Can India balance its ties between Russia and the US?

Torrential rain has led to severe flooding in the Pacific north-west, prompting Washington state to declare a state of emergency. Over 100,000 residents are under evacuation warnings as mudslides and submerged vehicles pose significant risks, with more rain expected on Sunday.

María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, stated that Nicolás Maduro's political downfall is inevitable, emphasizing that the transition to a new political era in Venezuela is irreversible. This declaration followed her perilous escape from Venezuela, aided by U.S. support, and her recent public appearance in Oslo, Norway, where she received the Nobel Prize.

The Russian ambassador to Germany has been summoned following allegations from the German foreign ministry regarding a significant increase in Russian hybrid activities aimed at destabilizing Germany. This diplomatic action reflects rising tensions between the two nations amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts.

US President Donald Trump has expressed significant frustration with both Russia and Ukraine, as reports indicate that the US is continuing to pressure Ukraine for major territorial concessions in ongoing peace negotiations aimed at resolving the nearly four-year conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly acknowledged this pressure, highlighting the contentious nature of the discussions.

Immigration agents in the U.S. are increasingly arresting Afghan asylum seekers, particularly men awaiting court hearings, creating a climate of fear among recent arrivals. An example is Amir, who was detained after being pulled over while driving home from an English class in Bloomington, Indiana. This trend raises concerns about the safety of Afghan nationals in the U.S.

Germany has summoned the Russian ambassador following accusations that Russian-linked groups have conducted cyberattacks on its air traffic control system and attempted to influence the upcoming 2024 general election. These actions have been characterized by Berlin as hybrid attacks, prompting plans for coordinated countermeasures with EU partners.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado publicly confirmed that the United States assisted her escape from Venezuela to Norway, where she made her first public appearance in nearly a year after being in hiding. This event coincided with her receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, which she dedicated to her country and its struggle for democracy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed intentions to potentially amend the constitution to facilitate wartime elections or a referendum regarding territorial concessions to Russia, amidst ongoing peace negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict. This move highlights the urgency of involving the Ukrainian populace in critical decisions affecting the nation's sovereignty.