17th-Century Royal Astrolabe from Jaipur Set for Global Auction at Sotheby’s, Expected to Break Records

London: One of the most extraordinary scientific treasures from Jaipur’s royal collection—a massive 17th-century brass astrolabe—is set to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s, London, attracting global attention from collectors and museums alike. Described by experts as both a “supercomputer” and an “ancient smartphone” of its era due to its multifunctional design, the rare astronomical instrument is being hailed as one of the largest and most sophisticated astrolabes ever documented. Benedict Carter, Head of Islamic and Indian Art at Sotheby’s, has called it an unparalleled example of historical scientific craftsmanship…

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Trump’s Warning Statement Sparks Tensions After Iranian Foreign Minister’s Russia Visit

Washington: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly issued a sharp warning in response to Iranian Foreign Minister’s recent diplomatic visit to Russia, escalating already heightened geopolitical tensions. In an interview with Fox News, Trump allegedly warned that if Iran does not reach an agreement within three days, severe consequences could follow, including a major disruption to its oil infrastructure. He claimed that Iran’s oil export capacity could be severely crippled, stating that the country would be left unable to sustain its energy exports. According to Trump, ongoing restrictions have…

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Iran and U.S. Edge Toward Renewed Talks Amid Fragile Ceasefire

Islamabad/Washington: Diplomatic momentum is building around a possible revival of negotiations between Iran and the United States, even as uncertainty clouds the prospects of direct engagement. Iran’s foreign minister arrived in Islamabad on Friday, coinciding with the expected visit of senior American representatives—an overlap that has fueled speculation of backchannel diplomacy. Uncertain Format for Talks According to statements from Washington, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner may engage with Iranian officials during their time in Pakistan. However, Iranian state media has downplayed the likelihood of direct, face-to-face meetings, suggesting…

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Trump Envoy Urges FIFA to Replace Iran with Italy in 2026 World Cup: Report

New Delhi: A reported proposal from a special envoy of former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked fresh controversy ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a suggestion to replace Iran with Italy in the tournament scheduled to begin on June 11. According to reports, Trump’s envoy, Paolo Zampolli, has urged FIFA to consider including Italy in place of Iran. The proposal comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions and follows Trump’s recent criticism of Pope Leo XIV over his stance on U.S. immigration policies and opposition to war involving Iran.…

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Trump’s ‘Lakshman Rekha’: A Strategic Display of Power in Global Politics

New Delhi: In the evolving landscape of global geopolitics, the idea of a “Lakshman Rekha”—a symbolic red line—has emerged as more than just a metaphor. It represents a calculated strategy of deterrence, signalling, and psychological pressure. This approach has been closely associated with the foreign policy posture of former U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly in dealing with adversaries like Iran. Rather than defining a physical boundary, such “red lines” serve as political warnings—implicit thresholds that, if crossed, could trigger strong retaliatory action. Analysts view this as part of a broader…

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Lucknow University Placement Cell (Main Campus) to Organize Mega Placement Drive on 23 April

Lucknow: The Placement Cell (Main Campus), University of Lucknow, in association with the Mahatma Gandhi International Employment Studies Chair, is set to organize the Mega Placement Drive 2026 on 23 April 2026. The event is being conducted in collaboration with the Rozgaar Mission, Uttar Pradesh and the Directorate of Employment, Government of Uttar Pradesh. The placement drive will be held at the A. P. Sen Auditorium, Old Campus, University of Lucknow, with the process beginning from 09:00 AM onwards. A total of 16 reputed companies will participate in the drive,…

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EU Leaders Consider Clear Response Framework for Member States Under Attack

Nicosia: Leaders of the European Union are moving toward developing a clearer and more coordinated response mechanism in case a member state faces armed aggression and formally seeks assistance under existing treaties. The discussion has gained urgency amid rising geopolitical tensions, with Nikos Christodoulides calling for practical clarity on how the bloc’s mutual defence clause—Article 42.7—should function. While the provision legally obligates all 27 member nations to support a state under attack, it has never been activated, leaving significant uncertainty about its real-world implementation. Christodoulides emphasised that despite the legal…

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Report Raises Questions Over Pakistan’s Dual Approach to Regional Security

Islamabad: A recent analytical report has cast renewed attention on Pakistan’s approach to regional security, suggesting a disconnect between its stated commitment to counterterrorism and patterns that indicate tolerance of destabilising networks. The report points to historical episodes, including the discovery of Osama bin Laden near a major military facility prior to his death in 2011, as indicative of deeper structural contradictions. It argues that such incidents continue to fuel concerns over inconsistencies in policy and enforcement. As the first anniversary of the Pahalgam attack approaches, the analysis shifts focus…

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India and Bhutan hold 7th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meeting in Munnar, Keralam, on 20th-21st April 2026

Delhi: The 7th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting between India and Bhutan was held on 20th–21st April 2026 in Munnar, Kerala. The meeting was co-chaired by  Yogendra Garg, Special Secretary and Member (Customs), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Government of India, and Mr. Sonam Jamtsho, Director General, Department of Revenue and Customs, Ministry of Finance, Royal Government of Bhutan.   India and Bhutan share close and longstanding trade relations, with India being Bhutan’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly 80% of Bhutan’s total trade. Bilateral trade between…

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Myanmar Power Play: Release of Win Myint Deepens Suu Kyi Uncertainty

Myanmar Political Shift Sparks Speculation Over Aung San Suu Kyi’s Future After Win Myint Release Naypyidaw: The recent release of former Myanmar president Win Myint by the country’s military-backed administration has triggered renewed speculation about the fate of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi, although analysts and citizens alike remain doubtful that the move signals any meaningful political transformation. Cautious public response In Yangon and other parts of Myanmar, reactions to the development have been largely restrained. Many residents view the pardon as symbolic rather than a genuine step toward…

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