Russia and Ukraine have agreed to ensure the safe passage of commercial ships in the Black Sea and to prevent military attacks, as confirmed by the White House. The United States further stated that both countries will collaborate on exchanging prisoners of war, releasing imprisoned civilians, and repatriating Ukrainian children who were forcibly taken to Russia. However, Russia has demanded that the US lift sanctions on Moscow's banks and food exporters before the ceasefire agreement takes effect. It is worth noting that the US held separate meetings with officials from both Ukraine and Russi

China's embassy in Ottawa is confirming that Beijing executed Canadian citizens earlier this year. It's not clear how many Canadians were executed, although the Canadian government says they did not include Abbotsford, B.C. native Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, who was sentenced to death for drug smuggling by a Chinese court in 2019. In a media statement, the Chinese embassy says the death penalty cases involving Canadian nationals were based on "solid and sufficient" evidence, adding Beijing has "zero tolerance" for drug crime. Global Affairs Canada says it "repeatedly called for clemency for the

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a limited ceasefire in Ukraine, including a 30-day halt in attacks on Ukraine's energy sector and infrastructure. This decision follows a 90-minute conversation between President Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, who discussed the potential for peace in Ukraine. According to reports, the ceasefire will begin with a suspension of military activity in the Black Sea, followed by discussions on a complete ceasefire and long-term peace. A Russian official confirmed that Putin has ordered an immediate halt to attacks on Ukraine's energy and infras

Israel launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, killing at least 413 Palestinians, including women and children, according to hospital officials. The surprise bombardment shattered a ceasefire in place since January and threatened to fully reignite the 17-month-old war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strikes after Hamas refused Israeli demands to change the ceasefire agreement. Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand. The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israel's actions. The Israeli military ordered peo

NASA's two stuck astronauts are finally on their way home after more than nine months in space. Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams left the International Space Station in a SpaceX capsule early Tuesday, checking out with the cosmonaut and astronaut. The capsule is due to splash down in the evening off the Florida coast, weather permitting. Their return will close out a dramatic marathon mission that began with a bungled test flight of Boeing's Starliner capsule last June. They expected to be gone just a week or so when they launched and eventually had to switch to SpaceX to get back.

US President Donald Trump has initiated deportation proceedings under the 227-year-old Alien Enemies Act, resulting in the deportation of 261 Venezuelan immigrants to a supermax prison in El Salvador. The US government took action under this law, alleging that the deported individuals were members of a drug trafficking gang. Notably, the deportation took place despite a US court having stayed the deportation order for these individuals. Trump administration officials stated that the flight had already taken off by the time the court order was issued. The deported Venezuelan citizens were dres

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to the U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. However, he emphasized the need to address the root causes of the conflict to achieve long-term peace. Putin expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for his efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis and also extended his thanks to other global leaders, including those from India and China. During a news conference in Moscow on Thursday, Putin stated that Russia supports the ceasefire but believes there are many issues that need to be discussed. Putin highlighted the importance of creating a m

The Indian government has introduced the Immigration Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, which includes stricter penalties for illegal entry into the country. According to the bill, anyone found entering India without a valid passport and documents could face imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to 5 lakh rupees. The bill also stipulates that individuals who illegally bring, house, or settle a foreigner in India could face a penalty of up to three years in prison, a fine ranging from 2 to 5 lakh rupees, or both. It will now be mandatory for all foreigners to possess a valid pa

Pakistani security forces exchanged gunfire on Wednesday with hundreds of separatist militants as they sought to free about 300 hostages aboard a train in the country’s rugged southwest, officials said. Security forces were being cautious as officials said the hostages were surrounded by militants wearing vests loaded with explosives. At least 27 militants have been killed and security forces rescued more than 150 of the 450 people who were on the train when it was hijacked on Tuesday as it entered a tunnel in Bolan, a district in restive Balochistan province. The Baloch Liberation Army grou