in Jammu and Kashmir.
- J&K leaders, including the Chief Minister and chief cleric, paid homage and reiterated a strong commitment to combating terrorism.
- Locals showed solidarity with tourists, offering free services, while security forces maintained high alert.
This article analyzes India's transition from Left Wing Extremism (LWE) to a future of peace and development, emphasizing that security gains alone are insufficient. True peace requires credible governance, empathetic leadership, and inclusive transformation built on state legitimacy and trust in previously affected regions. The authors propose a framework focusing on stronger rights, justice, functioning institutions, and visible opportunities, alongside a structured, region-specific transformation action plan. It advocates for community-centred economic strategies, fair procurement of forest produce, and sustained administrative presence. The piece highlights the need to address the historical marginalization of tribal citizens and ensure that the state shows up reliably, treating people as rights-bearing stakeholders.
- India has significantly reduced Left Wing Extremism (LWE), transitioning from a period of violence to one of peace and development.
- Beyond security gains, sustained peace requires credible governance, empathetic leadership, and inclusive transformation built on state legitimacy and trust.
- The article advocates for community-centred economic strategies, fair procurement of forest produce, and incentives for local enterprises.
The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) is scheduled for May-end 2026, marking its return after more than a decade. The summit will prioritize development initiatives, education, capacity building, diplomatic expansion, and defence cooperation. It holds significant importance amidst global supply chain disruptions, particularly following the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran. India aims to enhance the implementation rate of its commitments to African nations and encourages Foreign Direct Investment from Indian businesses, shifting focus from small and medium enterprises to larger investments from Global South leaders.
- The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) in 2026 will focus on development initiatives, education, capacity building, and defence cooperation.
- The summit is strategically significant given the current global supply chain disruptions.
- India aims to improve the implementation of its commitments to African countries.
This article argues that India's compliance with U.S. unilateral sanctions has negatively impacted its economy, energy sourcing, and foreign policy, leading to increased demands from the U.S. It highlights that India's decision to ignore certain sanctions, such as for the Russian S-400 systems, proved beneficial. The author advocates for India to unequivocally denounce U.S. unilateral sanctions to safeguard its strategic autonomy and achieve energy independence. The piece also criticizes the U.S. for its extensive use of sanctions compared to other global powers and international bodies.
- U.S. unilateral sanctions have adversely affected India's economic growth, energy sourcing, and foreign policy objectives.
- India's past compliance with U.S. sanctions has not curbed U.S. demands, instead leading to additional pressures for conformity.
- Ignoring U.S. sanctions, such as for the S-400 air defence systems, has proven beneficial for India without incurring penalties.
US President Donald Trump announced that US negotiators would head to Pakistan for talks with Iran to extend a ceasefire, though Iran did not immediately confirm. The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to Iranian threats and a US blockade on Iranian ports. Iran's chief negotiator stated that ships would not pass while the US blockade is in effect. Trump threatened to destroy civilian infrastructure in Iran if it does not accept the US deal. Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the US blockade as 'unlawful and criminal,' a ceasefire violation, and a 'war crime.' New proposals have been received, and Pakistani mediators are arranging more talks, following previous unsuccessful direct talks in Islamabad.
- US President Trump announced talks with Iran in Pakistan to extend a ceasefire, which Iran did not immediately confirm.
- The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to a US blockade on Iranian ports and Iranian threats, with Iran's chief negotiator stating no retreat in diplomacy.
- Trump threatened to destroy civilian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, in Iran if it does not accept the US deal.
The Israeli military announced the establishment of a "Yellow Line" demarcation in southern Lebanon, similar to the one dividing Gaza, following a 10-day ceasefire agreement with Lebanon and Hezbollah. Israeli forces reported striking militants who violated the ceasefire by approaching the line, asserting their right to self-defense despite the truce. This development comes after six weeks of conflict and ongoing negotiations to consolidate the ceasefire, ensure Israeli troop withdrawal, and resolve border disputes. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the crucial nature of direct negotiations with Israel to achieve these goals.
- Israel has established a "Yellow Line" demarcation in southern Lebanon, akin to the one in Gaza.
- This line aims to separate Israeli forces from territory where militants operate, even during a ceasefire.
- Israeli forces engaged militants violating the ceasefire by approaching the "Yellow Line," citing self-defense.
Iran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil transit waterway, in retaliation for the continued U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. This escalation follows a brief reopening and comes amidst ongoing tensions and failed negotiations between Iran and the U.S. Iran's joint military command declared full control over the strait and warned of continued blockades as long as U.S. sanctions persist. The move threatens to deepen the global energy crisis and reignite conflict, with both sides accusing each other of miscalculations and blackmail, as a fragile ceasefire approaches its end.
- Iran has re-closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route, in response to the U.S. blockade of its ports.
- The closure, following a brief reopening, escalates tensions and threatens global energy markets.
- Iran's military asserted full control over the strait, vowing to maintain the blockade until U.S. sanctions are lifted.