European leaders are accelerating plans to strengthen regional defence amid growing uncertainty over U.S. commitment to NATO under Donald Trump. At an EU summit, officials proposed activating a mutual assistance clause to ensure collective security, reflecting fears of reduced American support. Trump’s criticism of NATO and threats of withdrawal—driven by disputes over the Iran conflict—have deepened divisions within the alliance. European leaders worry about reliability, with Poland questioning U.S. loyalty in a potential Russian attack. The tensions have prompted Europe to explore independent defence strategies, though leaders remain cautious about weakening NATO unity. (PC: AP)

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said Washington is not rushing into a deal with Iran, even as tensions escalate in West Asia. He emphasized that Tehran still has a chance to negotiate but must abandon its nuclear ambitions. Meanwhile, the U.S.-led naval blockade targeting Iran is expanding globally, with ships linked to Iranian ports being intercepted across international waters. The blockade, enforced since mid-April, has already turned away multiple vessels and could intensify further with additional military deployments. Hegseth also warned Iran against provocative actions like laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, calling them ceasefire violations. (PC: AFP)

In a major political development, Raghav Chadha has quit the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and announced his move to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), along with a significant group of MPs. Reports suggest nearly two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha members are backing the shift, including Swati Maliwal and Harbhajan Singh. Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP faces a major setback as the move signals internal rifts and could weaken its strength in Parliament, while giving BJP a strategic boost. (PC: NDTV)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to reach Islamabad today to advance efforts aimed at reviving stalled peace talks with the United States. The visit comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, and a fragile ceasefire situation. Pakistan is playing a key mediating role by hosting crucial diplomatic discussions. Araghchi’s trip is likely to focus on initiating a second round of negotiations after earlier talks failed to yield a breakthrough, highlighting urgent international attempts to prevent further escalation and restore regional stability. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi intensified his attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) during a Bengal election rally, invoking the RG Kar rape-murder case. Sharing the stage with the victim’s mother—now a BJP candidate—Modi accused the state government of failing to protect women and suppressing justice. He said the mother “lost her daughter to TMC’s jungle raj,” highlighting the case as a symbol of law-and-order concerns. The 2024 murder of a trainee doctor had sparked nationwide outrage. The issue has now become a major political flashpoint, with BJP leveraging it to target TMC ahead of the high-stakes assembly elections. (PC: India Today)

A major political upheaval has unfolded after Raghav Chadha quit the Aam Aadmi Party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party along with several MPs. The move triggered a sharp reaction from Arvind Kejriwal, who accused the BJP of “betraying Punjabis” and attempting to weaken AAP’s stronghold in Punjab. The defection is seen as one of the biggest setbacks for AAP, exposing internal rifts and ideological differences. BJP, however, dismissed allegations of political manipulation. The development signals shifting alliances and intensifying rivalry ahead of upcoming elections, raising concerns over AAP’s stability and its influence in Punjab politics. 

NDTV recently introduced a unique mental health initiative by inviting a therapy dog named Oscar as its “Chief Bark Officer” for a day. The visit aimed to help employees cope with stress from hectic newsroom routines, including constant deadlines and back-to-back meetings. Oscar interacted with staff, offering comfort through simple gestures like companionship and play. The initiative underscored the importance of workplace well-being and taking breaks when overwhelmed. Employees described the experience as refreshing and uplifting, reinforcing the growing trend of incorporating pet therapy in corporate environments to improve morale, reduce stress, and boost overall productivity.

India has strongly criticised Donald Trump after he shared a social media post describing the country as a “hellhole,” calling the remarks “uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste.” The controversy stems from Trump reposting a transcript of a podcast discussing US birthright citizenship and immigration, which also made negative claims about Indians in the tech sector. New Delhi stressed that such comments do not reflect the reality of India–US relations, which are based on mutual respect and shared interests. The episode risks straining ties that were gradually improving after tensions over tariffs, immigration policies, and geopolitical differences. (PC: Bloomberg)

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their fragile ceasefire by three weeks following U.S.-brokered talks at the White House led by President Donald Trump. The extension is part of broader efforts to de-escalate an expanding Middle East conflict involving Iran, Hezbollah, and control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Trump said he is willing to wait for the “best deal” with Iran, signalling a preference for a long-term agreement over a quick resolution. Despite the truce, sporadic clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah persist, raising doubts about stability. Meanwhile, tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence continue to complicate peace efforts. (PC: Reuters)

Raghav Chadha said he will leave the Aam Aadmi Party and join the Bharatiya Janata Party. Speaking at a press conference, Chadha said that seven other Rajya Sabha MPs will also move with him. Among them is Harbhajan Singh. Chadha called the move a “new political step” and said it was taken after careful thought. The shift is seen as a major blow to AAP in Parliament. The party has not yet given an official response. The development may change the numbers in the Rajya Sabha and affect future debates and voting. (PC: X)