Vizhinjam International Seaport declined requests from stranded container ships due to capacity constraints and ongoing construction. The port, already handling heavy traffic, is expected to become a major global hub after expansion is completed.

Female reservists say they faced repeated sexual harassment while guarding detainees at a military facility and are refusing to return to the role. The allegations have sparked renewed criticism of policies governing the assignment of female soldiers to guard security prisoners.

Pope Leo encouraged African youth to remain in their home countries and help address corruption and instability rather than migrate abroad. His remarks come as displacement across the continent continues to rise and amid recent tensions with President Donald Trump.

Chinese consumer brands are expanding worldwide, moving beyond low-cost manufacturing to build global names in food, retail and electric vehicles. Driven by domestic pressures and growing confidence, they are challenging established Western rivals despite political and trade headwinds.

Argentine President Javier Milei visited the Western Wall at the conclusion of his trip to Israel. He offered prayers for both nations and received an ancient artifact from the Second Temple period.

German police carried out mass raids against a suspected Syrian trafficking network accused of misusing residency documents. Officers seized cash, documents, and electronic devices while investigating possible organized crime links.

Israel opened its 78th Independence Day with a torch-lighting ceremony in Jerusalem centered on military achievements and national resilience. An alternative event in Tel Aviv highlighted political divisions and renewed calls for an inquiry into the October 7 attack.

United States defense contractors are seeing rising orders as Middle East conflict and global tensions fuel demand for weapons and missile systems. Companies are expanding production capacity amid a proposed record defense budget increase.

President Trump extended a cease-fire with Iran, but negotiations were paused after Tehran failed to respond to American proposals. The United States will maintain its blockade as disputes over Iran's nuclear program and regional tensions persist.

The war in Iran has set off an energy crisis that is hitting Asia’s economies hard, disrupting transport, manufacturing and daily life. Millions could be pushed into poverty as fuel shortages and soaring prices ripple across the region.

Iran has yet to confirm whether it will join new peace talks with the United States as a fragile ceasefire nears its end. Rising tensions, naval incidents, and renewed military threats have cast doubt over the diplomatic process.

A new survey shows Gadi Eisenkot leading the race for opposition leadership, ahead of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid. The opposition bloc maintains its overall advantage, while Benjamin Netanyahu holds a narrow edge in prime minister suitability polls.