Times Now

NASA's Artemis II mission is set to fly astronauts around the moon for the first time since the Apollo era more than 50 years ago. The long gap has drawn attention to why the United States took so long to resume crewed lunar missions, with explanations pointing to shifting political priorities, funding fluctuations, and technical setbacks across successive programs since Apollo ended in 1972.

The Ukrainian Air Force says its MiG-29 jets struck a Russian command post in the northern sector of the front. According to the unit, Russian forces had been concentrating personnel in the building for some time while also moving equipment and ammunition into the site, making it a significant target.

Ukraine launched a record drone attack on Moscow, leaving parts of the Russian capital ablaze on the final day of Russia's presidential election. The strike, one of the largest on the city since the war began, coincided with voting in which President Vladimir Putin sought a new term. Ukrainian officials described the operation as a demonstration that Russia's rear areas are no longer safe.

Ukraine launched strikes targeting Moscow on the first day of Russia's presidential election, in which Vladimir Putin is widely expected to secure another term. The timing is seen as a pointed message, striking the Russian capital just as voting begins. Observers say the attack highlights Ukraine's growing ability to hit targets deep inside Russia, including oil refineries and infrastructure, while underscoring that the election takes place amid an ongoing war and with major opposition candidates barred from the ballot.

The Israel Defense Forces say they have discovered a 600-meter-long tunnel in Gaza, which they describe as a Hamas terror hideout. Footage shared by Indian outlet Times Now shows what the military says happened to the structure after its discovery, with the army reporting the tunnel was subsequently destroyed. The find adds to ongoing IDF operations targeting the extensive underground tunnel network in Gaza, and viewers are following the footage closely amid continued conflict in the region.

US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out pursuing a nuclear weapons program, according to the assessment. The finding highlights lingering concerns in Washington about Riyadh's nuclear intentions, even as the two countries discuss closer cooperation, including potential civil nuclear agreements. Observers say the assessment could complicate diplomatic efforts over regional security and nonproliferation.

The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, marking a shift in monetary policy after an extended pause. The move affects borrowing costs for mortgages, credit cards and business loans across the American economy, and investors are watching closely for signals about the central bank's next steps on inflation.

Germany and Russia have held their first direct talks since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The resumption of contact between Berlin and Moscow marks a notable diplomatic shift, and commentators are questioning the timing and what it signals about Germany's stance on Ukraine and future negotiations with the Kremlin.

Belarus has declared itself ready to facilitate talks between Russia and Ukraine, according to a report by Anadolu Agency. The announcement positions Minsk, a close Russian ally, as a potential mediator in the war. There are no further details yet on the conditions or timing of such negotiations.

The US ambassador to NATO says the Russia-Ukraine conflict will not be resolved through fighting alone, arguing the war cannot be settled by military means on the battlefield. The remark fuels ongoing debate in Washington and among allies about how the conflict might ultimately end, and what role diplomacy and negotiations should play.

The United States has refused to back a United Nations declaration on preparing for future pandemics, according to The New York Times. The decision sets Washington apart from other member states on global health cooperation and raises questions about the future of international pandemic readiness efforts.

Saudi Arabia has signaled it may be open to developing nuclear weapons, according to a New York Times report on US-Saudi politics. The statement marks a notable shift in the kingdom's public stance on nuclear armament, a topic long tied to regional rivalry with Iran and to negotiations over civilian nuclear cooperation and security guarantees with Washington.

The German and Russian foreign ministers have held a rare direct meeting at a time of sharply elevated tensions between Berlin and Moscow. Direct high-level contacts between the two governments have been scarce since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, so the talks draw attention as a possible channel for diplomacy, even though no major breakthrough is expected from a single conversation.

The U.S. military is preparing for possible operations around Cuba, according to CBS News reporting. Details about the scope, timing, or purpose of the preparations were not provided, and it is not clear whether any action is imminent. The report comes amid ongoing tensions over Venezuela, with Cuba a close ally of Caracas and a longtime point of friction in U.S.-Caribbean relations.

Google has been fined €403 million by Ireland's Data Protection Commission for breaches of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation. The Irish Times reports the decision by the regulator, which oversees many major US tech firms because of their European headquarters in Ireland. The penalty is one of the largest GDPR fines issued to date, underlining continued EU scrutiny of how large technology companies handle users' personal data.

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met his Russian counterpart for the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Wadephul told Moscow that Russia must end its war of aggression against Ukraine and cease hostile actions against Germany and its allies, saying Germany stands firmly behind Ukraine.

Germany has committed for the first time to phasing out fossil fuels, setting a target date of 2045. The pledge marks a significant shift in the country's climate policy and is being widely discussed as one of the most ambitious timelines among major industrial economies, drawing attention to how Europe's largest economy plans to overhaul its energy system.

Singapore has proposed a United Nations framework convention on artificial intelligence safety, according to the Straits Times. The proposal would create an international treaty framework aimed at coordinating how countries manage AI risks. The initiative reflects growing calls for global governance of advanced AI, with the UN seen as the natural venue for such an agreement.

US naval support has helped double the volume of oil leaving the Gulf, with the American military now guiding tankers through the waterway even in broad daylight. The operation marks a more visible and direct role for US forces in securing one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints, reassuring shipping firms and oil markets amid ongoing regional security concerns.

US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not given up its ambitions to acquire nuclear weapons, according to a report carried by the Tehran Times. The finding suggests Riyadh continues to weigh a nuclear weapons option despite diplomatic engagement with Washington. It is likely to fuel debate over nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and the terms of any US-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement.

Russia's and Germany's top diplomats met at the United Nations for their first talks since 2022, marking the highest-level direct contact between the two governments since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The meeting signals a possible thaw, or at least a channel of communication, between Moscow and Berlin at a time when European capitals remain divided over how to engage with Russia.

A powerful nor'easter is battering the US East Coast, producing significant coastal flooding along the shores of New York and New Jersey. Both states have declared states of emergency as officials urge residents to avoid flooded roads and coastal areas. Heavy rain, strong winds and rising tides are expected to continue, with communities along the seaboard bracing for further disruption.

Powerful storms are striking opposite sides of the United States at the same time, and forecasters point to El Niño as the driving force. The climate pattern, marked by warmer Pacific waters, is reshaping jet stream paths and steering severe weather toward both the West and East coasts, prompting warnings and preparedness efforts nationwide.

The first US lawsuit over TikTok to reach trial will examine claims that the platform's design contributed to a teen mental health crisis. The case is seen as a test of whether courts will hold social media companies liable for harms to young users, with broader implications for pending litigation against other platforms.

Canada has called for stronger international partnerships, warning that the global order is facing a 'rupture'. The appeal, reported by UN News, frames multilateral cooperation as essential at a time of mounting geopolitical strain. Canada's message positions itself as a defender of the rules-based international system and closer collaboration among nations.

Up to €20 billion in surplus funding from the EU's SAFE defence instrument could be directed to Ukraine, according to TVP World. The SAFE mechanism, designed to boost European defence spending through joint borrowing, has left unused funds that may now be redirected. The potential transfer would provide significant support for Ukraine's defence needs at a time when European allies are weighing how to sustain military aid.

Russia's Foreign Minister addressed journalists at UN Headquarters in New York, delivering remarks ahead of Security Council activities. The briefing comes at a time of heightened attention to Russia's position at the United Nations, with reporters expected to press Moscow's top diplomat on the war in Ukraine, sanctions and ongoing diplomatic standoffs within the Security Council.

Iran has signalled openness to talks with the United States over the Strait of Hormuz as both nations' presidents prepare to attend the UN General Assembly in New York. Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian are due at the same gathering for the first time since the US launched 'Operation Epic Fury', and observers are watching for any direct or indirect contact between the two leaders on the margins of the assembly.