Russian fighter jets repeatedly intercepted a British Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft during a reconnaissance mission over the Black Sea, according to UK defence sources. The RAF spy plane was reportedly operating in international airspace when multiple Russian warplanes approached and shadowed it at close range. The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and NATO over the ongoing Ukraine conflict and increased military activity in the region. British officials described the mission as lawful and routine, while Moscow accused Western nations of escalating surveillance near Russian territory. The repeated interceptions underline growing risks of military confrontation in the strategically sensitive Black Sea region. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran are in their “final stages” and expressed hope for a diplomatic agreement to avoid further conflict. However, Trump warned that the United States remains prepared to launch military attacks if talks fail to produce an acceptable deal. The negotiations focus on Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security and reopening the Strait of Hormuz after recent disruptions to global oil shipments. Iran has continued indirect talks through mediators while insisting on sanctions relief and security guarantees. Oil markets reacted cautiously as fears of renewed conflict in the Middle East continue to impact global energy prices. (PC: X)

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing following former US President Donald Trump’s recent diplomatic engagement with Moscow. The high-profile meeting highlighted the strengthening strategic partnership between China and Russia amid growing geopolitical tensions with the West. Discussions reportedly focused on energy cooperation, military coordination, trade expansion and global security issues, including the Ukraine conflict and Indo-Pacific developments. Both leaders reaffirmed opposition to Western sanctions and pledged closer cooperation in international forums. The visit signals Beijing and Moscow’s continued alignment despite rising pressure from the United States and its allies. (PC: AFP)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will begin his first official visit to India on May 23 for a four-day diplomatic tour covering Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi. During the visit, Rubio is expected to hold high-level meetings with senior Indian officials to strengthen cooperation in trade, defence, energy security and strategic partnerships. He will also participate in the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting hosted by India on May 26 alongside representatives from Australia and Japan. The discussions are likely to focus on Indo-Pacific security, global geopolitical tensions and expanding India-US bilateral ties amid evolving international challenges. (PC: AFP)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is set to expand his cabinet by inducting two Congress MLAs — Rajesh Kumar and P. Vishwanathan — as ministers. The move marks the Congress party’s return to the Tamil Nadu government after a gap of 59 years. Congress general secretary K. C. Venugopal called it a “historic occasion” and confirmed the swearing-in ceremony. The cabinet expansion strengthens the alliance supporting Vijay’s minority government, which came to power after the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections with backing from Congress and several regional parties. (PC: X)

A US Congressional Research Service (CRS) report claimed that at least 42 American military aircraft were lost or damaged during the ongoing Iran war under Operation Epic Fury. The reported losses include F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, an F-35A stealth fighter, MQ-9 Reaper drones, KC-135 refuelling aircraft, an E-3 Sentry surveillance plane, and special operations helicopters. Pentagon officials said repair and replacement costs have sharply increased, pushing operational expenses close to $29 billion. The CRS warned the numbers could rise further because of ongoing combat, classified data, and difficulties in confirming battlefield losses during the conflict. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would “do whatever I want him to do” regarding the escalating Iran conflict, underlining strong US-Israel coordination. Trump said he was not rushing to end the confrontation and prioritized achieving strategic goals over speed. His remarks came amid stalled US-Iran diplomatic talks, ongoing Israeli military operations, and growing fears of a wider regional war. The escalating tensions have increased concerns over Middle East stability, global oil prices, and the possibility of broader international involvement in the conflict. (PC: India Today)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India from May 23-26 for his first official trip to the country, focusing on strengthening cooperation in trade, defence, energy and regional security. According to the US State Department, Rubio’s itinerary includes Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi, where he will hold high-level meetings with senior Indian officials. The visit will also coincide with the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting scheduled in New Delhi on May 26. Rubio is expected to join Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi for discussions on major geopolitical developments, including the ongoing West Asia crisis and broader Indo-Pacific security challenges. (PC: X)

Yume, the Akita dog gifted by Japan’s Akita Prefecture to Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2012, died in 2025 due to old age, the Russian presidential office confirmed. The dog would have turned 14 on April 24. Yume was presented as a gesture of gratitude for Russia’s assistance following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and was believed to have lived at Putin’s official residence. The dog became a symbol of Japan-Russia goodwill and frequently drew public attention during diplomatic interactions. In January 2025, the Kremlin had described Yume as “well, mischievous, devoted and keeping the president happy.” The revelation has renewed memories of one of diplomacy’s most recognisable animal companions. (PC: X)

A Bhopal court has rejected a plea seeking a second postmortem examination at AIIMS Delhi in the Twisha Sharma death case, while simultaneously raising concerns over the preservation of her body. The court directed Katara Hills police to urgently gather information on advanced low-temperature preservation facilities across Madhya Pradesh and nearby metropolitan cities. Twisha’s body has remained at the AIIMS Bhopal mortuary since May 13 and is currently stored at minus 4 degrees Celsius, while long-term preservation reportedly requires minus 80 degrees Celsius storage. Twisha’s family had sought a fresh autopsy alleging dowry harassment, investigative lapses and possible evidence suppression. Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Team continues probing allegations against her husband and mother-in-law. (PC: X)