In the trial of former US President Donald Trump over hush money payments, Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo accuses Trump of orchestrating a criminal scheme to cover up hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Accuses him of corrupting the election. This trial marks first-ever criminal case against a former president. Trump pleads not guilty, faces 34 counts of business record falsification. Experts suggest trial's outcome may impact his candidacy against President Joe Biden in upcoming election. Allegations stem from payment made by Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen to Daniels for her silence about a 2006 encounter.

Israeli military intelligence chief Major General Aharon Haliva steps down, taking responsibility for lapses leading to deadliest attack in Israel's history on 7 October. Haliva calls for state commission of inquiry to investigate circumstances. Haliva's resignation sets stage for potential fallout from top security officials. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu promises accountability. Hamas attack resulted in over 1,200 casualties, mostly civilians. Haliva's retirement pending selection of successor. Israeli Defense Forces continue investigations into intelligence failures.

Drone and missile strikes targeted Isfahan province in Iran, hitting a region housing the S-300 air defence system and nuclear facility. Reports suggest Israeli origin, though Israel neither confirms nor denies. Satellite images reveal damage to the Russian-supplied defence system. Iran denies detection of incoming threats. Western officials suggest Israel aimed to bypass Iran's defence undetected. Concerns over the formidable S-300 system's supply to Iran persist. Russia delivered the system in 2016 after years of negotiation, sparking tensions with Israel. The extent of damage and weapons used remain unclear as both sides refute claims.

Global military expenditure reached an unprecedented $2.4 trillion in 2023, with India ranking fourth globally, spending $83.6 billion. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) highlighted increased spending in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, citing heightened security concerns. China and Russia also saw significant spikes in military expenditure. Notably, NATO members collectively accounted for 55% of global military spending, with the USA alone representing 68% of NATO's total expenditure. Rising tensions and conflicts, including Israel's offensive in Gaza and Russia's actions in Ukraine, contributed to the surge in military spending worldwide.

UK PM Rishi Sunak boldly announced the UK's steadfast commitment to the Rwanda deportation scheme. Despite facing resistance from Labour peers in Parliament, Sunak vowed to press ahead with the plan, stressing that "no foreign court will stop us." The PM outlined meticulous preparations, including detention spaces, dedicated courtrooms, and charter flights ready for deportation. Notably, he confirmed that the first flight is scheduled to depart within 10 to 12 weeks of the bill's passage.

A massive marine reptile, Ichthyotitan Severnensis, has been unearthed from a fossil jawbone discovered by a british girl and her father on Somerset beach in England. Estimated to be between 72 to 85 feet long, it could be one of the largest animals ever on Earth, rivaling even today's biggest whales. These ancient creatures, called ichthyosaurs, once dominated the oceans alongside dinosaurs, feasting on fish and other marine reptiles. The finding provides valuable insights into the size and diversity of prehistoric marine life, showcasing the incredible wonders hidden beneath the waves millions of years ago.

Last week, Isfahan province in Iran experienced drone and missile strikes, reportedly originating from Israel, targeting a region housing Iran's nuclear facility and air defense systems. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. Tensions escalated following Iran's recent drone, cruise, and ballistic missile assault on Israel. Analysis of satellite imagery by The New York Times and BBC indicates the absence of the Russian S-300 defense system at the targeted site, suggesting its removal prior to the attack. These developments occur amidst heightened regional tensions, underscoring the strategic significance of the affected locations.

In response to reports of planned sanctions on Israeli military and police units by the US, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledges to oppose any sanctions with full force. The move comes amidst allegations of human rights violations against Palestinian civilians. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant also warns against setting a "dangerous" precedent, urging the US to reconsider. The Biden administration's move marks a potential strain in US-Israel relations amid ongoing conflicts.

Rockets launched from northern Iraq targeted a military base in Syria housing the US-led coalition, prompting Iraqi forces to conduct a search operation. This marks the first major attack in weeks and follows heightened tensions between Israel and Iran. The Iraqi security forces attributed the assault to "outlaw elements," burning the vehicle used in the attack. Rami Abdel Rahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights attributed the attack to the Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq. The incident occurs amid escalating regional tensions, with a recent explosion at an Iraqi military base adding to the unrest.            

In Maldives, President Mohamed Muizzu's party, the People's National Congress (PNC), clinched a resounding victory in the parliamentary elections. With 66 out of 86 seats, they now wield significant power in the parliament, granting Muizzu leverage to promote his pro-China stance. This outcome alarms India, as Muizzu's presidency has leaned away from New Delhi since his election last year. The PNC's overwhelming win paves the way for policies that may strengthen ties with China, potentially sidelining India's influence in the region.