Lucy Chappell

The UAE's involvement in the Middle East conflict was deeper than previously known, with coordinated strikes on Iran, including energy facilities, even after an April ceasefire. These actions exposed divisions within the Gulf, as Saudi Arabia expressed concerns about escalating risks to regional energy supplies and global markets.

China's new AI algorithm, HG-STR, promises to revolutionize drone warfare. This system enables swarms of drones to autonomously identify and neutralize enemy targets, even in jammed and low-visibility conditions. Achieving a perfect 100% elimination rate in simulations, it makes critical decisions in milliseconds, offering a glimpse into future autonomous combat.

The deal is likely to boost Afghanistan’s defence capabilities amid recent military tensions with Pakistan. Moscow is also seeking Taliban’s help to counter terror groups such as IS-K, which poses a threat to Central Asia, traditionally seen as Russia’s strategic backyard

Two food delivery boys faced harrowing experiences overnight. In Jabalpur, a 20-year-old was stabbed and robbed of Rs 800 by three assailants. Meanwhile, in Bhopal, another delivery executive was assaulted and had his mobile phone stolen by three individuals, one of whom was a minor. Police in Bhopal apprehended the suspects with local help.

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly attacked with stones and shoes in West Bengal's Sonarpur while visiting families affected by post-poll violence. Opposition parties, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, condemned the incident, accusing the BJP of orchestrating the attack. The BJP denied involvement, attributing the incident to local anger.

Economic challenges, NEET and CBSE crisis, pressures induced by the Iran war and fears of growing anti-incumbency as illustrated by the runaway popularity of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party have led to speculation that Modi may soon rejig his team

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has endorsed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's new government efficiency initiative, COGE. This comes after their public disagreement on taxing the wealthy. Bezos, who previously criticized city spending, now supports Mamdani's plan to make government work smarter, suggesting savings could benefit lower earners.

A Pakistani journalist's query about India's alleged Agni-6 ICBM test at the Shangri-La Dialogue was based on misinformation. India confirmed a recent test involved an advanced Agni missile with MIRV technology, not the Agni-6. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth avoided singling out either India or Pakistan as a threat.