Israel Attack Iran Live Updates: Missiles strike US navy headquarters in Bahrain; explosions heard in Abu Dhabi

AdvertisementIndiaThis Week in AsiaEconomicsIndia-Europe trade corridor gathers pace as Modi, Macron pledge port partnershipThe India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor is seen as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Reading Time:3 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPBiman MukherjiPublished: 5:00pm, 19 Feb 2026Updated: 5:38pm, 19 Feb 2026India and France have agreed to strengthen links between two of their largest ports and others, giving fresh momentum for a proposed commercial corridor stretching from South Asia to Europe that analysts say could rival China’s Belt and Road Initiative.The agreement between India’s Adani Ports and France’s Port of Marseille Fos marks a key step towards realising the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
The memorandum of understanding, signed on Wednesday, calls for the creation of an “IMEC Ports Club” to coordinate key ports along the corridor and strengthen trade connectivity between India and the European Union.AdvertisementFir..

AP file photo US President Donald Trump on Friday stole the spotlight at the FIFA 2026 World Cup draw when he rose from his seat at the Kennedy Center and performed his signature “YMCA” dance. The moment came as organizers brought the Village People on stage to perform the hit number, a staple at Trump campaign rallies alongside “Nessun dorma.”Trump attended the event alongside Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The ceremony was co-hosted by actor-comedian Kevin Hart and supermodel Heidi Klum, and featured appearances by sports icons including Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Wayne Gretzky, Eli Manning and Aaron Judge.FIFA Raises Trump Speculations After Announcing ‘YMCA’ Performance For 2026 World Cup DrawThe US president also received the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize from the sport’s global governing body.”Mr President, this is your prize. This is your peace prize,” said Gianni Infantino, the president of the international football association as p..

A public spat between Candace Owens and Turning Point USA has escalated, with TPUSA announcing a livestream addressing allegations surrounding Charlie Kirk's death without Owens. Owens' insistence on a virtual appearance, citing a scheduling conflict with her own show, was rejected by TPUSA, leading to her exclusion from the December 15 event. The dispute intensifies scrutiny on the controversial matter. The tense back-and-forth between Candace Owens and Turning Point USA has taken a sharp turn, as TPUSA’s Blake Neff announced the organization will move forward with a livestream addressing allegations tied to Charlie Kirk’s death, without Owens participating. The conservative commentator had previously suggested that TPUSA “betrayed” Kirk, who was assassinated on September 10, and was offered a chance to discuss her claims on The Charlie Kirk Show. At first, Owens appeared ready to join in, but a clash over whether she would appear in person or remotely triggered an online de..