Donald Trump has escalated rhetoric against Iran by posting AI-generated images and videos depicting US military strikes, warning Tehran that time is running out to secure a ceasefire agreement.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant slump in early trade, mirroring weak global trends, as escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly a drone attack on the UAE's Barakah nuclear facility, pushed crude oil prices higher. Track Sensex, Nifty50 movement and key market drivers for May 18, 2026.
In a further escalation of the assault on the heavily fortified site, a missile strike also reportedly targeted the "helipad" at the embassy, as documented by Al Jazeera.
Two expatriate workers were killed after debris from a downed drone fell in an industrial area in the Sohar province of Oman.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova described the incident as a 'gross violation of international law' with potentially 'grave consequences'.
Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma reviewed the ongoing anti-terrorist operation 'Sheruwali' in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on operational dynamics and inter-agency synergy.
In a significant diplomatic development, US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly reached a tentative 60-day memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire and paving the way for formal talks regarding Iran's nuclear programme.
Over 1,500 police personnel have been deployed around the Bhojshala in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, ahead of the first Friday since the high court declared it a Vagdevi temple.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the launch of a tech-enabled 'smart border' project to secure India's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. The project aims to stop infiltration and combat demographic changes.
Punjab Police have arrested a suspect linked to an alleged firearms and narcotics trafficking module, recovering seven sophisticated pistols and 2.1 kg of heroin.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a new 'territorial security' paradigm to complement conventional border security, involving public participation and advanced technology. He also highlighted progress in securing vulnerable areas along the Pakistan border and plans to expand the BSF's operational mandate.
Mexico have failed to progress beyond the Round of 16 for the last 32 years. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil, they hope to finally end the 'quinto partido' curse.
Amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, an Iranian drone struck a British RAF base in Cyprus, prompting the UK to allow US defensive operations and consider evacuation plans for British citizens in the region.
Members of the Muslim community in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district said they would offer their first Friday namaz at home and wear black bands after the court setback in the Bhojshala case.
The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids across Maharashtra and Gujarat as part of a money laundering investigation against Mohammad Salim Dola, an alleged drug trafficker associated with the Dawood Ibrahim gang.
Punjab Police's Counter Intelligence wing in Amritsar has dismantled a narcotic smuggling module, arresting three individuals and seizing 12 kg of heroin. The investigation revealed links to a Pakistan-based smuggler using drones for cross-border deliveries.
The IAF's future operational concepts could involve indigenous Tejas combat aircraft coordinating in real time with multiple Ghatak RPSAs, each carrying a different mission payload ranging from electronic warfare systems and targeting sensors to precision munitions.
US President Donald Trump maintains that the ceasefire with Iran is still in effect despite recent military engagements near the Strait of Hormuz. He also commented on a recent clash where US forces responded to Iranian attacks on US Navy destroyers.
Netrasemi, an Indian semiconductor start-up, has announced that its flagship AI chipset, A2000, has achieved silicon bringup and is preparing for commercial production this year. The A2000 SoC, supported by Zoho and the government's DLI programme, will enable smart vision and real-time video analytics for smart cameras and edge AI platforms.
The Chinese military claims significant progress in drone warfare, reporting that a single soldier can control a swarm of 200 drones using AI technology. Tests conducted by the PLA-affiliated National University of Defence Technology showcase the potential of AI-enabled drone swarm warfare.
Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk made short work of Oksana Selekhmeteva with a 6-2, 6-3 victory in the first round of the French Open on Sunday and said she was proud of how she remained focused even as the war in her country hit closer to home.
Once operational, Ghatak could undertake deep-strike missions, penetrating heavily defended airspace to hit high-value targets without placing pilots at risk.
India and Bangladesh are scheduled to hold bi-annual Director General-level border talks in Delhi next week, focusing on border fencing, attacks on BSF personnel, infiltration, cross-border crimes, and illegal migration.
Manipur Police arrested four members of the proscribed UNLF (Pambei) and recovered a large cache of weapons, including assault rifles and an RPG launcher, in Imphal West district.
Several sports teams around the world have paid a hefty price for spying on their opponents over the years but the potential financial cost to English soccer club Southampton for their infraction could be the heaviest.
A readout by the US said the agreement marked a milestone in the strategic partnership between the two nations to ensure that the foundational elements required for advanced technology and energy are available within trusted networks.
The US military carried out 'self-defence strikes' targeting Iranian missile launch sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz, even as President Trump announced progress in ceasefire negotiations, stating Iran's enriched uranium will be 'turned over' or destroyed.
Hundreds of Hindu devotees gathered at the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, for a 'maha aarti' following a high court ruling declaring the site a temple. Members of the Muslim community protested peacefully by offering namaz at home wearing black bands.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa drew with Deac Bogdan-Daniel, while Alireza Firouzja withdrew from the Super Chess Classic due to injury.
Dropped Iran striker Sardar Azmoun has posted a heartfelt message on social media proclaiming his love for his country and wishing the World Cup squad well at the tournament without him.
The United States has paused a proposed USD 14 billion arms sale to Taiwan due to concerns about maintaining sufficient munitions for potential conflicts, particularly in light of the ongoing situation with Iran.
Indian Army troops fired upon and took down multiple suspected Pakistani drones that entered Indian territory from across the Line of Control (LoC) in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. This is the second such incident in three days.
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has been in Tehran meeting with Iranian officials in an attempt to mediate and resolve the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. This marks Naqvi's second visit in less than a week as Pakistan seeks to bridge the differences between the two nations and establish long-term stability in the region.
Aston Villa defeated Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final, securing their first major trophy since 1996, with goals from Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendia and Morgan Rogers.
Frankly, was it really necessary in the middle of a fratricidal war for External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to travel to Abu Dhabi for a one-on-one with the sheikh on April 12?Or, for National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to follow up on April 26? Or, for PM Narendra Modi to follow through today? There are no easy answers, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
Authorities have implemented heightened security measures at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the India-New Zealand T20 World Cup final, including increased police presence, anti-drone systems, and holding areas to prevent stampedes.
Amritsar Police have dismantled a cross-border drug and arms smuggling module, arresting three individuals and seizing a significant quantity of methamphetamine and firearms.
The Quad grouping has expanded cooperation in critical minerals and energy, while unveiling new measures to boost maritime surveillance and port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific. This move comes against the backdrop of China's growing military posturing in the region, with ministers reiterating strong opposition to destabilising actions and expressing serious concerns over militarisation of disputed features.
A District Forest Officer in Tripura is under investigation after a large sum of cash was recovered at Agartala railway station from a relative, leading to a raid on the officer's residence.
Punjab Police have dismantled two interconnected cross-border narcotics smuggling cartels, arresting five individuals and seizing over 7 kg of heroin. Investigations revealed the accused were in contact with a Pakistan-based smuggler using drones to send consignments.
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