military aid

Stripe co-founder Saikat Chakrabarti is launching a political revolution, aiming to unseat Nancy Pelosi's successor in San Francisco. He criticizes Democratic leadership, advocating for an end to US military aid to Israel, a wealth tax, and free healthcare. Despite significant personal investment and progressive backing, Chakrabarti faces a challenging local political landscape.

As US President Trump returns from China, pressure mounts over Iran. Top aides are reportedly preparing options for renewed military action against Tehran if diplomacy falters, including intensified bombing and potential Special Operations deployments. Iran, meanwhile, signals readiness for conflict, while the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical concern for global oil prices.

On May 11, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing Rath's murder had arrested three people before widening its probe across multiple states. The cops suspected that hired sharpshooters were brought in from outside West Bengal to carry out the killing with military-style precision. A key breakthrough came after investigators traced a UPI payment made at the Nivedita Setu toll plaza on May 6.

US intelligence suggests Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones, raising security concerns about potential attacks on American targets like Guantanamo Bay and Key West. CIA chief visited Havana, warning against hostilities and urging an end to its "totalitarian government." Cuba denies threatening war, asserting its right to self-defense amid growing defense ties with Russia and Iran.

As the geopolitical landscape evolves, France's efforts to maintain influence in Africa are confronted with a shifting reality. The Sahel nations, now under military governance, are moving toward new alliances, with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger seeking support from Russia for defense needs and China for economic growth.

Former President Donald Trump accused American media of "virtual treason" for reporting that Iran inflicted damage on US forces, claiming such coverage gives Tehran "false hope." He asserted that Iran's military infrastructure has been destroyed, with "every single ship" sunk and its air force gone. Trump's remarks follow reports suggesting Iranian strikes caused significant damage to US military facilities.

Following India's strong warning, Pakistan's Army Chief declared the recent conflict a battle of ideologies, claiming victory. He asserted Pakistan's strategy was superior, framing the outcome as truth triumphing over falsehood. Meanwhile, a Pakistani minister's statement highlighting the Prime Minister and Army Chief's leadership drew public criticism, underscoring the military's significant influence.

A technical breakthrough involving a UPI payment at a toll plaza has shifted a murder investigation to Jharkhand, with police believing the getaway car was procured there. The assassination of Chandranath Rath, an aide to chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, was a meticulously planned operation involving inter-state criminal networks.

Pakistan's history of 'oops' moments, from allegedly harboring Iranian aircraft to denying terrorist camps, has eroded its credibility on the global stage. Decades of strategic ambiguity and carefully calibrated deniability have created a trust deficit, making its diplomatic assurances met with skepticism and every crisis a potential international embarrassment.

The diplomatic cable published by independent news outlet Drop Site has revived Khan’s long-standing claims of a foreign-backed conspiracy, once again placing Pakistan’s fragile civil-military balance under scrutiny

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed Cubans on their Independence Day, highlighting severe hardships and blaming the communist leadership, particularly the military conglomerate GAESA, for plundering billions. Rubio offered a new path with $100 million in aid, to be distributed via trusted charities, not GAESA, contrasting elite wealth with public suffering.

During World War I, up to 20,000 dogs served on the front lines, with a special group of 'mercy dogs' tasked with finding wounded soldiers. These expertly trained canines, often carrying first-aid supplies, navigated treacherous battlefields to locate and assist injured troops, providing a vital lifeline and comfort in the darkest hours.

President Trump's late-night social media activity, characterized by numerous posts on his Truth Social platform, is raising concerns about his focus and stamina. Critics and even some Republicans privately express unease, comparing his behavior to an "aggrieved influencer" rather than a commander-in-chief, especially as the nation faces international and domestic challenges.

A Ballia man, Raj Singh, once a social media 'social worker' and Kshatriya leader, is now a key suspect in the sensational murder of Chandranath Rath, aide to West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari. Police believe Singh was a sharpshooter in the meticulously planned ambush. His family claims he was in Uttar Pradesh attending weddings and religious visits during the incident.

French President Emmanuel Macron pledged €23 billion in new investments for Africa, emphasizing mutual respect and sovereignty in a renewed partnership. Kenyan President William Ruto echoed this sentiment, stressing that future cooperation must be built on equality and mutually beneficial investment, not dependency. This marks a significant shift from France's historical influence in its former colonies.

President Trump's China visit occurs amid a US-Iran stalemate, with analysts suggesting Xi Jinping holds more leverage. Many in Beijing view Trump as a symptom of liberal democracy's instability and American decline, validating Xi's "rise of the East" worldview. This perception of US weakness could lead China to miscalculate and test Washington.

By mid-2026, Russia's Ukraine invasion has transformed into a grinding conflict. Ukraine's successful drone warfare and long-range strikes on Russian infrastructure are reshaping the battlefield. Russia, adapting with infiltration tactics and glide bombs, faces a new, industrialized war of attrition. European aid bolsters Ukraine's defense, while diplomatic progress remains stalled.

A digital toll payment cracked the murder of Chandranath Rath, aide to Suvendu Adhikari. Police arrested three suspects from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The investigation suggests eight people were involved. Rath was shot dead near his residence. The attackers used a car with fake number plates. Police are continuing raids to find the remaining accused.

France's flagship aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, is heading to the southern Red Sea, signaling readiness for a potential mission to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. This preparatory move allows for an assessment of the operational environment, aiming to reduce response time for a multinational coalition focused on freedom of navigation.

North Korea has amended its constitution, mandating an automatic nuclear strike if leader Kim Jong-un is assassinated or incapacitated by foreign adversaries. This revision, prompted by concerns over recent decapitation attacks in Iran, formalizes retaliatory procedures. The move underscores Pyongyang's heightened security fears amid evolving geopolitical threats.

In a bold move, Israel has expelled two foreign activists, Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila, who were intercepted during their participation in a Gaza-bound flotilla. Advocates for human rights have denounced this decision, labeling it as a deliberate strike against a peaceful initiative.

A Special Investigation Team is probing the murder of Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant, Chandranath Rath, with three arrests made and the investigation spanning multiple states. Investigators suspect hired sharpshooters, possibly from outside West Bengal, carried out the killing with military-style precision, suggesting a well-planned, professionally coordinated operation involving inter-state criminal links.

The Trump-Xi summit yielded no major breakthroughs, with both leaders sticking to their strategic interests, particularly concerning Taiwan. Russia's intensified attacks on Ukraine, met with Ukrainian drone strikes deep into Russia, highlight Moscow's continued aggression. Latvia's government collapsed over a drone incident, underscoring regional security concerns. Meanwhile, a joint US-Nigeria operation eliminated the Islamic State's No. 2 leader in Nigeria.