russia ukraine war

India is set to host a crucial Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) meeting, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected to attend. This high-level gathering, involving India, the US, Japan, and Australia, is seen as a strategic move to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific. The meeting will likely address critical mineral supply chains and regional security concerns.

Ukraine has escalated its offensive by targeting a Russian oil refinery situated in Yaroslavl, roughly 700 kilometers away from its own territory, as declared by President Zelenskyy. He positioned this response as a fair counteraction in the ongoing conflict, propelling the conflict back into Russian territory.

A resurfaced Pakistani diplomatic cable alleges US involvement in Imran Khan's 2022 ouster. The document, citing a meeting with a US official, suggests American concerns over Khan's Russia stance and hints that his removal via a no-confidence vote would mend ties. Khan's party views this as proof of foreign interference in Pakistan's politics.

Russia said Tuesday it had shot down 27 Ukrainian drones overnight, as a three-day truce in the conflict expired.00 am Moscow time (2100 to 0400 GMT), "air defence duty assets intercepted and destroyed 27 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles" over the Belgorod, Voronezh and Rostov regions, Russia's defence ministry said in a statement.

Uttarakhand's chief minister announced fuel and energy conservation measures, including reducing official vehicle fleets by 50% and observing a weekly 'No Vehicle Day'. The state will also promote electric vehicles, restrict foreign travel, and encourage domestic tourism and reduced oil consumption through public awareness campaigns.

Ukraine launched drone strikes on Russian regions, including those housing oil infrastructure, while Russia retaliated with attacks on Ukrainian port facilities. President Zelenskyy highlighted a significant drop in Russia's oil refining capacity due to these actions. Efforts to end the protracted conflict remain stalled, with both sides continuing cross-border strikes and accusing each other of targeting vital infrastructure.

Russia resumed attacks on Ukraine with drone strikes on Kyiv as a three-day truce expired, while one person was killed in Dnipropetrovsk. Moscow claims to have downed 27 Ukrainian drones. Despite hopes for peace, both sides accused each other of violations during the ceasefire, with President Zelensky stating fighting continued.

Fuel prices have seen their second hike in less than a week, with petrol and diesel increasing by approximately 90 paise per litre. This follows a nearly four-year freeze by state-run oil companies, with prices now reaching their highest levels since May 2022. Opposition parties allege the freeze was timed to end after state elections.

Amid the push to cut non-essential foreign travel, domestic destinations offering similar scenic escapes and leisurely stays, are seeing renewed interest

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.

US President Trump announced a three-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire from May 9-11, hoping for a long-term peace deal and a prisoner exchange. Despite this, fighting persisted, with both sides reporting attacks. Ukraine accused Russia of continuing assaults, while Russia claimed to intercept numerous drones. The truce follows Russia's Victory Day, a proposal Kyiv had previously dismissed.

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.

India has significantly increased import duties on gold and silver to 15% from 6%, aiming to curb rising imports and conserve foreign exchange amid the West Asia crisis. This move follows Prime Minister Modi's appeal for austerity and aims to ease pressure on the rupee and the country's balance of payments.

Hezbollah's deployment of fibre-optic FPV drones along Israel's northern border presents a significant defence challenge. These small, low-flying drones bypass jamming systems, making them difficult to detect and intercept. Israel is racing to develop countermeasures against this evolving threat, which has already resulted in casualties and damage to military assets.

Cites Israel’s ‘Op Grim Beepers’ Pager Blasts

Former US President Donald Trump linked the Ukraine conflict with US operations against Iran. He suggested both situations might follow a similar timeline. Trump also stated Ukraine was militarily defeated. He discussed a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine and assistance with Iran. Putin reportedly offered help on Iran's uranium issue.

RBI is not alone in repatriating its gold reserves. Several central banks like France’s Banque de France, Germany’s Deutsche Bundesbank, Serbia’s National Bank have done the same - buy why?

Global military expenditure has hit a record $2.9 trillion, signalling a world preparing for prolonged instability. India’s increased defence spending reflects a broader strategic doctrine focused on modernisation, indigenisation and preparedness for multi-front challenges

Russian strikes killed two people and wounded eight others in Ukraine, local authorities said Thursday, while Russia announced that one person had been killed in a Ukrainian attack. In Russia's southwestern Samara region, a Ukrainian strike killed one person, the regional governor Vyacheslav Fedorischev said on Telegram Thursday.