Former U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg was instrumental in efforts to annex Greenland, a strategically significant Arctic territory. Trump, who previously expressed interest in purchasing Greenland from Denmark during his presidency, hinted at NATO’s involvement in securing the island for Western alliances. While no formal annexation efforts have taken place, Trump's remarks highlight ongoing geopolitical competition over Arctic resources and military positioning. Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, has been a focal point in U.S. security interests, with Washington expanding its military presence in the region to counter Russian and Chinese influence.

An American Airlines flight caught fire at Denver International Airport due to an engine malfunction, prompting an emergency evacuation. The incident occurred as the aircraft prepared for departure. Fortunately, all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated without injuries. Emergency responders quickly contained the fire, preventing further damage. The airline is investigating the cause of the malfunction, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also monitoring the situation. This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in the aviation industry, raising questions about aircraft maintenance and emergency preparedness. Travelers at Denver Airport faced temporary delays due to the emergency response.  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of manipulating ceasefire talks by setting unrealistic preconditions. Putin's cautious approach to the U.S.-proposed 30-day truce suggests he wants to reject it without directly opposing former U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy believes Putin is stalling negotiations while appearing open to talks. Meanwhile, Trump found Putin’s remarks "promising" and expressed optimism about a potential agreement. The situation reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions, with Ukraine urging the U.S. to impose tougher sanctions on Russia amid international mediation efforts.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and other world leaders for their diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. During a press briefing with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin acknowledged global initiatives for a ceasefire but insisted that any halt to hostilities must address the root causes of the war. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to peace, emphasizing dialogue over military action. Despite international mediation attempts, Putin outlined key conditions for sustainable peace, complicating immediate ceasefire prospects.  

Pakistan’s military accused militants in Afghanistan of planning the deadly attack on the Jaffar Express in Balochistan. The hijacking lasted 36 hours, leaving at least 21 dead. Security forces killed 33 attackers and rescued over 100 passengers. "It was like a rain of rockets and bullets," a survivor said. The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility, demanding the release of political prisoners. Military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry warned, "This incident changes the rules of the game." Pakistan urged Afghanistan to stop militants from using its land. The attack was condemned by the US, China, and the UN.

A US judge has ordered six federal agencies to rehire thousands of workers fired under Donald Trump's government cuts. Judge William Alsup ruled that the layoffs, justified as "poor performance," were a "sham" to bypass legal rules. The lawsuit was filed by employee unions. The ruling affects the Treasury, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, and Interior departments. "It is a sad day when good employees are fired under false claims," Alsup said. Since returning as president, Trump has cut government spending and jobs, but courts have pushed back with several legal rulings against his policies.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticised the Tamil Nadu government for replacing the rupee symbol (₹) with a Tamil letter in its 2025-26 budget logo. She questioned why DMK did not oppose the symbol when it was introduced in 2010 under the UPA government, where DMK was an ally. Sitharaman called the move "a rejection of a national symbol" and warned it could "promote secessionist sentiment." The DMK defended the change, saying it reflects Tamil identity. The controversy comes amid a language dispute between the state and the Centre over the National Education Policy.

Byrnihat, a small town on the Meghalaya-Assam border, has been named the world’s most polluted city, according to IQAir’s 2024 report. The town recorded an annual PM2.5 level of 128.2 µg/m³, far above WHO’s safe limit. Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma expressed concern and suggested industries on the Assam side may be the main cause. “This is of great concern to all of us,” he said. Sangma has written to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, seeking joint action. Meghalaya has already shut down polluting units, but officials stress the need for cooperation to improve air quality.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump praised NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, saying, “NATO is stepping up through this man.” Trump credited Rutte for strengthening the alliance and supporting efforts to end the war. “He only knows how to do a good job,” Trump added, emphasizing his role in securing Rutte’s appointment. However, Trump also repeated concerns about U.S. spending, stating, “We are on the other side of the ocean.” He highlighted a new minerals deal with Ukraine, saying it will “get us something back, a lot back.” Rutte joked he would keep Trump’s praise as a family keepsake.

The UK's terror watchdog has warned about the rise of lone attackers planning mass killings after being influenced by the internet. Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terrorism laws, suggested a new offence for individuals plotting such crimes. He cited cases like Axel Rudakubana, who killed three children in Southport, and Nicholas Prosper, who planned a school shooting. Hall cautioned against broadening the definition of terrorism, fearing misuse. The government is reviewing current laws to tackle this emerging threat. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed the need to address the dangers posed by isolated young men radicalised online.