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  • Elderly Man Exhumes Sister’s Remains to Claim Bank Funds, Shocks Officials in India

    An elderly man in eastern India shocked bank officials and customers after exhuming his late sister’s remains to prove her death and access money in her account.

    The incident happened on Monday in the Malipasi area of Keonjhar district in Odisha.

    Went to Withdraw Money, Faced Documentation Demand

    The man, identified as Jitu Munda of Dianali village, reportedly visited the Odisha Grameen Bank branch to withdraw about Rs 20,000 (around $200) from his sister’s account.

    His sister, Kalara Munda, had died on January 26.

    However, bank officials requested official documents before processing the withdrawal.

    Shocking Move Leaves Bank in Disbelief

    Frustrated by repeated visits and delays, Munda returned in a shocking manner.

    He exhumed his sister’s skeletal remains and brought them to the bank as proof of her death, leaving those present stunned.

    “I told them she had died, but they did not listen,” he said.

    Police Step In After Alert

    The incident prompted immediate police intervention after it was reported to authorities in the Patana division.

    Police described the situation as a breakdown in communication and understanding of banking procedures.

    “Jeetu is an illiterate tribal man. He does not understand legal heir procedures,” a police official said.

    Bank Promises Resolution Process

    Following police involvement, bank officials assured that the withdrawal process would be handled properly under legal guidelines.

    Authorities also said steps would be taken to help him obtain the required documents, including a legal heir certificate.

    Reports further indicated that complications arose as the account nominee had also passed away.

    Remains Reburied After Intervention

    The remains were later returned and reburied in the presence of police officers after the situation was de-escalated.

    Local authorities said they were working to ensure the man ultimately receives the funds due to him under the law.

  • Iran Proposes Deal to US to Reopen Strait of Hormuz as War Tensions Escalate

    Iran has proposed a new deal to the United States, offering to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if Washington agrees to lift its blockade on the strategic waterway.

    The proposal was reported by Axios, citing a US official and two sources familiar with the matter.

    Pakistan Acts as Channel for Proposal

    According to the report, the offer was delivered to American authorities through Pakistan, marking a fresh attempt at indirect diplomacy between both nations.

    The deal also reportedly suggests postponing nuclear negotiations to a later stage as tensions remain unresolved.

    Uncertainty Over US Response

    It remains unclear whether President Donald Trump will accept the proposal, as his administration continues to insist that Iran must halt uranium enrichment as part of any agreement.

    Trump has previously stated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain under pressure until Iran reaches a broader deal with the United States.

    Strategic Waterway at Centre of Conflict

    The Strait of Hormuz has remained a key flashpoint in the ongoing conflict involving Iran and US-Israel aligned forces since hostilities escalated earlier this year.

    Iran’s earlier restrictions on the waterway disrupted global oil supply, leading to price increases and energy conservation measures in several countries.

    The US blockade, meanwhile, aims to restrict Iran’s oil exports and limit its access to revenue.

    Global Impact and Rising Casualties

    The wider conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths across Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and parts of the Gulf region, with both military and civilian casualties reported.

    Efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution have so far stalled despite continued backchannel engagements.

    Trump to Review Situation in Security Meeting

    President Donald Trump is expected to hold a Situation Room meeting on Monday with senior national security and foreign policy officials to assess the latest developments and possible next steps.

     

  • Trump Reacts Hours After White House Security Breach, Suspect Apprehended

    U.S. President Donald Trump spoke out hours after a security incident near the White House, calling his role “the hardest job” amid what authorities describe as an apparent assassination attempt.

    Trump said an armed man charged a security checkpoint before being subdued by the United States Secret Service. “A man with multiple weapons charged the checkpoint and was taken down,” he said, calling the suspect a “very sick person” and a “thug.”

    Secret Service Officer Survives

    The president confirmed a Secret Service officer was shot but survived thanks to protective gear. “He was saved by his bulletproof vest and is doing great,” Trump added.

    The incident occurred during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton, where gunfire near a screening area caused panic and forced the evacuation of officials, journalists, and guests.

    Suspect in Custody

    Authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Allen, who was arrested and is expected to face charges in court on Monday. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, said Allen faces multiple charges, including using a firearm during a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer.

    “This individual was intent on doing as much harm as possible,” Pirro said, adding that no one else was injured due to the checkpoint.

    Trump Urges Peace Amid Threats

    Speaking at a press briefing, Trump urged Americans to commit to peaceful resolution despite political tensions. “This is not the first time our republic has been attacked by a would-be assassin,” he said.

    On whether he was the intended target, Trump responded cautiously: “I guess.” He described the dangers of political leadership, noting that even the best security cannot fully prevent determined threats.

    Trump said the incident would not affect his policy direction, including tensions involving Iran. Investigators continue to determine the suspect’s motive.

    Ongoing Security Concerns

    The Secret Service confirmed the shooting occurred at a screening area and is under active investigation. The scare adds to a series of threats Trump has faced in recent years, including a near-fatal attack during a 2024 campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

     

  • Gunfire Scare Disrupts White House Dinner as Trump, Melania Evacuated

    United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated on Saturday night after gunfire erupted near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., triggering panic among thousands of attendees.

    Gunman opens fire at security checkpoint

    The incident occurred at the venue’s main screening area when a man reportedly armed with a shotgun attempted to breach security and opened fire.

    A Secret Service agent was hit during the attack but escaped injury due to protective gear, officials confirmed.

    Panic as dignitaries rushed to safety

    Security operatives quickly moved the president, first lady, and other top officials out of the hall as confusion spread across the venue.

    Guests at the high-profile event were forced to dive for cover, while agents secured the premises.

    Senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, were also ordered to the ground during the operation.

    Suspect apprehended at the scene

    Authorities confirmed that the suspected gunman was swiftly arrested and taken into custody without further casualties.

    The suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California and is expected to face charges in court.

    Trump reacts, praises security response

    In a post shortly after the incident, Trump commended law enforcement for their swift action, stating that all senior officials were safe.

    “Shooter had been apprehended… Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job,” he said.

    He described the suspect as a “would-be assassin” who had managed to breach a key security layer before being stopped.

    Event cancelled amid security concerns

    The White House Correspondents’ Dinner was immediately called off following the incident, with Trump expressing hope that it could be rescheduled within 30 days.

    The development comes months after a previous security scare in July 2024, when Trump was rushed off stage during a campaign rally after gunfire, sustaining an injury to his ear.

  • Netanyahu Reveals Cancer Diagnosis After Quiet Treatment, Explains Delay

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revealed he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and quietly underwent treatment, explaining that the disclosure was delayed due to ongoing tensions.

    Diagnosis uncovered during routine check

    The 76-year-old leader made this known on Friday while releasing details of his annual medical examination.

    He said the condition was discovered during routine monitoring following a previous procedure for an enlarged prostate about a year and a half ago.

    Doctors reportedly found a small abnormality measuring less than one centimetre, which was later confirmed to be an early-stage malignant tumour with no signs of spread.

    Why he kept it private

    Netanyahu explained that he chose to delay making the information public to avoid it being used for political narratives.

    “Today, my annual medical report was published. I requested to delay its release so it would not come out at the height of the war or be used to spread false narratives,” he said.

    Treatment and recovery

    He noted that medical experts presented multiple options, including observation, but he opted for immediate treatment.

    “When I am faced with a potential risk, I prefer to deal with it immediately. I chose treatment, and the problem has been removed completely,” he stated.

    The prime minister also reassured citizens about his health status.

    “I am healthy and in excellent physical condition. It is now behind me,” he added.

    Focus on early detection

    Netanyahu’s disclosure has highlighted the importance of early detection and routine screening for prostate conditions, particularly among older men.

    He had previously undergone surgery for a hernia in March 2024 at a hospital in Jerusalem and recovered without complications.

     

  • Trump Rules Out Nuclear Strike on Iran After Earlier Threats Raise Tension

    United States President Donald Trump has ruled out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, days after earlier threats raised fears of a possible escalation in the conflict.

    Trump dismisses nuclear option

    Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump said conventional military strength was sufficient and there was no need for nuclear deployment.

    “No, I wouldn’t use it,” he said.

    “Why would I use a nuclear weapon when we’ve… in a very conventional way, decimated them without it?”

    He added that nuclear weapons should never be used by any country.

    Shift from earlier warning

    The statement marks a shift from Trump’s earlier remarks on April 7, when he warned that a “whole civilisation will die tonight,” a comment that sparked global concern.

    Hours after that threat, however, the US agreed to a ceasefire in the conflict involving Israel, a truce that has since been extended.

    Vance comments clarified

    During the crisis, Vice President JD Vance had suggested the US could deploy weapons “not previously used,” fuelling speculation about nuclear options.

    The White House later clarified that his statement did not refer to nuclear weapons.

    Vance was also involved in negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme, though talks did not produce a breakthrough.

    Focus remains on Iran’s nuclear programme

    Reiterating his position, Trump said the US priority is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

    “We want an Iran without a nuclear weapon… that’s going to try and blow up one of our cities or the entire Middle East,” he said.

    Iran has repeatedly denied pursuing nuclear weapons, while the International Atomic Energy Agency has said an atomic bomb was not imminent before the conflict.

    Global context and policy stance

    The United States remains the only country to have used nuclear weapons in warfare, during World War II in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

    Although Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, it has not officially confirmed its arsenal.

    Trump’s position contrasts with longstanding US defence policy, which keeps the option of nuclear use under extreme circumstances and has resisted calls for a “no first use” pledge.

    The development is drawing attention in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as global tensions and nuclear policy debates continue.

     

  • Iran-Linked Tankers Bypass US Hormuz Blockade as Trump Insists Pressure Is Working

    At least 34 Iran-linked tankers have reportedly bypassed the United States blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fresh questions over its effectiveness even as US President Donald Trump insists the pressure is hitting Iran’s economy hard.

    Tankers slip past blockade

    A report by the Financial Times said dozens of vessels linked to Iran moved through the strategic waterway in recent days despite the blockade imposed on April 13.

    Out of the 34 ships, at least 19 tankers exited the Gulf while 15 others entered from the Arabian Sea heading toward Iran.

    Among those that left, six were confirmed to be carrying Iranian crude oil, with an estimated 10.7 million barrels valued at roughly $910 million based on discounted pricing.

    Evasion tactics exposed

    One of the vessels, Dorena, reportedly switched off its tracking transponder before passing through the Strait.

    It later carried out a ship-to-ship oil transfer off Malaysia to disguise the origin of the cargo.

    Other sanctioned vessels, including Murlikishan and Alicia, were also said to have entered the Gulf despite restrictions.

    US claims success despite gaps

    Trump, however, maintained that the United States “totally controls” the Strait of Hormuz and described the blockade as a “tremendous success.”

    He said the restrictions would remain until a final agreement is reached with Iran.

    “Iran is collapsing financially… They want the Strait of Hormuz opened immediately,” Trump wrote, claiming Tehran is losing up to $500 million daily.

    US Central Command also said American forces had directed 28 vessels to turn back since the blockade began, though only a few ships have been detained or boarded so far.

    Tensions deepen in strategic waters

    Iran, on its part, said control of the Strait has “reverted to its previous state,” adding that vessels now require clearance from its naval forces.

    The situation has further escalated with reports of attacks on ships in the waterway, underscoring growing tensions between Washington and Tehran.

    US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the blockade targets Iran’s key revenue streams, warning that any entity aiding Iranian oil trade risks sanctions.

    Global concerns rise

    The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global shipping route for oil, and disruptions have continued to raise concerns over energy markets and international trade.

    The unfolding developments are dominating global headlines and feature prominently in latest Nigerian news, as well as breaking news Nigeria today, given their impact on global oil prices and economic stability.

  • Iran Tightens Grip On Strait Of Hormuz Amid Standoff With US Over Port Blockade

    Iran’s elite military force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has announced renewed control over the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with the United States amid an ongoing dispute over port blockades.

    The development comes despite earlier signals of a partial reopening, creating fresh uncertainty around one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.

    What happened

    Iranian state media reported on Saturday that control of the Strait of Hormuz had “returned to its previous state,” with the Revolutionary Guard insisting it would determine which vessels are allowed to pass.

    This follows conflicting messages from Iranian officials, after the country’s foreign minister had earlier indicated that the strait would remain open to commercial shipping during a ceasefire window.

    US position remains firm

    US President Donald Trump said the naval blockade on Iranian ports would continue until negotiations between both countries are fully concluded.

    He maintained that the strait was “open and ready for business,” but made it clear that pressure on Iran would not ease until a final agreement is reached.

    Conflicting signals from Iran

    The situation has exposed apparent divisions within Iran’s leadership, with the government signalling openness while the military adopts a more assertive stance.

    The Revolutionary Guard’s position suggests tighter control over maritime access, raising concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supply.

    Talks and regional tensions

    Trump downplayed differences between both countries, expressing optimism about a possible deal, including cooperation on Iran’s enriched uranium programme, a claim Tehran has rejected.

    He also indicated that fresh talks could take place soon, with reports suggesting a possible meeting in Pakistan, although Iranian officials have cast doubt on the likelihood of progress.

    Meanwhile, developments in Lebanon appear to have stabilised, with Trump stating that Israel would halt further strikes, a condition previously linked to Iran’s willingness to re-engage in negotiations.

  • Iran Reopens Strait of Hormuz, Triggering Sharp Drop in Global Oil Prices After Ceasefire

    Iran has fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, restoring passage through one of the world’s most critical oil routes amid a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

    Strait reopened under ceasefire terms

    Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, announced on Friday that the strategic waterway will remain open for commercial vessels for as long as the ceasefire in the Middle East holds.

    “The passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire,” he said in a post on X.

    The announcement follows uncertainty over whether the reopening aligns with the recent ceasefire involving Lebanon and Israel or an earlier truce between Iran and the United States.

    US reacts as Trump welcomes move

    United States President Donald Trump reacted to Iran’s decision, describing the development as positive for global shipping and energy flow.

    “THANK YOU!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that the Strait had been “FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE.”

    His response signals cautious relief in Washington as tensions around the strategic route ease, at least temporarily.

    Strategic waterway back in focus

    The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil shipments pass, had previously faced restrictions after heightened tensions in the region.

    Iran had earlier signalled limited closure following military escalations involving the United States and Israel, raising fears over global energy security.

    Oil prices tumble, markets react

    The reopening has already triggered sharp movements in global markets.

    Oil prices reportedly dropped by more than 11 per cent, while European stocks rallied and US futures pointed upward as investors reacted to easing supply fears.

    Analysts say the development underscores the Strait’s outsized influence on global energy stability, with ripple effects expected across importing economies, including Nigeria.

  • Trump Administration Terminates $11m Migrant Child Care Contract With Catholic Charities in Miami

    The United States government under President Donald Trump has cancelled an $11 million federal contract with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami, ending a decades-long partnership focused on sheltering and caring for unaccompanied migrant children in Florida.

    What happened

    According to reports from the Miami Herald, the Office of Refugee Resettlement under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) informed Catholic Charities in late March that the contract would be terminated.

    The programme, which functioned as a federally funded foster care system for migrant children arriving in the US without parents or guardians, is expected to shut down within three months.

    The decision ends a partnership that dates back more than 60 years.

    Why the decision was taken

    HHS officials said the move is part of ongoing efforts to reduce costs and consolidate migrant care facilities as the number of unaccompanied minors in federal custody declines.

    A spokesperson noted that daily numbers have dropped to about 1,900 under the Trump administration, compared to a peak of 22,000 during the Biden years.

    Officials also linked the decision to broader immigration enforcement and anti-smuggling policies, although Catholic Charities was not directly accused of wrongdoing.

    Church reacts

    Archbishop of Miami, Most Revd Thomas Wenski, described the decision as sudden and unexpected, warning that it could disrupt a long-standing humanitarian system.

    “The US government has abruptly decided to end more than 60 years of relationship with Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Miami,” he said.

    He added that the organisation had built a strong track record in caring for vulnerable children, calling its service “unmatched” in quality and consistency.

    What the programme handled

    The Miami-based initiative included an 81-bed children’s facility in Miami-Dade County and provided foster care placement, trauma support, and family reunification services for migrant children.

    Its origins trace back to the 1960s, including Operation Pedro Pan, a US-Catholic Church effort that helped relocate thousands of Cuban children fleeing the Castro regime.

    Wider tensions

    The development comes amid reported tensions between the Trump administration and the leadership of the Catholic Church.

    Earlier this week, President Trump criticised Pope Leo XIV, calling him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” comments the Pope responded to by saying he was not afraid of the administration.

    What next

    Catholic officials have questioned the decision, arguing that replacing such a long-standing and specialised system will be difficult.

    “It is baffling that the US government would shut down a programme that it would be hard-pressed to replicate,” Archbishop Wenski said.