Author: xorance@gmail.com

Officially concluding over 30 years of diplomatic seclusion for the self-declared republic on Somalia’s northern coastline, Israel became the inaugural UN member state to acknowledge Somaliland’s independence in late December 2025. The declaration issued on December 26, 2025, triggered swift reactions throughout Africa and the Middle East. The action was denounced by the Somali Federal Government as a breach of Somalia’s sovereignty. In Mogadishu, protests broke out, and within days Egypt made it clear that it would increase military and security cooperation with Somalia, placing the defence of Somali territorial integrity at the forefront of its regional strategy.STORY CONTINUES BELOW…

India’s Hardik Pandya reacts during an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between India and Pakistan, at R. Premadasa Stadium, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on February 15, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI It was customary for fans of the losing team in an India-Pakistan match to console themselves with “after all it was only a game”. The winners took the result as endorsement of their politics, way of life, mutton curry and everything else. But such triumphalism was absent after India beat Pakistan by 61 runs in the World T20. The match was a damp squib, and so…

At Anand Warehouse, Mattancherry | Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT As the activities pick up around the various venues of the Kochi Muziris Biennale, with art enthusiasts, tourists and locals heading to the 29-odd venues hosting art-related events, some of the Indian art world’s prominent names delve into what the Biennale means to not just the art community, but also to the regular folk of the city. Kiran Nadar | Photo Credit: @MOHAMMED ROSHAN I love itThe Kochi Biennale is evolving, I love it. There have been problems in the past but they seem to have been ironed out. For me,…

The recent layoffs at The Washington Post, which eliminated around one-third of its workforce and more than 300 newsroom employees, represent one of the sharpest cuts in the paper’s recent history and a troubling moment for American journalism. This decision raises serious concerns, as the layoffs included many prominent journalists, columnists, and editors. It reflects the changing nature of capitalist management and a market-driven approach to journalism, both of which risk undermining the credibility and independence of the press.STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADAmong those affected was Ishaan Tharoor, a widely read columnist on international affairs. Others included Amazon beat reporter Caroline…

Jammu and Kashmir’s Vanshaj Sharma with teammates celebrates after the team’s victory in the Ranji Trophy semifinal cricket match against Bengal, at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground, in Kalyani on February 18, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI Jammu and Kashmir cruised to a six-wicket win over a star-studded Bengal in the semifinals to reach its maiden Ranji Trophy final at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground here on Wednesday.Last season’s quarterfinalist, J&K, resuming from 43 for two, achieved the remaining 83 runs in about two hours on day four.After virtually throwing away the match due to its below-par second innings batting,…

Walking through the art venues at the Kochi Muziris Biennale 2025 at Fort Kochi can be tiring, especially in humid weather. Here’s a guide to cafes and eateries around the galleries where you can grab a glass of something cold and comforting to quench your thirst and find a nice dish to go with it. From sandwiches and pastas to traditional Kerala flavours, there is a selection to choose from. Toast and omelette at Qissa Cafe | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Qissa CafeIf you are not in the mood for a full meal, try the sandwiches here. These tuna, cheese,…

Recently, a friend of mine sent me his view, which he called an uncomfortable truth: in tomorrow’s world, AI (artificial intelligence) will be supreme. He first noted: “AI will affect most the ‘thinking-heavy’ professions, not the mechanical ones.”For decades, the worth of military analysts, strategic thinkers or geopolitical commentators came from three advantages: access to information, ability to process large quantities of documents and recognition of past patterns across history, doctrine and behaviour.STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADToday AI does all three faster, deeper, broader and with no effort.AI can read every paper published in the world in the last 20…

UAE’s Muhammad Farooq, right, reacts after the wicket of South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between South Africa and UAE, at Arun Jaitley Stadium, in New Delhi, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI South Africa, riding on Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis’ fiery knocks, beat UAE by six wickets in a low-scoring Group D match here on Wednesday (February 18, 2026).Chasing UAE’s 122 for 6, built largely on young top-order batter Alishan Sharafu’s gritty 45, the Proteas overhauled the target in 13.2 overs.Rickelton smashed a 16-ball 30 while Brewis scored…

Walking into Joe’s Pub in Galle, Sri Lanka, feels like travelling back in time. The glass tables, covered with chequered bright-green tablecloths, must have seen many pints of beer, shots of arrack, and rounds of steaming hot plates of kothu over the years. It is the promise of a local bar experience that takes us outside the walls of Galle Fort to Sydney Hotel, where Joe’s Pub is. The hotel building stands tall right outside the fort, and is a slice of formidable history, located right next to the Galle bus stop, surrounded by fruit shops, lottery ticket stalls, snack vendors…

The annual Munich Security Conference is the world’s leading forum for serious political and military leaders. Last year, United States Vice President JD Vance shocked Europe’s geopolitical elite by warning it of the Islamisation of European cities if illegal immigration wasn’t checked.At last week’s Munich Security Conference, America’s official tone changed. Vance was kept away. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who doubles up as national security advisor, delivered the keynote address. In attendance were military and political leaders from across the world. Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, unrecognised by German security officers, was briefly asked for his identity card at…