The Trump administration is considering a new USCIS naturalization rule that would introduce enhanced educational standards for people applying for US citizenship. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the proposed rule aims to establish a formal framework of how applicants meet citizenship education requirements while strengthening the integrity of the naturalization process. The proposed Trump citizenship test education requirement would build on existing rules, requiring applicants to demonstrate basic English reading, writing, and speaking skills, along with knowledge
The BRICS Summit 2026 will be held in New Delhi on September 12–13, marking India's first time hosting the leaders' summit in five years. As chair of the grouping, India will host an expanded BRICS bloc at a time of growing geopolitical tensions and increasing expectations from the Global South. The BRICS Summit 2026 is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation while managing differences among its members. One of the biggest issues on the agenda is managing the expanded BRICS membership. The grouping has grown beyond its original five members, making consensus on political and
The Pacific island nation of Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, marking a significant step towards embracing its Indigenous heritage and national identity. Under the name change, the country's short name will become Naoero, its country code will change to NRO, and its citizens will be known as dei-Naoero, according to a government statement. The Republic of Naoero transition follows a constitutional amendment passed by Nauru's Parliament in May 2026. The government had initially planned to hold a national referendum before implementing the change. How
King Mohammed VI marked the 27th anniversary of his accession to the throne with celebrations at the Royal Palace in Tetouan and received congratulatory messages from world leaders, heads of state, and senior officials. On his Throne Day, the King reaffirmed Morocco's commitment to advancing its long-term development agenda, describing the country's progress as the result of sustained reforms, accountability, and continuity. He said his focus has always been on serving the Moroccan people and improving their quality of life, while emphasising political stability and security as key nationa
Saudi Arabia and 13 partner nations have announced the formation of the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance, a new military coalition aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden, a vital maritime corridor linking the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. In a statement issued on Thursday, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence said the alliance will strengthen collective maritime defence through intelligence sharing, operational planning, joint exercises, and coordinated maritime operations. Officials said the coalition
India is set to host the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi on September 12–13, marking the country's first time hosting the annual gathering in five years. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are expected to attend, with separate bilateral meetings anticipated between each leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The summit will be held under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," reflecting BRICS' focus on strengthening collaboration among member nations. A visit by Xi Jinping w
Keiko Fujimori has been sworn in as Peru's president after narrowly defeating left-wing candidate Roberto Sanchez in a closely contested run-off election. Fujimori won by fewer than 50,000 votes, securing the presidency after three unsuccessful bids and becoming Peru's ninth president in a decade. Her Fuerza Popular party emerged as the largest bloc in Congress, together with its principal ally, controls half of the Senate seats. While the alliance falls short of a working majority, it is expected to provide greater political stability than previous administrations. Fujimori campaigned
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he would be prepared to challenge US President Donald Trump if he believed Britain's national interests were at risk, while stressing the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with Washington. In his first major interview as prime minister, Burnham said he had enjoyed a positive first conversation with Trump, describing the US president as really warm. However, he added that he would not hesitate to express a different view if circumstances required it. I can't at any point say that I won't take a different opinion from him. If I think t
The United States has announced a new global visa restriction policy targeting individuals involved in cybercrime and cyber-enabled offences, including online investment scams and sextortion. The measure, announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is part of the Trump administration's broader effort to combat international cybercrime networks. Under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the policy allows the US government to impose visa restrictions on individuals found responsible for or complicit in cyber-enabled criminal activities. Rubio said the restriction
The United States and Saudi Arabia have agreed to a 30-year civilian nuclear cooperation framework that would allow American companies to build nuclear infrastructure in the kingdom, including reactors and related technologies. The agreement is designed to help Saudi Arabia diversify its energy mix, create significant commercial opportunities for US firms, and reduce reliance on Russian and Chinese suppliers. A key feature of the agreement is that it could allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium domestically under strict conditions. Washington and Riyadh are expected to conduct a two-year joi