The Royal Archives open for the first authorized biography of Queen Elizabeth II / Image: File

For the first time after the death of the queen elizabeth In September 2022, his private papers are being opened to an authorized historian, an important step in documenting the life of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.Anna Kay, the eminent historian and chief executive of The Landmark Trust, has been appointed to write the first official biography of the late Queen. According to BBC News, the project will give them unprecedented access to personal letters, documents and records held in the Royal Archives, material never before available to researchers.The biography is expected to move beyond the Queen’s public duties to offer a more intimate portrait of her life, exploring her personal thoughts, relationships and decision-making during decades of historic change. The decision to allow access to such sensitive material is seen as a rare and carefully managed moment of transparency within the British royal family, where private correspondence traditionally remains sealed.The archive material will describe key moments of profound political and social change in Britain and across the Commonwealth from his accession to the throne in 1952. Historians believe these records can shed new light on how he handled major national events, worked with successive prime ministers, and adapted the monarchy to a rapidly changing world.Anna Kay’s appointment signals an effort to ensure that the biography is authoritative as well as based on rigorous historical research. The project is expected to take several years to complete, reflecting the scale of the archives and the importance of the subject. As a commissioned work, it will be prepared in collaboration with the royal family, while still aiming to provide a balanced and historically reliable account.The reign of Queen Elizabeth II, which began after World War II, witnessed the fall of the Empire, the development of the Commonwealth, and the modernization of the monarchy in the digital age. While his public role was closely documented, his private views have remained largely inaccessible. The BBC News report suggests that unlocking these documents could deepen our understanding of his leadership, revealing how he balanced constitutional duty with personal judgment during crucial moments.For the UK, the biography represents much more than a historical record, it offers a rare opportunity to examine the life and influence of a monarch who shaped the country’s identity for more than seven decades, through insights drawn directly from his own words and records.

Kamala Harris says Netanyahu ‘dragged’ Trump into Iran war

Former US Vice President kamala harris has criticized donald trumpHe alleged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had “dragged” him into the ongoing conflict with Iran and used the situation to divert attention from domestic disputes.Speaking at an event hosted by the Michigan Democratic Women’s Caucus in Detroit on Saturday, Harris said the war was a war the American people do not want. Reiterating her claim on the origins of the conflict, Harris said Trump “entered the war, Bibi Netanyahu dragged him into it,” referring to the Israeli leader.However, Netanyahu has previously rejected such allegations, calling them “fake news”.According to news agency ANI, he further alleged that Trump’s “Operation Epic Fury” was a weak attempt to divert attention from the “Epstein files”.

‘The most corrupt, insensitive and incompetent administration’

Harris sharply criticized the current US leadership, calling it “the most corrupt, insensitive and incompetent” administration in the country’s history.He argued that Trump displays strength through military action, saying he “wants to walk around like he’s strong and will use the force of America’s military against whoever he chooses.”

claim to shift to US foreign policy Approach

Elaborating on foreign policy, Harris claimed that Trump has fundamentally changed America’s global stance. “This president is the first president of the United States of any party since World War II who has abdicated America’s responsibility to nurture and protect our alliances, our friendships,” he said.He further alleged that Trump has rejected key international norms. “Don’t even pretend and actually dismiss the importance of upholding international rules and norms such as sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.According to Harris, these actions have made the United States “untrustworthy” to its allies and weakened its global influence.Beyond foreign policy, Harris also touched on domestic issues, including health care, the economy, and reproductive rights. Expressing confidence in the prospects of the Democratic Party, he said that he is hopeful that it will win the midterm elections to be held in November.

Laura Mabel Francatelli’s Titanic life jacket sells for £670,000 at UK auction/Image: BBC

A life jacket worn by a Titanic survivor has been sold at auction for £670,000 ($906,000), far above its estimated value, according to the Associated Press (AP).The jacket belonged to Laura Mabel Francatelli, a first-class passenger on the RMS Titanic who survived the 1912 disaster. She was traveling with fashion designer Lucy Duff Gordon and her husband Cosmo Duff Gordon and ran aground in lifeboat no. 1.This rare item was auctioned by Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, England and sold over the phone to an anonymous bidder. It was expected to fetch between £250,000 and £350,000, but the final price went well beyond that range.The flotation device is signed by Francatelli and other survivors from the same lifeboat. It features canvas material, shoulder support and straps with cork-filled pockets.Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said the strong sale reflected continued public interest in the Titanic story. He said, “These record-breaking prices reflect the continued interest in the Titanic story and the respect for the passengers and crew.”Another item from the same auction, a seat cushion from one of the Titanic’s lifeboats, sold for £390,000. It was purchased by the owners of the Titanic Museums in the United States.The RMS Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg on April 15, 1912, during its maiden voyage from England to New York. Of the approximately 2,200 people on board, approximately 1,500 lost their lives, while only 700 survived.The ship remains one of the most famous maritime disasters, whose memorabilia continues to attract global interest

File photo: EU foreign policy chief Kaza Kailash and Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai

Iran on Sunday sharply criticized the European Union over its position on transit rules in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing it of double standards amid rising tensions over the US-Iran conflict.Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai targeted EU foreign policy chief Kaza Kailash, saying that Europe uses international law selectively. “Oh, that ‘International Law’?! The one that the EU dusts off to lecture others, while silently giving the green light to a war of US-Israeli aggression… Avoid preaching,” he said, calling Europe’s stance “extreme hypocrisy.”Baghai stressed that Iran, as a coastal state, has the right to regulate movement in the strategic waterway and opposed calls for unrestricted passage.

Iran defends Hormuz control, rejects ‘unconditional transit’

Baghai said Tehran has the right to take action in the strait, stressing, “No rule of international law prevents Iran from … taking the necessary measures to prevent the Strait of Hormuz from being used for military aggression against Iran.”He also rejected the concept of free passage under current circumstances, saying, “‘Unconditional transit passage’ into Hormuz? That fantasy emerged the moment American/Israeli aggression brought American military assets into the backyard of the Strait.”

EU warns against transit fees, offers maritime support

His comments came after Callas stressed that transit through major waterways must remain open and free, warning that any “pay-for-passage scheme would set a dangerous precedent for global sea routes”.Europe could play a role in restoring normalcy once hostilities subside, he said, adding that the EU’s Espionage naval mission could be strengthened to protect shipping throughout the region.

Tension increases as Iran hints at taking tough steps

The exchange came after Iran indicated it might give priority to ships willing to pay fees under the new transit protocol, citing limited capacity. The situation worsened when Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced that the strait would remain closed, warning that any ships coming near it could be “targeted”.The development comes amid broader tensions over the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will not fully reopen until the United States lifts the blockade, with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warning that a final peace deal is still “far off”.The strait, which carries about a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies, remains the epicenter of the crisis, with its disruption impacting global trade and energy markets.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney celebrates Sikh Heritage Month, participates in community service at Ottawa Gurdwara

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Gurdwara Sahib Ottawa on Saturday (local time), where he joined members of the Sikh community in a community service as part of Sikh Heritage Month 2026 celebrations.Sharing details of his visit and a video on X, Carney elaborated on the importance of the Sikh community in Canada, noting that the country is home to the second largest Sikh population in the world. He said, “Canada has the second largest Sikh community in the world. During this Sikh Heritage Month, we celebrate the generations of Canadian Sikh women and men who have contributed to our shared prosperity, strengthened our communities and helped build a stronger Canada.”

Sikh Heritage Month Celebration across canada

Sikh Heritage Month is being celebrated with a series of cultural and community-based events across the country. According to news agency ANI, this year’s celebrations include the launch of an exhibition titled Baghi Jaa Badshah, which explores key phases of Sikh history, portraying the community as both rebels and leaders striving for a just and moral society.The exhibition reflects the Sikh concept of Halemi Raj, which focuses on fairness, justice and ethical governance.

Overseas programs highlight India-Canada cultural ties

Earlier on April 13, the Indian Consulate in Toronto celebrated the festival of Vaisakhi along with Sikh Heritage Month in collaboration with Virasat-e-Khalsa. The event brought together members of the Indian diaspora and community leaders, highlighting the cultural ties between India and Canada.High Commissioner Dinesh K. Patnaik described the Indian diaspora as a “living thread” connecting the two countries, while Consul General Mahavir Singhvi emphasized the global resonance of Vaisakhi and Sikh heritage.The ceremony featured traditional Bhangra and Giddha performances, live music and Dhadhi Varan, showcasing the Sikh values ​​of courage, faith and community.Sikh Heritage Month, celebrated each year in April, recognizes the contributions of Sikh Canadians and their role in shaping the social and cultural fabric of the country.

us President donald trump announced this week that he has formally directed the War Department and federal intelligence agencies to declassify and release government records regarding unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and extraterrestrial life.Speaking at a rally in Phoenix, POTUS said the process of identifying “very interesting documents” is currently underway. He told the crowd that the first batch of these releases would begin “very, very soon,” though the White House has not yet provided a specific calendar for document drops.

Instructions to Federal Agencies

In February 2026, Trump issued a formal directive to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and other agency heads. The order directs the government to locate and prepare for public release any files related to:

Following this directive, the Administration registered the domain Aliens.gov in March, which was intended to serve as a central clearinghouse for unclassified materials.

Congress pressure

This step has been taken amid the growing standoff between the Pentagon and Capitol Hill. Representative Anna Paulina Luna, chair of the House Task Force on Federal Secrets, recently demanded the release of 46 specific classified videos. These videos purportedly show “tic-tac-shaped” objects performing maneuvers in restricted airspace and combat zones.Representative Tim Burchett has also pushed for transparency, citing the classified briefing on UAP, which he claims contains information that would “set the earth on fire” if made public. Both lawmakers have criticized the Pentagon’s All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) for missing a deadline to provide these records to Congress.

What is expected in the files?

Although the exact contents remain classified, upcoming releases are expected to focus on:

Conclusions of the previous government

Despite Trump’s enthusiasm, official military reports remain cautious. A 2024 report by AARO stated that no evidence had been found to confirm that extraterrestrial technology is involved in any UAP sightings. The military has historically attributed many sightings to balloons, drones or sensor malfunction. However, whistleblowers such as former intelligence officer David Grush testified to Congress in 2023 that the US maintains a “multi-decade” program to recover and reverse-engineer crashed aircraft. The government has previously denied these claims, but the new executive order is designed to force a fresh search of agency records to settle the debate.The White House has indicated that the “expedited release” of these never-before-seen materials is now a priority for the administration’s second term.

A Reddit post detailing repeated US visa rejections for an Indian family has sparked online discussion about how difficult it can be to secure a visitor visa, even after multiple attempts and strong documentation.“Parents from India denied US tourist visa 4 times in 9 years – what are we doing wrong? Is there any hope?”. the Reddit user wrote, describing his long struggle to bring his parents to the United States on a short trip.According to the Post, the parents applied for US B1/B2 tourist visas four times over nearly a decade and were denied each time under Section 214(b), which is typically used when officials are not confident applicants will return to their home country. The user said they were “honestly at a loss at this point and were looking for real, unfiltered advice.”The first two applications were made in 2017, when the parents intended to attend a wedding and meet family. Both were rejected. A third attempt planned around the user’s graduation in 2018 was also rejected. After that, the family waited for almost eight years before trying again for tourism and family travel in 2026, but the result was the same.The user said the gap was intentional and pointed out that the parents tried to strengthen their case by creating a travel history in the meantime, including trips to Canada, Singapore and Malaysia. “He took time, improved his profile and tried to address potential concerns, yet the result is the same,” he wrote.In the most recent interview, the user said that the process was extremely short. The officer asked only two questions before issuing a denial. “That’s it. The officer typed for a few seconds, looked at the screen and denied 214(B),” the post said. There were no questions about finance, employment or relations with India.The background of the parents was also explained in detail. The father runs a construction business with government-related projects, while the mother is a housewife. The family also has good ties in India, including a dependent elderly grandfather and another son who lives and works there. According to the user, the parents are financially stable and plan to finance the trip themselves. “They really just want to meet me and visit for a short time,” the user wrote.However, users expressed concern that US-based family connections could influence the results. He has been living in America since 2016, is now married and settled there. The father also has a brother who has a US Green Card.“What’s disappointing is that we waited 8 years before applying again, his profile is objectively much stronger now, yet the decision is taken in seconds without even discussing his relationship,” the user wrote.