Former Israeli Defense Minister Admits to Ordering Hannibal Directive on October 7
Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has admitted to ordering the controversial Hannibal Directive during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 on February 7, Gallant confirmed that the protocol—designed to prevent captives from being taken, even at the cost of their lives—was used in some areas but […]
Trump and Japan PM Reaffirm US – Japan Alliance Against China
US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met at the White House on Friday, projecting unity in countering China’s growing economic and military influence. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a “free and open” Indo-Pacific, with Trump highlighting a nearly $1 billion arms sale to Japan, including the advanced Standard Missile-6 system. […]
Trump Administration Cuts $4 Billion in Medical Research Funding
The Trump administration has announced significant cuts to medical research funding, slashing billions of dollars from universities, hospitals, and scientific institutions by reducing the amount allocated for associated costs. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) stated that it will cut $4 billion annually in “indirect” funding, which covers essential expenses such as buildings, equipment, and […]
Trump Favors Deal Over Military Action Against Iran
In an exclusive interview with the New York Post on Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he would prefer to negotiate a deal with Iran to ensure it remains non-nuclear rather than resort to military action. “I would like a deal done with Iran on non-nuclear. I would prefer that to bombing the hell out of […]
Trump Pressures ICE to Increase Deportations
President Donald Trump is growing frustrated with the pace of deportations and has directed key officials, including “border czar” Tom Homan, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and acting ICE Director Caleb Vitello, to accelerate removals. “It’s driving him nuts they’re not deporting more people,” a source familiar with Trump’s thinking said. Renewed Immigration Crackdown White […]
Putin Issues Key Directives on Social Policies, Education, and Security
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a series of directives following the December 10, 2024, meeting of the Council for Civil Society and Human Rights. These measures aim to strengthen social support, education reforms, and national security. Among the key instructions, the government has been asked to consider permanently reducing medical insurance deductions for socially-oriented […]
Sri Lanka’s Parliament Passes Motion to Abolish MPs’ Pensions
Sri Lanka’s Parliament has passed a private member’s motion to abolish pensions for members of parliament, marking a significant change in the country’s political landscape. The motion, moved by New Democratic Front MP Ravi Karunanayake, was approved on Wednesday (7). During the parliamentary debate, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara clarified that the motion would not affect past […]
US Pushes Ukraine to Trade Rare Earth Minerals for Support
In a major development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he has discussed the prospect of Ukraine supplying rare earth minerals to the United States with U.S. President Donald Trump. The talks, which began months ago, focus on Ukraine potentially offering these critical minerals in exchange for future U.S. support. Trump reiterated on Monday that […]
EU Offers to Lower US Tariffs to Avoid Trade War
The European Union is prepared to reduce its 10% car import tariff to align closer with the US rate of 2.5%, as part of efforts to de-escalate trade tensions with Washington, according to Bernd Lange, head of the European Parliament’s trade committee. In an interview with the Financial Times, Lange stated, “We can try to […]
Electronic Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates Launched for Sri Lankans Abroad
Sri Lankans living abroad will now be able to obtain certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates electronically, thanks to the new Electronic Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates (EBMD) facility. The service, set to launch tomorrow (07), will be available through Sri Lankan diplomatic missions worldwide. M.K. Padmanadan, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, […]
