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Clock is ticking: Trump asks Iran to act fast or 'nothing will be left of them'

IBT News Desk — Mon, 18 May 2026 00:52:58 +0530

US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Iran after Tehran reportedly gave a lukewarm response to Washington's proposed five-point framework for renewed nuclear talks.

Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump warned that Iran was running out of time to strike a deal with the United States.

"For Iran, the clock is ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won't be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE," Trump wrote.

The warning came just hours after Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone on Sunday. According to Israeli media reports, the two leaders discussed the possibility of renewed military action against Iran, while Trump also briefed Netanyahu about his recent diplomatic visit to China.

Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency earlier reported that the United States had presented Tehran with a five-point proposal aimed at reviving negotiations. The reported conditions included transferring uranium stockpiles to the US and accepting fresh limits on Iran's nuclear programme.

According to the report, Washington also refused to release even 25 per cent of Iran's frozen assets or compensate Tehran for damages caused during the conflict.

In response, Iran reportedly demanded an end to military action across the region, including in Lebanon — a major sticking point for Israel. Tehran has also called for the US to lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports.

Although the US and Iran agreed to a fragile ceasefire more than a month ago, negotiations have since stalled, with both sides refusing to back down from their core demands. Diplomatic efforts to permanently end the conflict have so far failed, while the ongoing war continues to disrupt global energy supplies, push oil prices higher, and unsettle international markets.

The prolonged conflict has also increased pressure on the American economy, emerging as a potential political challenge for Trump ahead of the upcoming midterm elections in November.

According to officials familiar with the negotiations cited by Axios, Trump still wants a deal to prevent further escalation. However, Iran's refusal to compromise on its nuclear programme and rejection of key US demands have once again brought military action back into consideration.

Trump may use Taiwan arms as China leverage: US envoy

IBT News Desk — Sun, 17 May 2026 23:42:15 +0530

Concerns are growing in Taiwan after President Donald Trump indicated that future US arms sales to Taipei could become part of broader negotiations with China following his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Taiwan's representative to the US, Alexander Yui, warned on Sunday on CBS News that Taiwan needed continued American weapons support to deter what he described as growing Chinese aggression across the Taiwan Strait.

"If we want to prevent a war from happening, I think it's best that Taiwan is strong, able to defend itself," Yui said.

The comments came after Trump suggested in interviews and remarks following the Beijing summit that Taiwan-related arms sales could be used as a "negotiating chip" with China.

"It's a very good negotiating chip for us, frankly," Trump said, according to ABC News.

President Trump also noted that he wanted both Taiwan and China to "cool down", while stopping short of committing to approve a new weapons package sought by Taipei.

The issue has emerged as one of the most sensitive outcomes of the Trump-Xi summit, which otherwise produced limited publicly announced agreements.

Yui sought to reassure Taiwanese audiences that the US had not formally changed its longstanding Taiwan policy, noting that both Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had publicly maintained support for stability in the Taiwan Strait.

But he also made clear that Taiwan wanted Washington to hear "our side of the story" after Trump spent two days in Beijing hearing Chinese concerns about the self-governed island.

"He heard only their side of the story," Yui said.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly warned against foreign military support for Taipei. Beijing has increased military pressure on Taiwan in recent years through air incursions, naval patrols and military exercises around the island.

Yui rejected Beijing's claims that Taiwan was provoking tensions.

"We're not the ones creating all this trouble," he said.

"It is China... creating all these problems."

Former US Defence Secretary Robert Gates also addressed Taiwan tensions during an appearance on CBS News, warning that China could attempt to pressure Taiwan through blockades or economic strangulation rather than an outright invasion.

"They could create a blockade or a quarantine around Taiwan anytime they wanted," Gates said.

At the same time, Gates urged Washington to proceed with pending arms deliveries to Taiwan despite concerns over growing US weapons shortages caused by conflicts in Iran and Ukraine.

PM Modi receives Sweden's 'Royal Order of Polar Star'; marks 31st global honour

IBT News Desk — Sun, 17 May 2026 23:41:52 +0530

Commander Grand Cross, an international honour from Sweden, on Sunday, during his official visit to the Nordic country.

'Royal Order of Polar Star' Commander Grand Cross is the utmost recognition and honour that can be conferred upon a Head of the government.

The Swedish Crown Princess Victoria presented Prime Minister Modi with the Royal Order in a ceremony at the County Governor's residence, in the presence of Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

This is the 31st global honour for PM Modi.

The Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf decided to confer the 'Royal Order of the Polar' Commander Grand Cross, upon Prime Minister Modi, according to the Swedish Prime Minister's office.

The Order of the Polar Star was instituted in 1748 and is awarded to individuals for their personal endeavours for Sweden or Swedish interests, the Swedish PM's office noted.

PM Modi and his Swedish counterpart Kristersson also exchanged special gifts commemorating Rabindranath Tagore and the enduring civilisational and intellectual ties between India and Sweden, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

PM Modi on Sunday arrived in Sweden on the third leg of his five-nation visit and was received by his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, at the airport. in Gothenburg.

Swedish Gripen fighter jets escorted PM Modi's plane as it entered the country's airspace.

PM Modi arrived in Sweden at the invitation of Kristersson after concluding his visit to the Netherlands.

During his visit, Prime Ministers Modi and Kristersson will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and explore new avenues of cooperation to enhance bilateral trade, according to the statement released by the MEA.

PM Modi had earlier visited Sweden in 2018 for the first-ever India-Nordic Summit.

A major highlight of the visit will be the participation of Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Kristersson at the European Round Table for Industry, a prominent pan-European platform of business leaders.

The two leaders will address the gathering alongside Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

The Sweden visit comes immediately after PM Modi concluded his official two-day visit to the Netherlands earlier on Saturday at the invitation of his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten.

Kartavya Movie Review: Saif Ali Khan's flawless act can't save Saurabh Dwivedi's debut performance; fans say 'Arjun Kapoor is 10 times better'

Ruchita — Sun, 17 May 2026 23:15:00 +0530

Saif Ali Khan has wowed us with his acting prowess in Bollywood films, and the actor stepped into the world of web series and web films a few years back. He garnered accolades for Sacred Games and Tandav, and now Saif Ali Khan is back in the OTT game, giving many stars a run for their money. His recently released crime thriller Kartavya was released on Netflix India.

In the film, Saif essays the role of a cop trapped between professional duty and the safety of his own family. The story also shows the murder of a journalist and how the cops try their best to trace the murderer, in quest for justice, system, and godman, how society, pressure, and power slowly destroy a man emotionally while he continues to wear the uniform with pride.

Set in the dusty small town of Jhamli, Kartavya takes a more realistic approach rather than commercial heroism and glorifying the lead. While Saif Ali Khan leads the film, the movie is backed not by star power but by a cast of performers known for their craft. Sanjay Mishra, Rasika Dugal and Zakir Hussain all deliver jaw-dropping performances and add to the gritty tone of the thriller. Former Lallantop journalist Saurabh Dwivedi also makes his acting debut as Anand Shri, the controversial godman at the centre of the abuse allegations, which also adds a layer of curiosity to the series.

Saif Ali Khan's Pawan Malik is assigned to protect a journalist investigating a powerful godman and the nexus surrounding him. As the investigation deepens, Pawan realises corruption runs through politicians, police officials and even people closest to him. At the same time, his personal life begins to fall apart, forcing him to constantly choose between being a good officer and a good family man. Rasika Dugal, playing journalist Reema Dutta's murderer, also adds to the suspense and is in sync with Saif Ali Khan's character

The film gradually transforms from a murder investigation into a story about betrayal and emotional turmoil. Pawan finds himself surrounded by manipulation from all sides while trying to uncover the truth behind the deaths of journalist Reema Dutta and young shooter Harpal. As the conspiracy unfolds, he discovers that the people he trusted the most were involved in the cover-up.

The climax avoids the usual larger-than-life Bollywood set-up and premise. Kartavya chooses a grounded and emotionally exhausting climax. Pawan finally uncovers the truth and kills those responsible for the conspiracy, including his trusted aide, played by Sanjay Mishra and even his own father, portrayed by Zakir Hussain.

The final scenes show a shattered Pawan who may have exposed the truth but remains emotionally scarred by everything he lost in the process.

One of the biggest talking points after the film's release has been the ending of Anand Shri's arc. Many viewers felt the Godman character, played by Saurabh Dwivedi, deserved a stronger conclusion. Rather than giving audiences a dramatic confrontation, the makers chose to focus on Pawan Malik's psychological state and the emotional cost of duty. The ending has a powerful message that duty always demands sacrifice.

While the performances of almost every actor received praise online, it was Saurabh Dwivedi's acting debut that faced the harshest criticism on social media. Netizens brutally trolled his performance, with many claiming his dialogue delivery felt robotic and monotonous throughout the series. Several viewers said it looked as if he was simply reading lines from a script without emotional depth or variation in expression.

Memes quickly flooded social media, with some users jokingly apologising to actors like Arjun Kapoor, Varun Dhawan and Tiger Shroff for criticising their acting in the past.

Take a look:

Is Kartavya Worth Watching for Crime Drama Fans?

Saif Ali Khan delivers a standout performance in a flawed but watchable narrative.

If you enjoy Indian crime dramas with layered characters and moral complexity, Kartavya arrives at the perfect moment today on Netflix.

Katrina Kaif hugs Vicky Kaushal tight, pens birthday note; duo gaze at son Vihaan: Alia Bhatt calls caption hilarious

Ruchita — Sun, 17 May 2026 23:09:44 +0530

Bollywood couple Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal are currently enjoying the happiest phase of their lives as parents to baby boy Vihaan. Just like every proud parent, the duo has been sharing adorable family moments and giving fans small glimpses into their joyful life on social media.

After celebrating her first Mother's Day with son Vihaan last week, Katrina once again melted hearts on May 16, 2026, as she celebrated Vicky Kaushal's 38th birthday with an intimate family celebration.

Taking to Instagram, Katrina shared a carousel of heartwarming pictures filled with cakes, cosy family moments and candid snapshots from the private celebration. Calling Vicky her "pillar of strength," the actress gave fans a rare peek into their peaceful family life away from the glamour and chaos of Bollywood.

The pictures, filled with warmth and cuteness, quickly won over social media, with fans showering love on the couple and little Vihaan.

Katrina wrote, "Happy Birthdayyyyyy.... Same place, 2 years later and how much has changed... Prayer, patience, and faith... And today we celebrate your birthday with the most amount of joy with our little angel...."

She wrote, "I love you not only for who you are (an exemplary human being with a integrity hard to find), but also because you entertain the endless questions that I ask you, about things you cannot possibly know the answer to (yes you are now a expert on mythology, AI, waterproofing, make up, health, business, all "What if" situations in general and everything else in between."

She added, "For your birthday, I wish for you a few extra moments and time for a black coffee (or 2) between the time you wake up and the moment my questions start.."

A photo shows Katrina hugging Vicky, and a cake that reads "happy birthday, Papa."

Another photo shows katrina and Vicky lovingly gazing at their son, Vihaan.
katrina's carousel photos were met with many happy birthday wishes from friends from the industry and fans alike.

Kareena Kapoor Khan commented, Alia Bhatt, who's husvand Ranbir Kapoor was ex of Katrina Kaif, also commented on the carousel.

Vicky and Katrina Kaif welcomed their baby boy in November last year and announced the joyous news with a cute post that read, "Our bundle of joy has arrived. With immense love and gratitude, we welcome our baby boy." On January 7, the couple revealed their son's name: Vihaan Kaushal.

Vicky and Katrina got married in an intimate ceremony at the Six Senses Fort Barwara in Rajasthan on December 9, 2021. They kept their relationship a secret until they made it official by tying the knot.

In an interview with GQ India recently, Vicky spoke about being a father, saying that "every day, a new emotion hits." When asked about his feelings as a new father, he said, "It's too soon for me to analyse. Every day, a new emotion hits. You surrender to this in a way you've never surrendered to anything." He also called it "a grounding experience". The actor added, "It's a feeling I can't put into words, and wasn't prepared for."

After announcing divorce, Mouni Roy - Suraj Nambiar follow each other on Instagram; wedding photos intact

Ruchita — Sun, 17 May 2026 22:21:14 +0530

They say love is enough, but sometimes life and fate have other plans. A grand wedding, dreamy vacations, and cute candid photos on social media do not always guarantee a happy and long-lasting relationship. In today's digital age, many celebrity breakups begin online long before they reach the courtroom. Of late, we have seen couples quietly unfollowing each other on Instagram or deleting pictures together. That gives a subtle hint to fans that there is definitely trouble in paradise.

Actor Mouni Roy recently announced her separation from husband Suraj Nambiar, and social media users quickly noticed that the two had unfollowed each other on Instagram. Suraj had even temporarily deactivated his account, which added fuel to the fire.

Mouni Roy - Suraj Nambiar follow each other on Instagram

However, just a day after confirming their divorce through a collaborative post, the former couple began following each other again online, leaving netizens surprised and confused. Many compared their equation to celebrity ex-couples like Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora, as well as Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan, who maintained cordial relationships even after divorce.

While Suraj's Instagram profile currently features only one picture linked to Mouni, with her face not visible, Mouni's account still carries several photos from their wedding ceremonies and happier moments together.

In an earlier interview with Curly Tales, Mouni had fondly recalled how she first met Suraj, describing the experience as "a page out of a storybook."

She shared that she was spending New Year's Eve with her childhood best friend, surrounded by "nine couples", while being "the only single one." Feeling emotional watching everyone celebrate with their partners, she told her friend, "I'm never going to find anyone."

Her friend then jokingly promised to find her someone that very night and pointed towards "the guy in the white shirt." Mouni remembered that the moment their eyes met, Suraj walked over to her without even recognising who she was. Calling him "a very good-looking guy," she admitted she was immediately curious to know more about him.

Meanwhile, actor Disha Patani has also found herself at the centre of online gossip after social media users noticed that she no longer follows Suraj Nambiar on Instagram.

Following Mouni Roy's divorce announcement, a manipulated Instagram screenshot began circulating online claiming that Mouni had secretly married Disha Patani. The viral image showed both actresses dressed in ethnic wear with garlands around their necks. However, the photo was later traced back to a June 2025 ISKCON temple visit during Disha's birthday celebrations.

Several reports confirmed that the screenshot was fabricated, and neither Mouni nor Disha has made any statement suggesting a romantic relationship or marriage. Despite this, the edited post spread rapidly across gossip pages, Reddit discussions, and Instagram fan accounts, highlighting how easily misinformation can gain traction online.

In this case, Disha's unrelated social media activity, including unfollowing Suraj, was wrongly interpreted by many as proof of involvement in the divorce. The incident once again underlines the importance of verifying viral content before sharing it, especially when it concerns someone's personal life and reputation.

Mouni Roy and Disha Patani's friendship dates back to Akshay Kumar's 2023 'The Entertainers' tour, after which the duo were frequently spotted together in public. While their close bond and affectionate posts have often sparked speculation online, neither has addressed the rumours surrounding their relationship. Their silence, combined with growing social media chatter, has made them easy targets for baseless assumptions, particularly during Mouni's high-profile divorce.

Trump speaks with Israel PM Netanyahu as US mulls fresh strikes on Iran

IBT News Desk — Sun, 17 May 2026 22:03:50 +0530

United States President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone on Sunday, with discussions reportedly centred around Iran, according to an Israeli official cited by Axios.

The conversation came shortly after Netanyahu revealed that he was scheduled to speak with Trump following the US President's diplomatic visit to China. The Israeli leader had indicated earlier that Iran and regional security would likely dominate their talks.

Following his Beijing trip, Trump claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed with him on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, China's foreign ministry later stated that the conflict "should never have started" and had no reason to continue.

Meanwhile, reports suggest Trump's top aides are weighing fresh military action against Tehran after negotiations between the US and Iran — reportedly mediated by Pakistan and other countries — stalled. If the ceasefire collapses and Washington resumes strikes, the US military is considering renaming its campaign against Iran as "Operation Sledgehammer."

The US had earlier paused "Operation Epic Fury," the military operation launched on February 28 targeting Iran. The Trump administration had also imposed a blockade on Iranian ports as part of efforts to pressure Tehran into negotiations.

Amid escalating tensions, Netanyahu is expected to chair a high-level security meeting with senior ministers and aides in Jerusalem on Sunday evening, according to The Times of Israel.

Speaking during the weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said the US and Israel's "eyes are open regarding Iran."

"I will certainly hear impressions from his trip to China, perhaps other things as well. Certainly, there are many possibilities, and we are prepared for every scenario," Netanyahu was quoted as saying.

Separately, a drone strike triggered a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, Reuters reported, citing Abu Dhabi officials.

According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the strike hit an electrical generator outside the plant's inner perimeter. Authorities said there was no rise in radiation levels and no injuries were reported. The International Atomic Energy Agency also confirmed there was no radiation leak.

While UAE officials said the source of the drone strike remains under investigation, the country asserted its right to respond to such "terrorist attacks." The UAE has previously accused Iran of carrying out attacks on its territory. The latest incident comes amid heightened regional tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28, after which Tehran launched retaliatory attacks targeting Gulf nations, including the UAE.

One Indian killed and three injured in Russia in drone strike

IBT News Desk — Sun, 17 May 2026 22:03:34 +0530

An Indian worker was killed, and three others suffered injuries in a drone attack in the Moscow region on Sunday, the Indian Embassy in Russia announced.

"One Indian worker has lost his life, and three others have been injured in a drone attack in the Moscow region earlier today. Embassy officials have visited the location and met the injured workers in the hospital," the Embassy wrote on X.

"The Embassy condoles the loss of life and is working with the company management and local authorities to provide necessary assistance to the workers," it added.

Earlier on Sunday, Ukraine's President Vladimir Zelensky, regarding the latest strikes of Ukraine in Moscow, wrote on X: "Our responses to Russia's prolongation of the war and its attacks on our cities and communities are entirely justified. This time, Ukrainian long-range sanctions reached the Moscow region, and we are clearly telling the Russians: their state must end its war".

Russia and Ukraine resumed attacks after a brief ceasefire between May 8 and May 11.

This ceasefire was announced ahead of celebrations of the 81st anniversary of the Soviet people's victory in World War II.

The "special military operation" by the Russian troops is continuing following the end of the ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, the Russian Ministry of Defence stated last week.

Moscow also accused Kyiv of committing 30,383 cases of ceasefire violations during the ceasefire in the "special operation zone."

The Russian President's Press Secretary, Dmitry Peskov, noted at a briefing last week that a lot of groundwork has already been laid to advance a settlement in Ukraine; however, it's too early to discuss specific dates and targets.

"The wealth of work in the peace process allows us to say that completion is indeed near," the Kremlin spokesman said. "But in this context, it's impossible to talk about specifics at this point."

(With inputs from IANS)

Bengaluru-Mumbai Express starts inaugural run

IBT News Desk — Sun, 17 May 2026 22:03:21 +0530

The Bengaluru-Mumbai Express started its inaugural run on Sunday, strengthening connectivity between Karnataka and Maharashtra, making travel smoother for business, education, tourism, and employment opportunities, according to an official statement.

The new service will further improve rail connectivity for passengers travelling between Bengaluru, the Hubballi-Dharwad region, Belagavi, Pune, and Mumbai. The train will be operated and maintained by the South Western Railway (SWR) zone.

In a statement, SWR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Dr Manjunath Kanamadi said: "This new train service is expected to greatly benefit passengers travelling for business, education, tourism and employment purposes between Bengaluru, North Karnataka and the Mumbai region. The service will also improve rail connectivity to important commercial and cultural centres en route."

The new Bengaluru-Mumbai-Bengaluru Express will operate with train numbers 16553/16554. On Sunday, it operated as an inaugural one-way special service with train number 06557 between Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal, Bengaluru and the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Mumbai.

The Express train will cover a distance of 1,210 km in 24 hours and 5 minutes. The train will commence regular operations from Bengaluru on May 23, while services from Mumbai will begin from May 24.

The new SMVT Bengaluru-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express will halt at 15 stations. These are: Tumakuru, Davangere, SSS Hubballi, Dharwar, Belagavi, Miraj, Sangli, Karad, Satara, Lonand, Pune, Lonavala, Karjat, Kalyan, and Thane stations.

The Express train will run as a bi-weekly service. The train will comprise one AC 2-tier coach, four AC 3-tier coaches, six sleeper class coaches, four general second class coaches, one second class luggage-cum-brake van with Divyangjan-friendly compartment, and one luggage-cum-generator car-cum-brake van, totalling 17 LHB coaches.

For travel between SMVT Bengaluru and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus on train numbers 16553/16554, the ticket fare has been fixed at Rs 750 for Sleeper Class, Rs 1,880 for AC 3 Tier and Rs 2,575 for AC 2 Tier.

Train No. 16553 SMVT Bengaluru–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express will depart from SMVT Bengaluru at 8.35 p.m. on every Saturday and Tuesday and reach Lokmanya Tilak Terminus at 8.40 p.m. on Sunday and Wednesday, respectively.

In the return direction, Train No. 16554 Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–SMVT Bengaluru Express will depart from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus at 11.15 p.m. on every Sunday and Wednesday and arrive at SMVT Bengaluru at 10.30 p.m. on Monday and Thursday, respectively.

Israel claims killing Hamas operations commander in air strike

IBT News Desk — Sun, 17 May 2026 22:03:09 +0530

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday claimed that it has eliminated the Hamas operations headquarters Commander who advanced terror plots against Israeli forces.

"IDF forces in the Southern Command eliminated Bahaa Baroud yesterday, a commander in the operations headquarters of the Hamas terror organisation," the IDF said on social media platform X.

It detailed that Baroud operated throughout the war and particularly in recent times to plan and advance numerous terror plots by Hamas against the IDF forces in the Gaza Strip and the citizens of Israel.

"Baroud posed an immediate threat to IDF forces and was eliminated in a precise aerial strike," the IDF claimed.

It emphasised that steps were taken prior to the strike to minimise harm to civilians, including the use of precise weaponry and aerial observations.

The IDF last week claimed that it had destroyed a Palestinian Islamic Jihad weapons production site and weapons storage facility in northern Gaza.

The IDF said that "the site had been used by the organisation's production array, as well as by Hamas for the production of explosive devices and the storage of additional weapons intended to harm Israeli civilians and Israel Defence Forces troops".

The IDF under the Southern Command are deployed in the area.

The IDF last month noted that it had destroyed 14 km of underground tunnels in the northern Gaza Strip.

It mentioned that, as part of the operation, the brigade's forces, in cooperation with fighters from the Yahalam unit, have so far destroyed around 14 km of underground tunnels. Sleeping rooms and numerous weapons were located inside the tunnels as the brigade's forces continued the mission of clearing the area.

The IDF said that the Northern Brigade forces and the Yahalam unit under the command of Division 252 have been operating in recent months in a targeted operation to destroy Hamas' underground infrastructure, in the northern Gaza Strip in general and in the Beit Hanoun area east of the Yellow Line, in particular.