INTERNATIONAL

In Sudan’s long-running crisis, the main combatants are the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), commanded by Abdel Fattah al‑Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemedti). These two men once shared power after the 2019 removal of the dictator Omar al‑Bashir but their alliance fractured in April 2023 when the question of integrating the RSF into the national army and the timing of civilian rule triggered open conflict. The RSF traces its roots to the tribal militias known as the Janjaweed, Arab-nomadic militias from Darfur that were armed during Bashir’s era, but over time evolved into a paramilitary formation with tanks, drones, and economic interests. The SAF remains nominally the national army, wielding air power and commanding the official ...

The Holy Relics of Lord Buddha have returned to India after a historic week-long exposition in Kalmykia, Russia — marking a significant moment in India–Russia cultural diplomacy. Led by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Indian delegation brought back the revered relics, which were displayed for public veneration at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, also known as the “Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha.” Over 90,000 devotees from across Russia and neighbouring regions visited the monastery to pay homage. The exposition was organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation, the National Museum, and the IGNCA. “The Holy Relics of Lord Buddha are considered the Buddha himself. Their exposition in Kalmykia is ...

Clashes broke out between the Pakistan Army and Afghan forces following firing at multiple locations along the Pak-Afghan border in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, Dawn reported on Saturday. The violent exchange began after Taliban forces allegedly opened fire at several Pakistani border posts late Saturday night. "In a prompt and intense response, Pakistani forces effectively targeted several Afghan border posts," security officials were quoted as saying by Dawn. They added that there were reports of notable damage inflicted on multiple Afghan posts and militant formations. The firing took place at several key posts, including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Baramcha in Balochistan, The Express Tribune reported. Security sources said tha...

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote democracy and resist dictatorship in her country. Machado, a former presidential candidate, has become a symbol of civilian courage in Latin America, despite facing threats, arrests, and political persecution. Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, praised her as a “key, unifying figure” who helped a divided opposition demand free elections and representative government. Over the past year, Machado has lived in hiding but remained in Venezuela, inspiring millions with her resilience against authoritarianism. The Nobel Peace Prize is the only Nobel awarded in Oslo, Norway, recognizing individuals and movements defending freedom and human rights....

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued an apology to Qatar for the September 9 airstrike in Doha that killed Qatari citizen Badr Al-Dosari. The apology came during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, according to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry. The airstrike, aimed at a Hamas negotiating delegation, killed five Hamas members but was widely condemned by Doha as a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty. Hamas’s top leaders survived the attack. During the call, Netanyahu expressed regret for the civilian casualty and assured Qatar that Israel would not carry out further strikes on its territory. Sheikh Mohammed thanked Trump for mediating and reaffirmed Qatar’s firm stance on protecting its soverei...

U.S. President Donald J. Trump, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has unveiled a comprehensive 20-point plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The proposal outlines steps for a ceasefire, the return of hostages, the release of prisoners, and a conditional path toward Palestinian self-determination. Hamas has not formally accepted the plan. The Gaza conflict cannot be understood without its deep historical roots. From the Palestinian perspective, the story begins in 1948 with the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” when over 700,000 Palestinians were displaced following the creation of Israel. Entire towns and villages were depopulated, leaving hundreds of thousands as refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, and neighboring countries. Since then, repeated wars, military o...

US President Donald Trump on Monday commended Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir for endorsing Washington’s newly unveiled Gaza peace plan. Speaking at a White House press briefing, Trump described Pakistan’s support as “tremendous,” noting that both leaders had backed the proposal from the outset. “The prime minister and the field marshal of Pakistan were with us right from the beginning. They just issued a statement saying they fully believe in this pact,” he said. The remarks came shortly after the US announced its 20-point plan aimed at ending the war between Israel and Hamas. The proposal includes the release of hostages and prisoners, Hamas’s disarmament, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces. Trump also praised leaders from Saudi...

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has condemned what it described as “unilateral and vindictive” actions of the Trump administration, following Washington’s decision to impose a fee of ₹88 lakh per H-1B visa holder. The new policy, effective from September 21, 2025, was called an attempt to advance US trade interests at the expense of other nations. The CPI(M) Polit Bureau said this move comes soon after the imposition of 50% tariffs and the reintroduction of sanctions on Iran’s Chabahar Port project, in which India is a key partner. It alleged that the measures are aimed at pressuring India as bilateral trade talks resume, amounting to “bullying tactics.” The party criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response, saying his emphasis on “self-reliance” sounded like an evas...

The United Kingdom has formally recognised a Palestinian state, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced in a video message on Sunday. The move came shortly after similar declarations from Canada and Australia, marking a major policy shift among Western powers. Canada was the first G7 nation to announce recognition, with Prime Minister Mark Carney saying it was a step toward “a peaceful future for both Palestine and Israel.” Australia quickly followed, and Starmer confirmed Britain’s decision minutes later. Starmer said the UK’s recognition was aimed at “reviving the hope of peace and a two-state solution,” adding that it was “not a reward for Hamas.” He stressed that Hamas would have no role in a future Palestinian government or security arrangements and reiterated calls for the releas...

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing a $100,000 (88 Lakh INR) annual fee on H-1B visa applications, effective from September 21, 2025. The move significantly increases the previous $1,500 administrative fee and aims to curb what the administration describes as the "abuse" of the visa program, particularly in replacing American workers with lower-paid foreign labor. The H-1B visa program, established in 1990, allows US companies to employ foreign professionals in specialized fields. The new fee structure is expected to disproportionately affect Indian-born Americans, who constitute approximately 70% of H-1B visa holders. This has raised concerns among Indian professionals and tech companies that rely heavily on the program. Major tech companies like Amazon an...