US Backs IMEC Corridor as Alternative to Iran Choke Points Amid Middle East War

UPDATED: Sep 23, 2026 10:49 ISTThe US administration has expressed strong support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to shift Middle Eastern energy infrastructure and oil transport away from Iran-controlled choke points. The multi-modal corridor aims to connect India, the Gulf, and Europe through shipping routes, rail links, electricity cables, clean hydrogen pipelines, and digital networks. However, regional conflict in the Middle East has posed major security challenges, bringing key infrastructure and ports like Haifa under threat and impacting the forward momentum of the project. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSPM Modi Likely To Visit US For G20 Summit In Florida, Bilateral Ties With CanadaPrime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to the United States in December to attend the G20 Leaders Summit hosted by US President Donald Trump at Florida. PM Modi is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the summit. Following the US visit, the Prime Minister will undertake a bilateral visit to Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the upcoming visit, calling diplomatic and economic ties with India exceptionally important as both democracies explore deeper cooperation in energy resources, trade, and strategic partnerships.TVK Clashes With DMK Over Veeramani Case; Aides Arrested As Probe DeepensA political war of words has escalated between TVK and DMK over the investigation into the Gem Granites POCSO case involving R. Veeramani. TVK Minister Nirmal Kumar accused the previous DMK government of shielding the granite baron and questioned why he was not arrested earlier, asking how former Law Minister S. Raghupathy knew details regarding shadows in the video evidence. Refuting the allegations, Raghupathy asserted that the FIR was lodged within a day of the complaint, maintaining that no cases were withdrawn and that investigators were seeking further evidence. Meanwhile, the BJP criticised both parties for politicising the matter. Police have arrested Veeramani's aides, including Mahendrasimman for facilitating crimes and Ganesan for possessing abuse footage without alerting authorities, while accomplice Shanthi faces allegations of procuring minors.Udupi Man Murdered in Sharjah: Body Chopped into Pieces, Wife & Son MissingA man from Kundapur in Karnataka's Udupi district, identified as Alvin Prakash Kundar, was allegedly murdered in Sharjah, with the details emerging nearly two months later. Kundar, an employee at Sharjah Airport for around 14 years, lived there with his wife and teenage son. His disappearance raised suspicion when his brother received atypical text messages instead of voice calls. Following inquiries with company authorities, police discovered his dismembered body cut into nine pieces in a car near Oman. Kundar's wife and son are currently missing. A police complaint has been lodged in Udupi, and investigations by UAE and local police are currently underway.Delhi Gang-Rape: Accused Repeat Offender, Police Probe Past Record, DDA Park Safety Under ScannerA gang-rape incident has been reported near the Kalkaji Temple in Delhi, where three men allegedly posed as police officials and assaulted a woman who had visited the temple on her birthday with her friend. According to Delhi Police investigations, one of the accused is a repeat offender who had previously been expelled from a gym over harassment allegations. While one accused worked as a vegetable vendor, the other two claimed to be students. Police have seized mobile phones and are examining digital chats and past records to ascertain previous offences. Meanwhile, questions have emerged over safety measures and lighting at the adjacent DDA-managed park.