CIA Director John Ratcliffe has reportedly made a secret trip to Moscow as the United States pushes for a possible end to the war in Ukraine. According to reports, Ratcliffe held talks with Russian officials amid renewed diplomatic efforts by Washington.   The visit comes as the US has reportedly asked Ukraine to stop certain long-range strikes on Russian territory to support peace negotiations. The move has raised concerns in Kyiv, where officials fear limits on military operations could benefit Russia.   The reported Moscow visit highlights the Trump administration's efforts to open direct channels with Russia while seeking a negotiated settlement to the Ukraine war.  

US President Donald Trump said the American Navy had informed him that all mines in the Strait of Hormuz had been removed or detonated. He warned Iran that any ship or boat found placing new mines would be “immediately and systematically destroyed”. Trump said the US was closely monitoring the strategic waterway and Iranian nuclear sites, stressing that Washington had a zero-tolerance policy on mine placement. The warning came as the US increased economic pressure on Tehran through new sanctions, including expanded secondary sanctions targeting countries, companies and other entities doing business with Iran. (PC: HT)

The controversy over Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan advertisement has triggered a wider debate online. While the actor defended her outfit and said culture and traditions should not be judged by a woman’s clothing, actor Abhijeet Dipke weighed in with a sharp comment. He said that while India debates clothes and such controversies, China is moving ahead by building robots. Dipke’s remark shifted the discussion towards India’s focus on innovation and technological progress. The ad had drawn criticism over Sanon’s outfit and a scene showing her tying a rakhi to a pet dog, while others defended the campaign’s modern interpretation of tradition. (PC: NDTV)

The US Secret Service has confirmed it is aware of an Iranian state media video that appears to threaten Barron Trump, the youngest son of President Donald Trump. The nearly three-minute video reportedly showed places where Barron is known to spend time, including Trump Tower in New York. It also mentioned a $10 million reward. Secret Service spokesperson Nate Herring said the agency investigates anything that could be a threat to its protectees. The video was broadcast by Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB. The development comes amid rising tensions between the US and Iran and repeated threats against Trump and his family.

A US Air Force C-17 transport aircraft landed at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport on Tuesday. The reason for the unusual flight remains unclear. Flight data showed the aircraft, callsign RCH4555, flew from Riga, Latvia, and reached Moscow shortly after 10 am. The Kremlin told Reuters it had no information about the aircraft. Neither Washington nor Moscow has issued an official statement. The aircraft had earlier arrived in Riga from Andrews Air Force Base in the US. The flight has sparked speculation about possible US diplomatic talks with Russia over the Ukraine war. No visit has been confirmed.

A US military aircraft landed at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport on Tuesday, triggering speculation about the purpose of the rare flight. Flight tracking data identified the aircraft as a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, which flew from Riga, Latvia, to Moscow. Neither Washington nor Moscow immediately explained the visit, while the Kremlin said it had no information. The aircraft had earlier arrived in Riga from Camp Springs, home to Andrews Air Force Base. Online speculation linked the flight to possible Ukraine peace talks, including reports of a potential visit by US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. (PC: India Today)

China has vowed to protect its interests after the US announced wider sanctions targeting Iran and countries trading with Tehran. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing opposed what it called “illegal unilateral sanctions” and would take necessary measures to safeguard its rights. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that nations, banks and businesses maintaining financial ties with Iran could face isolation. China remains Iran’s largest oil buyer, with analysts estimating that around 90% of Iranian oil exports go to China. India and Russia could also be affected, but neither has yet responded.

An Indian man living in the US has sparked an online debate after claiming he saved more in India despite earning around ₹1 crore annually in America. Nitin Malhotra said his $8,000 monthly income is heavily reduced by mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, food and other household expenses, leaving him with about $1,000-$1,200 in savings. He said that while earning ₹25 lakh annually in India, he could save around ₹1-1.25 lakh every month after rent and daily expenses. His comparison has triggered a wider discussion on salaries, cost of living and quality of life. (PC: HT)

Iran has said it is fully prepared to counter sweeping new US sanctions aimed at further isolating Tehran from the global economy. Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said the country had plans in place to manage the measures and predicted another failure for Washington.   US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the new sanctions would target Iran’s financial links, including sectors such as technology, gold, aviation and shipping. China opposed the unilateral measures, while analysts questioned their effectiveness, noting that China continues to buy most of Iran’s oil despite previous US sanctions. (PC: BBC)

Iranian state television aired a video titled “Where to Kill Barron Trump” that allegedly tracked the movements of US President Donald Trump’s son and announced a $10 million bounty. The report said the video was produced by IRGC-affiliated media and broadcast on Channel 3. It also made claims about Barron Trump’s communications and security arrangements. The broadcast follows an earlier video targeting First Lady Melania Trump. Barron and Melania receive round-the-clock protection from the US Secret Service. The development comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran and renewed US economic pressure on Iran. (PC: NDTV)