Breaking News Today LIVE & Latest Updates (17 May 2026): Dutch business leaders praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic vision, and they also pointed to more and more openings in semiconductors infrastructure trade and logistics after a CEO Round Table on Economic Ties. A bunch of executives, including Boudewijn Siemons from the Port of Rotterdam Authority, said they felt impressed by Modi’s energy determination, and they mentioned that India and the Netherlands really have strong potential to expand economic cooperation. Christophe Fouquet of ASML , meanwhile highlighted a strategic partnership with Tata Electronics as a sign of India’s rising semiconductor ambitions . And Keith Svendsen from APM Terminals emphasised that there is tangible progress in shipbuilding container manufacturing, and infrastructure investments that match the earlier commitments discussed with Modi, during those talks.
APM Terminals CEO Keith Svendsen also, underscored the importance of a potential India–EU trade agreement for strengthening long term business relations. He said his company is actively moving ahead on initiatives in India, like port development, logistics infrastructure, and training centres for workforce development. Dick Richelle of Vopak praised India’s transformation, over the past decade, and he noted he is confident in continued cooperation between India, the Netherlands, and the European Union, especially in areas that demand large scale infrastructure investment. Prime Minister Modi, speaking to the CEOs, said more than 300 Dutch companies are already part of India’s growth narrative, calling the Netherlands India’s largest European investor and second-largest trading partner, all together.
Meanwhile, PM Modi congratulated Ali Falih Kadhim al-Zaidi on taking office as Prime Minister of Iraq , and he again reaffirmed India’s commitment for strengthening bilateral relations , not just in words but in practical cooperation too. Tom Barrack, the US Ambassador to Turkiye, and also Special Envoy for Syria , welcomed Iraq’s new government as well. He said Washington is prepared for collaboration on stability, prosperity and counter-terrorism , with the same urgency. Barrack stressed that the United States backs a sovereign and steady Iraq ,one that works alongside the international community. Iraq’s parliament approved al-Zaidi’s government on May 14, and the new leadership pledged to increase state control over weapons. This was mentioned alongside continuing regional security worries tied to Iran-backed groups , and wider geopolitical tensions across the Middle East.
NEET 2026 Paper Leak Case: CBI Takes RCC Coaching Director Shivraj Motegaonkar Into Custody Over Alleged Question Leak Links
Congress heavyweights Ramesh Chennithala, Sunny Joseph, Muraleedharan were sworn in as ministers in the Kerala government
US President Donald Trump on Sunday posted a string of AI-generated videos and images on Truth Social. The posts showed Trump commanding futuristic military operations, participating in imagined space warfare, and mocking rivals, including former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, along with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Trump started posting after 4 p.m. (US time).
A massive earthquake struck the southern Chinese city of Liuzhou and surrounding areas early Monday morning in which several buildings collapsed. Rescue teams had to start emergency operations in the middle of the night.
The Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho was reportedly placed under lockdown after two US Navy aircraft crashed into each other mid-air during an air show on Sunday. The accident took place during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show and reportedly involved a Navy Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and a Boeing EA-18G Growler.
Read Full Story Here: Two Jets Collide Mid-Air At Idaho Air Show: Is Mountain Home Air Force Base Under Lockdown?
After Iran gave a lukewarm response to the US’ five-point proposal for talks, US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning. Trump said that if Iran does not agree to a deal soon, the country could face serious consequences. “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 posted on social media platform, Truth Social.
Read Full Story Here: ‘Won’t Be Anything Left Of Them’: Trump Says ‘Clock Is Ticking’ As Iran Faces Fresh Threats
Breaking News Today LIVE & Latest Updates (18 May 2026): Hello and welcome, to our live blog, bringing you breaking news today live & latest updates, for 18 May 2026, covering major national and global developments as they unfold, sort of. Stay tuned for real time updates, key headlines, and also important political, economic, plus international news from around the world, okay.
