Greenland’s leaders strongly opposed visits by Usha Vance and Trump’s National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, calling them aggressive and disrespectful. Outgoing PM Mute Egede criticized Waltz’s trip as a power move, while likely successor Jens-Frederik Nielsen accused the US of lacking respect. The visits follow Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland, including remarks about potential annexation. The White House claims Vance's visit aims to celebrate Greenlandic culture, but local politicians remain skeptical. Trump recently suggested Greenland could join the US, sparking backlash. Polls show 80% of Greenlanders support independence from Denmark but reject US affiliation. (PC: Getty Images)

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, currently imprisoned on charges of corruption and alleged terror links, has been officially nominated as the Republican People's Party's (CHP) presidential candidate for the 2028 elections. The CHP's primary election saw an unprecedented participation, with nearly 15 million citizens endorsing İmamoğlu's candidacy. His arrest has ignited mass protests across Turkey, leading to over 1,100 detentions amid clashes with police. Opposition leaders have condemned the charges as politically motivated, viewing them as an attempt by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's administration to sideline a formidable rival ahead of the upcoming elections. (PC: AFP)

US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia on Monday to discuss a possible Black Sea ceasefire and maritime security, according to Moscow. The talks follow Kyiv-US discussions in Riyadh, which Ukraine’s defense minister called “productive.” Meanwhile, Russian forces launched overnight strikes on Ukraine, claiming to have intercepted 28 Ukrainian drones. Ukraine responded by destroying four Russian military helicopters, with BBC Verify analyzing the footage. As diplomatic efforts continue, hostilities persist, raising concerns about regional stability. The outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications for global shipping and security in the Black Sea. (PC: BBC)

Several schools in Northern Ireland were closed on Monday due to a "security concern" after threatening emails were sent to institutions in Co Fermanagh, Co Tyrone, and Co Antrim. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is coordinating with the Metropolitan Police in London to investigate. Schools, including Holy Cross College in Strabane and Cross and Passion College in Ballycastle, asked parents to collect children immediately. Some schools reopened after receiving the all-clear. Local officials condemned the threats, calling them “despicable” and “scary” for students and staff. The PSNI continues to monitor the situation. (PC: Stock Image)

A 100-foot chariot collapsed during the Huskur Madduramma Devi Jatra Mahotsava in Karnataka’s Anekal, killing 2 people and injuring several others. Eyewitnesses blamed strong winds and heavy rain for the incident. The victims were identified as Rohit (26) from Tamil Nadu and Jyoti (14) from Bengaluru. Officials dismantled remaining chariots due to safety concerns. Families of the victims alleged no financial aid from authorities. Residents criticized officials for lack of preparedness and support. A police investigation is underway. In 2024, a similar chariot collapse occurred in Rayasandra but had no casualties. (PC: India Today)

The Balochistan insurgency, rooted in the region's controversial annexation by Pakistan in 1948, has intensified dramatically. Historically led by tribal groups, the movement now sees participation from educated individuals like 23-year-old chartered accountant Kamran Hasan, who vanished to join the militants. Militant organizations, notably the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), have escalated their tactics, executing sophisticated assaults on military targets and Chinese infrastructure projects. High-profile incidents include the hijacking of a passenger train and coordinated suicide bombings. Allegations of human rights abuses by Pakistani security forces have further fueled the insurgency, complicating prospects for political resolution. The conflict presents a formidable security challenge for Pakistan, with no clear resolution in sight. (PC: The Guardian)

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's recent arrest on corruption and terrorism-related charges has ignited mass protests across Turkey. Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure and potential challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the 2028 elections, was detained amid allegations of aiding the banned Kurdish militant group PKK and engaging in bribery and fraud. His supporters denounce these charges as politically motivated attempts to sideline him. The arrest has led to widespread demonstrations, with thousands rallying in Istanbul and other cities, despite bans on street gatherings. The situation has also impacted Turkey's financial markets, causing a significant drop in the lira and stock index. (PC: France 24 & Euro News)

U.S. and Russian officials have initiated talks in Saudi Arabia to negotiate a comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine, with a particular focus on establishing a Black Sea maritime ceasefire to ensure safe navigation. The U.S. delegation, led by Andrew Peek and Michael Anton, seeks this targeted agreement prior to a broader cessation of hostilities. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about the discussions following his recent conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite this, European leaders remain skeptical of Putin's willingness to make significant concessions, as he continues to demand Ukraine abandon NATO aspirations and withdraw from Russian-occupied territories. (PC: Reuters & University of Oxford)

US and Russian officials are engaging in separate talks with Ukrainian representatives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aiming to negotiate a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Despite these diplomatic efforts, Kyiv has endured a third consecutive night of Russian drone attacks, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage. US special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about progress, particularly concerning a Black Sea ceasefire, following his recent meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine will not recognize any agreements made without its participation, underscoring the necessity of Kyiv's involvement in the peace process. (PC: Reuters)

Hundreds of thousands protested in Istanbul for a fifth night after Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested over corruption charges. Despite a ban on gatherings, demonstrators flooded the streets, facing tear gas and rubber bullets from riot police. Imamoglu, a key opposition leader, was jailed pending trial, deepening concerns over Turkey’s democracy. Many view his detention as a political move to block his 2028 presidential bid. The Republican People’s Party (CHP) has rallied behind him, with 13M showing support. "Enough is enough," Imamoglu declared. The protests continue, raising questions about President Erdogan’s grip on power. (PS: AP Images)