World - Daily Politics

The United States has pledged $2 billion in support of United Nations humanitarian operations for 2026, as part of a broader effort to address escalating global needs. The funding, announced at the U.N. headquarters, is intended to support life-saving aid in regions affected by war, climate shocks, and deepening poverty.

The commitment comes as global humanitarian needs remain at record highs. According to U.N. officials, over 300 million people are projected to require assistance in the coming year, with acute food insecurity, mass displacement, and underfunded emergency response efforts placing growing pressure on aid systems.

While welcomed by U.N. agencies, the funding ...

Senior diplomats from Thailand and Cambodia met in China to reinforce a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending recent border clashes. The talks focused on maintaining calm along disputed areas and preventing further military escalation.

Officials from both sides said the ceasefire remains in effect and that communication channels between military and diplomatic authorities have been strengthened. The discussions addressed troop movements, monitoring mechanisms, and confidence-building measures to reduce the risk of renewed confrontations.

China facilitated the meeting as part of broader regional diplomatic efforts, with participants emphasising the importance of dialogue and restraint. The talks were described as constructive, with agreement on ...

China has conducted military exercises in waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan, with officials describing the drills as routine and defensive in nature. The exercises involved naval vessels, aircraft, and live-fire components, reflecting coordinated operational readiness.

China’s military said the drills were intended to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that Taiwan is an internal matter. Officials framed the exercises as a measured response to recent external actions that Beijing views as undermining regional peace and encouraging separatist sentiment.

According to Taiwan’s defence authorities, Chinese aircraft and naval vessels were detected operating near the island during the drills. Monitoring measures were activated, ...

Russia has successfully launched an Iranian satellite into orbit, marking another step in expanding space and technology cooperation with Iran. The launch was carried out using a Russian rocket and placed the satellite into its intended orbital position.

Iranian officials described the mission as an important milestone for the country’s civilian space programme, saying the satellite is designed to support communications, data transmission, and scientific research. The project reflects Iran’s long-term investment in space technology and its aim to strengthen domestic capabilities through international partnerships.

Russian authorities highlighted the launch as part of broader cooperation in peaceful space activities, including satellite deployment ...

Ukraine’s main anti-corruption bodies have launched a high-profile investigation into allegations that members of parliament accepted bribes in return for supporting specific legislative votes. The inquiry has led to searches and evidence-gathering operations linked to lawmakers and intermediaries in Kyiv.

According to investigators, the case centres on claims that coordinated payments were offered to influence parliamentary decisions. Authorities said the suspected scheme involved multiple actors and was designed to conceal financial transfers connected to voting outcomes.

The investigation has also drawn attention to institutional tensions, with reports that anti-corruption officials faced obstacles during parts of the probe. These developments have raised questions ...

A strong earthquake struck Taiwan on Friday, sending tremors across large parts of the island and causing buildings to sway in major cities, including Taipei. Residents reported feeling prolonged shaking, prompting evacuations in some areas as a precaution.

Authorities said the quake measured around magnitude 7 and was centred offshore, according to preliminary assessments. Emergency services were placed on alert while inspections of infrastructure, transport networks, and power systems were carried out.

Initial reports indicated no widespread damage or casualties, though officials said assessments were ongoing. Public transport services were briefly disrupted in some areas while safety checks were completed.

Taiwan lies on ...

Authorities in Italy have arrested nine individuals as part of an investigation into alleged illicit financing of Hamas. Prosecutors said more than €8 million in assets were seized during coordinated operations across several regions.

Investigators allege that funds were raised through charitable and humanitarian organisations and then diverted to support Hamas activities. Financial police said the money was moved using complex networks designed to obscure its origin and final destination.

Those arrested are suspected of offences including terrorism financing, money laundering, and misuse of non-profit structures. Authorities stressed that the investigation does not implicate legitimate humanitarian work but focuses on individuals accused ...

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that his country is facing what he described as a “full-fledged” or “total” war waged by the United States, Israel, and European allies. He said the pressure spans military threats, economic sanctions, and diplomatic isolation.

Speaking amid heightened regional tensions, Pezeshkian argued that Western states are coordinating efforts to weaken Iran through financial restrictions, political pressure, and support for Israel’s military actions. He said Tehran views these measures as part of a broader strategy aimed at undermining Iran’s sovereignty and regional influence.

Iranian officials reiterated that the country does not seek wider conflict but will respond ...

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a renewed ceasefire following days of armed clashes along disputed sections of their shared border. The agreement marks the second attempt to halt fighting after an earlier truce failed to fully stop hostilities.

Officials from both countries said the ceasefire includes an immediate halt to military operations, the withdrawal of some forces from frontline positions, and the establishment of communication channels to prevent further incidents. The clashes had resulted in casualties and the displacement of civilians in border communities.

The dispute centres on contested border areas where historical demarcations remain unclear. Tensions escalated after troop movements ...

The United States Department of Defense has warned that China could operate a fleet of up to nine aircraft carriers by 2035, according to a recent defence assessment. The projection reflects China’s rapid naval modernisation and sustained investment in maritime power.

China currently operates several aircraft carriers, with additional vessels under construction or in advanced planning stages. The report indicates that future carriers are likely to feature more advanced launch systems, expanded air wings, and improved power projection capabilities, enabling operations farther from China’s coastline.

The expansion would significantly enhance the reach of the People’s Liberation Army Navy, particularly in the Indo-Pacific ...