Trump Welcomes Iraqi PM to White House, Jokes About His Appearance Amid Middle East Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Iraq's newly appointed Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, to the Oval Office on Tuesday, using the high-profile meeting to reaffirm ties with Baghdad as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East.

Hosting the Iraqi leader during his first official foreign visit since assuming office, Trump struck a light-hearted tone at the start of their meeting, joking, "He's young and handsome, which doesn't make me happy," prompting laughter from those in attendance.

Beyond the exchange, the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing the evolving security situation in the region. The leaders are expected to discuss cooperation on regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and broader strategic issues amid heightened geopolitical tensions.

The visit comes at a time of increased instability in the Middle East, underscoring Iraq's growing diplomatic significance as Washington seeks to reinforce partnerships with key regional allies.

Mob Attacks Assam Rifles Camp in Manipur's Senapati During Anti-Insurgent Search Operation

Tensions flared in Manipur's Senapati district on Tuesday night after a mob gathered outside an Assam Rifles camp in Senapati town following a search operation launched by the security force to locate suspected armed cadres of the NSCN (IM), according to a defence spokesperson.

Officials said the situation quickly turned violent as members of the crowd allegedly pelted stones, vandalised property and set parts of the camp on fire. In response, security personnel fired blank rounds and lobbed tear gas shells to disperse the mob and bring the situation under control.

The confrontation occurred amid heightened security operations in the region, with authorities continuing efforts to

trace insurgent elements. Security has since been tightened in and around Senapati, while officials are monitoring the situation to prevent any further escalation.

Amid Farmers' Protests, Karnataka Government to Review Proposed Bidadi Township Project

As protests by farmers against the proposed Bidadi Township Project continued on the outskirts of Bengaluru, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that the State Government would set up a committee to evaluate the project's merits and drawbacks.

The proposed committee will examine various aspects of the township plan, including its potential impact on agricultural land, local livelihoods, infrastructure needs, and long-term development objectives. The move comes in response to mounting opposition from farmers, who fear the project could lead to large-scale land acquisition and adversely affect their livelihoods.

The government's decision is seen as an effort to address stakeholders' concerns while assessing the feasibility of the project. Farmer groups, however, have maintained their protests, demanding greater transparency and safeguards for agricultural land before any decision is taken on the proposed development.

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan Administers Oath to Newly Elected Rajya Sabha Members

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, administered the oath of office to the newly elected members of the Upper House during a ceremony held in Parliament.

The swearing-in marked the formal induction of the new MPs, who took the oath or made an affirmation as prescribed under the Constitution before assuming their legislative responsibilities. The ceremony was attended by senior parliamentary officials and fellow members.

With the completion of the oath-taking process, the newly elected Rajya Sabha members are now eligible to participate in the proceedings of the House, including debates, discussions, and legislative business.

Assam Rifles Havildar Mohd Iqbal Laid to Rest with Full Honours; Son Vows to Serve the Nation

The mortal remains of Assam Rifles Havildar Mohd Iqbal, who was killed in the line of duty in Nagaland, were brought to his native residence in Kallar Mohra village of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, where he was accorded tributes by the Army and local residents.

A solemn ceremony was held to honour the fallen soldier, with military personnel paying their final respects to Havildar Iqbal for his service and sacrifice in the line of duty.

In an emotional tribute, his son Fasal Iqbal said the family was proud of his father's supreme sacrifice for the nation. He pledged to follow in his father's footsteps by joining the Indian Army as an officer and serving the country with the same dedication, vowing to uphold and honour his father's legacy.