World News

Sikh American Chirag Veer Singh Sarao Breaks New Ground With Historic Entry Into US Air Force Academy

Sikh American Chirag Veer Singh Sarao Breaks New Ground With Historic Entry Into US Air Force Academy

Colorado Springs (Rajeev Sharma): Chirag Veer Singh Sarao has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first keshdhari Sikh American to join the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), marking a significant moment for Sikh representation in the US military. The American Sikh Council announced that Sarao was admitted to the academy and received official religious accommodation, allowing him to continue observing Sikh practices, including maintaining unshorn hair and beard, while serving as a future military officer. Sarao received his appointment to the USAFA on April 4, followed by approval of his religious accommodation on June 20. He officially reported…
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Iran Says It Shot Down US Surveillance Drone Over Hormuz Amid Intensifying Military Standoff

Iran Says It Shot Down US Surveillance Drone Over Hormuz Amid Intensifying Military Standoff

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): Iran has claimed that its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) brought down a US MQ-1 surveillance drone over the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington as both sides exchange military threats and operations in the Gulf region. The announcement was made through Iran's state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), which reported that the unmanned American aircraft had been intercepted over the strategic waterway. The claim was later repeated by several Iranian state-run media outlets. However, Iranian officials did not disclose details about the location of the incident or the circumstances surrounding…
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Iran Pushes Back Against Donald Trump’s Strait of Hormuz Security Plan, Calls 20% Fee ‘Excessive’

Iran Pushes Back Against Donald Trump’s Strait of Hormuz Security Plan, Calls 20% Fee ‘Excessive’

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): Iran has sharply criticised US President Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 20 per cent charge on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that Tehran—not Washington—has long been responsible for safeguarding the strategically important waterway. The latest war of words unfolded after Trump announced that the United States would assume the role of protecting commercial shipping in the Strait while introducing a levy on vessels to offset the cost of maritime security operations. Responding on X, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi dismissed the US President's claim that America would become the "guardian" of the…
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Iranian Missile Strike on UAE Oil Tankers Leaves Indian Sailor Dead, Eight Injured

Iranian Missile Strike on UAE Oil Tankers Leaves Indian Sailor Dead, Eight Injured

Dubai (Rajeev Sharma): An Indian crew member was killed and eight others were injured after two UAE-flagged oil tankers were reportedly struck by Iranian cruise missiles while passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, according to the UAE Ministry of Defence. The ministry said the vessels, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were sailing along the southern shipping corridor in Omani territorial waters when the missiles hit. The attack triggered fires on both tankers, causing substantial damage before emergency response teams managed to contain the flames. Officials confirmed that the deceased was an Indian national working aboard the Mombasa. Among the…
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Middle East Tensions Escalate as Iran Claims Closure of Strait of Hormuz Following US Airstrikes

Middle East Tensions Escalate as Iran Claims Closure of Strait of Hormuz Following US Airstrikes

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma)— Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the indefinite closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, declaring that the vital maritime choke point will remain shut until the United States halts its military interventions in the West Asia region. The declaration follows severe military escalations over the weekend, including a series of intensive U.S. airstrikes hitting roughly 140 Iranian military sites. While Tehran asserts that no shipping traffic will be permitted through the waterway, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has challenged the blockade, maintaining that naval assets continue to safeguard commercial transit lanes. The administrative decision to…
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Fresh wave of strikes fuels middle east tensions as US and Iran trade claims of military actions

Fresh wave of strikes fuels middle east tensions as US and Iran trade claims of military actions

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): The security situation in the Middle East has grown increasingly volatile following reports of fresh military action involving the United States and Iran, with both sides claiming to have targeted key strategic locations. According to reports, the United States launched strikes on Iran’s Aghajari Oil and Gas Airport, where visuals circulating online appeared to show large flames and smoke rising from the facility. Reports also indicated that the Mahshahr petrochemical complex was among the sites hit during the latest operations. Iran, meanwhile, claimed it had carried out retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting several locations linked to…
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Nepal’s Eviction Drive Sparks Nationwide Youth Outrage, Government Faces Growing Public Backlash

Nepal’s Eviction Drive Sparks Nationwide Youth Outrage, Government Faces Growing Public Backlash

Nepal (Rajeev Sharma): A fresh wave of public anger is sweeping across Nepal as protests against the government's anti-encroachment campaign continue to expand, with young activists leading demonstrations demanding justice for families displaced during recent eviction drives. The unrest has emerged as one of the strongest public challenges to Prime Minister Balen Shah's administration since it assumed office. Large crowds gathered in Kathmandu on Monday, accusing authorities of forcing hundreds of landless families out of informal settlements without providing permanent rehabilitation or dignified living arrangements. Protesters described the government's approach as "inhumane" and urged officials to suspend further demolitions until…
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OCSA’s 3rd Annual Khed Mela Set to Bring Punjabi Culture, Community Spirit to Airdrie on August 2

OCSA’s 3rd Annual Khed Mela Set to Bring Punjabi Culture, Community Spirit to Airdrie on August 2

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Overseas Cultural Society of Airdrie (OCSA) is preparing to host its 3rd Annual Khed Mela on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Nose Creek Park in Airdrie, promising an evening filled with Punjabi culture, family entertainment, traditional games, live performances and community celebration. The event will begin at 4:00 p.m. and is expected to attract hundreds of visitors from Airdrie, Calgary and neighbouring communities. Organized to celebrate Punjabi heritage while fostering multicultural harmony, the annual Khed Mela has become a popular summer gathering that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds. Organizers say the festival is designed…
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Bangkok Nightclub Inferno Claims 27 Lives; Survivors Recall Panic as Smoke Engulfed Venue

Bangkok Nightclub Inferno Claims 27 Lives; Survivors Recall Panic as Smoke Engulfed Venue

Bangkok (Rajeev Sharma): A late-night fire at a crowded entertainment venue in Bangkok turned into a major tragedy after at least 27 people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries, Thai officials confirmed on Monday. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine what sparked the blaze. The incident occurred shortly after midnight at the Na Ladprao pub, where customers had gathered for live music and weekend celebrations. Witnesses said the atmosphere changed within seconds as smoke began filling the venue, triggering panic among those inside. According to preliminary findings, the fire may have originated near the electrical system…
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Global Oil Markets Rally Amid Renewed Gulf Tensions; Traders Eye Hormuz Shipping Risks

Global Oil Markets Rally Amid Renewed Gulf Tensions; Traders Eye Hormuz Shipping Risks

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Crude oil prices registered a sharp increase on Monday as investors reacted to the latest military developments involving the United States and Iran, reigniting concerns over the security of energy supplies from the Gulf. The renewed escalation has once again placed the Strait of Hormuz under the spotlight, with traders fearing that any disruption to shipping could tighten global crude availability. During early trading, Brent crude moved close to the $80-per-barrel mark, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also advanced by more than four per cent. The gains came after reports of fresh US military strikes targeting…
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