US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin tests negative for COVID-19

He highlighted India's role as a "first responder" for the Maldives, emphasising that India's support during critical periods has been fundamental to the stability and security of the island nation.

The European Union on Wednesday moved to intensify pressure on Tehran amid the conflict in West Asia by approving new sanctions targeting 19 Iranian regime officials and entities accused of serious human rights violations.

Balen Shah's RSP is heading for a landslide victory in Nepal's parliamentary polls, leading in 98 seats and winning 19. Shah holds a massive lead over veteran KP Sharma Oli, as the RSP nears a simple majority, with party leaders eyeing a two-third majority of 186 seats.

EAM S Jaishankar stated that the era of "big deals" between dominant powers is over, as multipolarity is now an irreversible reality. He argued that the Global South is defined by shared historical experiences, while noting a growing "differentiation" within the previously unified Global West.

Kim oversaw the launch of sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles from the destroyer on Wednesday and assessed the test as a "core" element of the new warship's capabilities, which he described as a "new symbol of sea defence" for his country. "All these successes constitute a radical change in defending our maritime sovereignty, something that we have not achieved for half a century," he said.

The University of Chicago has honoured Professor Krishnamurthy V. Subramanian with the Alumni Award for Professional Achievement. He is the first Indian economist to receive the 85-year-old distinction, recognised for his "landmark" policy work and leadership in India during the COVID-19 crisis and global economic uncertainty.

Asif Merchant testified Wednesday that Iranian spies coerced him into a 2024 plot targeting Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Nikki Haley. Claiming he acted only to protect his threatened family, Merchant admitted hiring undercover FBI agents for the "half-baked" scheme while secretly hoping to cooperate and secure a green card.

Nepal's interim PM Sushila Karki voted in Kathmandu as the 2026 general election began amid tight security. Nearly 19 million voters, over half young, choose a new government after the Gen Z-led snap polls.

Under the global trend of Japanese cuisine, the Japanese Cuisine and Dietary Culture Development Committee (JCDC) organized a cooking skill test to certify real Japanese cuisine qualification for foreign chefs.

Savitha Shan (21) been identified as one of the victims of the shooting outside a bar in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, when a gunman opened fire, killing 2 and injuring 14 others. The second victim was identified as Ryder Harrington (19). The gunman was killed in an exchange of fire with responding police officers.