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World
Mon, 23 Mar 2026
Iran has warned it could shut the Strait of Hormuz indefinitely if the United States follows through on President Donald Trump’s threat to bomb the country’s power plants, escalating a spiraling crisis that threatens global oil flows and regional stability. The latest flashpoint began after Trump issued a 48‑hour ultimatum, demanding that Iran fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to “unthreatened” shipping or face U.S. airstrikes on Iranian electrical infrastructure, including the country’s largest power plants. The Strait, a narrow waterway between Iran and the Arab states of the lower Gulf, normally carries about a fifth of the world’s seaborne oil exports, making it one of the most critical chokepoints in global energy trade. Senior Iranian military officials have signaled that they would seal the Strait “completely” and keep it closed until any damaged power facilities are rebuilt. A statement from Iran’s armed‑forces headquarters framed the move as a direct retaliatory response to any U.S. attack on its power grid, turning the Strait into both a bargaining chip and a potential weapon of economic disruption. Analysts say even a partial, sustained closure of the Strait of Hormuz would be enough to rattle global markets. Crude‑oil prices have already swung sharply in recent days, while shipping insurers have raised premiums for vessels planning to transit the Persian Gulf. Some major Gulf exporters have quietly begun rerouting cargoes via alternative routes, but these options are more expensive and limited in capacity, leaving few real substitutes for Hormuz in the short term. For Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Iraq, the Strait is the primary maritime corridor for exporting crude and liquefied natural gas. Any prolonged interruption would force them to rely more heavily on longer pipelines and overland corridors, driving up costs and squeezing margins at a time when global demand is already under pressure. Beyond the Strait, Iran has also warned of possible retaliatory strikes on regional power and desalination infrastructure if the United States attacks its own plants. Many Gulf cities depend on large desalination plants—often powered by the same grid that would be targeted—to turn seawater into drinkable water. A major disruption to electricity could quickly translate into water shortages in a region where natural freshwater is extremely scarce. Energy and security experts warn that such threats are driven more by deterrence than by any clear intent to inflict mass civilian suffering. Yet the language of mutual blackouts and “indefinite closure” raises the stakes dramatically, increasing the risk that a limited strike or miscalculation could spiral into a broader conflict. The Hormuz standoff is unfolding against the backdrop of a wider, four‑week‑long Middle East conflict involving missile barrages, drone attacks, and strikes on regional infrastructure. Trump had previously spoken of “winding down” the broader war, but the Hormuz ultimatum signals a sharper turn toward high‑pressure coercion aimed at forcing Iran to relinquish control of one of its most strategic assets. The Strait of Hormuz is both an economic lifeline and a symbol of leverage. By tying the reopening of the waterway to the reconstruction of its power plants, Tehran appears to be shifting the narrative from a straightforward military confrontation to a protracted, politically costly standoff in which any U.S. victory would come with significant global and regional fallout. With Trump’s 48‑hour deadline approaching, the region is now watching for one of two possible outcomes: a calibrated U.S. strike on a limited set of Iranian power facilities, or a last‑minute diplomatic intervention that could pause or soften the escalation. Regional powers, including Gulf states and neutral actors such as India, China, and the European Union, are quietly exploring back‑channel talks to prevent the situation from spiraling into a full‑scale blackout–blackout scenario. The key indicators in the coming days will be actual tanker traffic through the Strait, changes in energy‑security statements from Gulf governments, and any moves toward mediation or de‑escalation. For now, the Strait of Hormuz remains the epicenter of a crisis that could reshape global oil markets, regional security, and U.S.–Iran relations for years to come. Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.
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Chinese state-owned refiners are looking into purchasing Iranian oil following the US sanctions waiver.

Chinese state-owned refiners have started considering purchases of Iranian crude following a US waiver that allows the sale of some oil already loaded onto tankers, aimed at curbing price spikes caused by the West Asia conflict, according to sources familiar with the matter. Representatives from the National Iranian Oil Company and intermediary traders have also discreetly approached potential buyers among these and other Asian refiners. The sources spoke anonymously because the discussions are private.

Iran used to be a major supplier to Asian countries such as South Korea and Japan before US sanctions tightened. China remains Tehran’s most significant customer, providing essential financial support, though smaller private refiners typically handle these purchases due to lower exposure to global markets. Large state-owned companies have largely avoided Iranian crude, wary of potential US sanctions.

The US Treasury’s recent one-month waiver on seaborne Iranian oil mirrors similar measures taken to ease access to Russian oil, as the White House seeks to relieve supply shortages and stabilize global prices. While the waiver theoretically expands the pool of potential buyers, new entrants in China and elsewhere are carefully evaluating how to navigate purchases amid ongoing restrictions, including limits on Iran’s access to the international financial system. Another challenge is securing compliant shipping capable of transporting Iranian barrels.

Shipowners unfamiliar with Iranian crude are awaiting further guidance and have voiced concerns about potential hidden sanctions risks when dealing with intermediaries in the market, according to Karnan Thirupathy, sanctions expert and partner at Kennedys Law LLP. “There is significant uncertainty about the trade and about what will happen after April 19 if transactions are not completed,” Thirupathy said.

Even experienced intermediaries in the sanctioned oil sector are closely reviewing the waiver’s details to ensure compliance and avoid penalties, the sources added. Without clear guidance, the buyers of the already loaded seaborne oil are unlikely to change. The price of Iranian crude sold to China has already risen. Iranian Light crude is now being offered at a small premium to ICE Brent as suppliers gauge market demand, compared to discounts exceeding $10 per barrel last month.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

World
Mon, 23 Mar 2026
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The Royal Canadian Mounted Police commissioner stated that agents linked to the Indian government pose no threat to people in Canada.

Following Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to India, which marked a significant improvement in previously strained India-Canada relations, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has stated that there is currently no threat to Canadians from individuals linked to the Indian government. Relations had deteriorated earlier after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau associated India with the killing of NIA-designated terrorist Hardeep Nijjar.

In an interview with CTV, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme explained that earlier statements made in 2024 were based on the information available during an ongoing criminal investigation at that time. He clarified that while there were previous suggestions of involvement by government-linked agents or proxies, current findings do not clearly connect such activities to any foreign state. According to him, instances of transnational repression do not always point to a foreign entity.

Duheme emphasized that the RCMP treats such matters seriously and works closely with law enforcement agencies nationwide to ensure a coordinated response. He encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities, acknowledging that fear may sometimes prevent people from coming forward.

Addressing safety concerns within South Asian communities after the return of Indian diplomats, he reiterated that ongoing investigations have not established any link between harassment or intimidation cases and a foreign government. While incidents of intimidation and harassment do exist, no evidence currently ties them directly to India.

Speaking about the Bishnoi gang, which has been associated with extortion cases in cities like Surrey, Brampton, and Calgary, Duheme noted that not all such cases are connected to the group. He added that some individuals may misuse the gang’s name. The RCMP has set up a national coordination centre to better track and connect such cases. Importantly, no confirmed links have been found between the gang’s activities and the Indian government. These statements reflect improving diplomatic ties between India and Canada after tensions that arose in 2023, with both countries now making efforts to restore normal relations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@CommrRCMPGRC.

World
Fri, 20 Mar 2026
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Israeli military confirms killing of Iran's senior military leader Soleimani.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on tuesday confirmed the killing of Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of Iran's Basij Unit. According to the Jerusalem Post, Soleimani and his deputy, Seyyed Karishi, were killed in a makeshift tent setup designed to make tracking them difficult, rather than at a known headquarters.

In a post on X, the IDF stated that under Soleimani’s leadership, the Basij Unit used severe violence and force against civilian demonstrators. The IDF said, “Yesterday, the IDF targeted and eliminated Gholamreza Soleimani, who had commanded the Basij unit for six years. Under his leadership, the unit carried out major repression operations in Iran, including widespread arrests, violence, and force against civilians.”

TPS news reported that Israel conducted an overnight airstrike in Iran targeting Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's National Security Council and former top aide to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israeli officials have not confirmed whether Larijani was killed or injured. Larijani is considered a major power broker in Tehran and recently delayed the formal announcement of Mojtaba Khamenei as the next Supreme Leader, underscoring his political influence.

The IDF said the attacks also killed Soleimani in the same wave of operations. Speaking Tuesday morning, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir described the strikes as part of broader Israeli efforts in Iran: “The IDF continues to operate vigorously against multiple targets in Iran. Alongside damaging military and industrial capabilities, we are targeting elements of the Revolutionary Guards and the regime’s repressive apparatus. Last night, significant counter-terrorism achievements were recorded, with the potential to impact the campaign’s objectives and the IDF’s missions,” TPS reported.

Zamir added that operations also targeted figures from Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in Iran, including deputy chief Akram Ajouri and senior operative Muhammad al-Hindi, who had been hiding in Tehran. Ajouri survived a previous Israeli assassination attempt in Syria in 2019. Larijani had reappeared publicly last Friday during Iran’s Jerusalem Day marches, where he criticized U.S. and Israeli pressure: “Trump does not understand that the Iranian people are brave and strong. The more the United States pressures us, the stronger our will becomes. Attacks against Jerusalem Day marches show their desperation,” he said.

Ajouri, closely connected to Iran, manages PIJ’s international operations and finances and has ties to the late Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. These attacks are among the boldest Israeli strikes inside Iran in recent years. While officials have not confirmed whether all objectives were achieved, targeting Larijani signals Israel’s readiness to confront senior political and security figures in Tehran. Analysts warn that these developments may escalate tensions in the Middle East, where both Israel and Iran maintain aggressive regional postures, according to TPS.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from  X/@FDIonline.

World
Tue, 17 Mar 2026
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ATVK welcomes employment appointments for families affected by terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir

The decision to distribute 50 government appointment letters to families affected by terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has been widely welcomed as an important move toward justice and rehabilitation. The initiative, led by Manoj Sinha, aims to provide employment opportunities and long term support to families who have suffered from the impact of terror related violence. Responding to the development, Tasleema Akhter praised the initiative and described it as a meaningful step toward acknowledging the struggles faced by families affected by terrorism in the region.

In a message shared on the social media platform X, Akhter said that she and the entire team of Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir extended their heartfelt congratulations to the Lieutenant Governor for providing government job appointment letters to members of terror victim families. She noted that the initiative represents justice, dignity and recognition of the hardships endured by these families over the years.

Akhter pointed out that the Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir has continuously worked to highlight the challenges faced by such families. She explained that ATVK has raised their concerns from grassroots communities in Kashmir to international platforms, including discussions at the United Nations Human Rights Council.

According to her, seeing these families receive employment opportunities filled the organisation with pride and emotional satisfaction, as it reflects progress toward their rehabilitation and empowerment. She also expressed appreciation to the Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for what she described as their dedication to supporting families affected by terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Akhter stated that the initiative delivers a strong message that the pain and sacrifices of innocent victims will not be ignored. She added that providing jobs to members of affected families not only ensures economic support but also serves as a mark of respect for their resilience and strength. The Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir described the development as a historic step that demonstrates the nation's solidarity with victims of terrorism and their families.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@tasleemakashmir.

World
Mon, 16 Mar 2026
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Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accompanied by his wife Victoria Starmer, welcomed Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana Fox Carney at Downing Street in London for bilateral discussions. The leaders posed together for photographs outside the iconic residence, marking the occasion of their high-level talks. This meeting highlights ongoing diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Canada, focusing on shared interests and cooperation across economic, political, and social matters. Both couples appeared cordial and engaged, reflecting the friendly ties between the two nations as they addressed mutual priorities and collaborative efforts.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

World
Tue, 17 Mar 2026
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What we can learn about grooming from the Epstein case

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Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

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