South Korea’s presidential Blue House on Monday (May 11) strongly condemned an attack on a cargo vessel operated by a Korean shipping company in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month and said it will respond after identifying the source of the attack. According to a Blue House official, experts have conducted an initial forensic inspection of the damaged ship, focusing on the port stern area. The attack reportedly triggered a fire in the vessel’s engine room, raising concerns over maritime safety in the region.
The vessel, identified as Namu and operated by HMM Co., was said to be in compliance with all applicable maritime regulations at the time of the incident while sailing in waters near the United Arab Emirates. Officials described the incident as an unprovoked and unjustifiable attack on a commercial shipping vessel engaged in lawful operations.
“We condemn this in the strongest terms,” presidential national security adviser Wi Sung-lac said during a press briefing. He added that South Korean experts, along with local authorities in Dubai, had confirmed structural damage during a detailed inspection. The damage had not been detected earlier because it was located in a less visible section of the lower port stern.
Officials stated that it is still unclear who was responsible for the attack and whether Iran had any involvement. Tehran has previously denied any responsibility for similar incidents in the region, including claims of striking commercial vessels. On the same day, the Iranian embassy in South Korea issued a statement saying it had no official position on the matter at present but would respond if new information or an official stance emerges.
US President Donald Trump claimed shortly after the incident that Iran had fired on the South Korean vessel. He also urged South Korea to participate in US-led efforts aimed at securing maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and trade shipments.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has instructed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to create a detailed, time-bound strategy to develop Dwarka, Rohini, and Narela as decentralized economic and business hubs to attract both domestic and international investment. According to the proposal, Dwarka—developed by the DDA—is expected to emerge as a major investment destination, supported by coordinated efforts led by LG Sandhu, who also chairs the authority. Similar development initiatives are planned for Rohini and Narela.
During a recent meeting with senior DDA officials, Sandhu reviewed plans for transformative growth in these sub-cities. He highlighted several key drivers such as the operational Urban Extension Road, expanding metro connectivity, Transit-Oriented Development policy, upcoming education and diplomatic hubs, and large DDA land parcels ready for investment.
He emphasized the potential of positioning these areas as centers for non-polluting industries like IT, IT-enabled services, healthcare, global capability centers, and digital infrastructure. Improved connectivity with central Delhi and the airport also makes them suitable for data centers, semiconductor units, and warehousing, in line with the Master Plan.
The LG noted that such development would help attract investment that has been moving to other cities, generate employment, and strengthen the city’s economy in a sustainable manner. He directed the DDA to finalize a concrete action plan in consultation with all stakeholders at the earliest.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Airtel Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal has called on Indian businesses to significantly increase domestic capital expenditure and cut dependence on imports, stressing that it is the right time to “invest and double down in our own country” amid rising global economic uncertainty. He made these remarks while receiving the CII President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement, which recognised his long-standing leadership, contribution to India’s economic development, and nation-building efforts. Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2026, Mittal acknowledged global challenges, including the ongoing Middle East crisis, but maintained that India’s economic growth trajectory remains strong.
He noted that India has been growing at 6–7% annually and described overall conditions as positive, while also pointing out that certain global developments remain beyond control. Outlining key priorities for industry, Mittal urged a shift away from excessive gold imports, a focus on reducing energy costs, and faster adoption of renewable energy. He also encouraged companies to “vote with their feet” by investing more within India.
Referring to Airtel’s own strategy, he highlighted that the company invested around ₹31,000 crore in capex in FY2024–25, along with an additional ₹7,000 crore through its tower business, and said investment levels are expected to keep rising. He emphasised that strong underlying demand makes this the right time for continued investment. Mittal described India as a large and youthful consumer market and urged businesses to manufacture and serve more within the country under the “Make in India” vision.
He also spoke about the role of industry bodies like CII, calling it an important platform that works closely with policymakers. He noted his family’s long association with such organisations and encouraged young entrepreneurs to take leadership roles, saying that the government values input from industry chambers in shaping policy. Concluding his remarks, Mittal said his recognition was possible due to institutional support during his business journey and emphasised that industry must actively contribute to strengthening India’s economic resilience and supporting national growth goals.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday that Iran has several possible options for handling ongoing regional tensions, including engaging in negotiations based on “dignity” and “authority.” He emphasized that any diplomatic efforts should be aligned with national interests and supported by Iran’s military strength, according to the Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA).
Speaking at a meeting with the commander-in-chief and senior officials of the Faraj police force, Pezeshkian also reviewed their performance during what Iranian authorities described as a “recent imposed war.” He highlighted the importance of strengthening Iran’s internal security system, including improving infrastructure, equipment, and the role of grassroots security units.
Outlining Iran’s strategic choices, the president said the country could either pursue dignified negotiations that safeguard national rights, remain in a state of neither war nor peace, or continue confrontation. He noted that Iran’s preferred approach is diplomacy backed by military achievements and national strength, ensuring that battlefield successes are reflected in diplomatic outcomes.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran’s proposals are intended to protect its national interests while also contributing to regional and global stability, according to state-linked media. He described Iran’s position as reasonable and cooperative, while accusing the United States of maintaining unrealistic demands and continuing its “maximum pressure” policy.
Baghaei reiterated Iran’s claims that it is acting as a responsible regional power and rejected allegations of aggression, stressing opposition to coercion. He also outlined Tehran’s demands, including ending hostilities, lifting restrictions, unfreezing Iranian assets, and ensuring secure regional transit routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump criticized Iran’s response to a US proposal aimed at reducing regional tensions, calling it “totally unacceptable” in a post on Truth Social, following Iran’s reported reply delivered via diplomatic channels.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
SSS Defence has delivered 2,000 M72 (5.56×45 mm) carbines to the Uttar Pradesh Police, marking a key step in India’s push for indigenous defence production and modernization of state forces, according to a post on X. The Bengaluru-based company, a subsidiary of Stumpp Schuele & Somappa Springs, is a private defence manufacturer established in 2017 that develops small arms and tactical equipment for military and police use. The M72 carbine is a compact, lightweight, semi-automatic weapon designed for urban and close-range operations, offering improved handling, reliability, and quick target response. The contract, awarded in March 2025, reflects growing trust in Indian-made defence systems and aligns with the government’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing imports.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@sssdefence.
Jonathan Freedland talks with law professor and author Leah Litman about the recent rulings of the conservative-majority Supreme Court, upcoming cases, and the debate over whether the court is now being seen more as a political body than a purely judicial one.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
The 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and associated meetings in Cebu, scheduled from May 6 to 8, will bring together heads of state and senior officials from all ten ASEAN countries as well as Timor-Leste. The gathering takes place at a critical moment for the region, amid concerns that the Middle East conflict could disrupt global oil supplies, driving up fuel prices and increasing inflationary pressure on ASEAN economies. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the summit’s key issues in detail with Susannah Patton, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Lowy Institute.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
In Singapore, bots account for about 58 percent of total internet traffic, with over half classified as malicious. As AI-powered bots become more advanced and harder to distinguish from real users, organizations now face the challenge of not just detecting bots but also interpreting their intent. With AI increasingly blurring the boundary between human and automated activity, businesses are under pressure to adapt. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the implications for online security, trust, and the internet’s future with Garen Ling, Area Vice President of Sales, ASEAN, App Security and Data Security at Thales.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
A 31-year-old man has been accused of trying to assassinate Donald Trump following a foiled plot linked to Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Soon after the incident, false claims began circulating online suggesting the attempt was staged. This week, Jonathan Freedland discusses the rise of such conspiracy theories surrounding the US president with journalist Rachel Leingang.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
