war against civilians

Princess Diana's walk through an Angolan minefield became a powerful symbol, transforming a distant humanitarian crisis into a visible, personal urgency. The image powerfully conveyed the devastating, lifelong impact of landmines on civilians, transcending abstract data. This iconic moment highlighted the critical need for demining and victim support, leaving a lasting legacy of awareness and advocacy.

Intense fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war continues as Ukraine launched drone attacks hitting fuel facilities in Yaroslavl Oblast. Russia claims to have intercepted hundreds of drones. Meanwhile, a Russian drone struck an apartment building in Romania, injuring two. The US remains open to mediation, while Ukraine's President Zelenskyy has appealed to Donald Trump for air defence systems.

India has strongly criticized Pakistan at the UN Security Council, accusing it of a long record of violence against civilians and citing recent incidents in Afghanistan linked to Pakistani military action. India's envoy highlighted UNAMA findings of civilian casualties due to cross-border violence and airstrikes, including an attack on a hospital during Ramadan.

Cuba is back in US national security focus, with Washington alleging drone acquisitions and reviving Cold War-era tensions. Despite Cuba's limited military, its proximity to Florida and historical role as a rival base concern the US. New sanctions and surveillance suggest a campaign to prevent Cuba from becoming a foreign military outpost.

Kyiv endured a massive overnight aerial assault, with Russia deploying over 700 drones and 50 missiles, including the hypersonic Oreshnik. The barrage, described as one of the war's most intense, struck government buildings and residential areas, causing casualties and widespread damage. Russia stated the strikes targeted military facilities in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks.

Russia launched a large overnight missile and drone assault on Ukraine, reportedly using Oreshnik, Iskander, Kinzhal and Zircon missiles in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks inside Russia. Ukrainian authorities said two people were killed and 56 injured in strikes across Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed Russia used the hypersonic Oreshnik missile, causing widespread damage to homes, schools and infrastructure.

The US is making a massive investment in autonomous warfare, requesting $54.6 billion for its new Defence Autonomous Warfare Group (DAWG). This initiative aims to counter the growing threat of drone swarms, as seen in conflicts like Ukraine and the US-Iran tensions. The focus is shifting towards affordability and mass production to maintain a credible defence.

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

Pope Leo XIV issued a landmark encyclical on artificial intelligence, "Magnifica Humanitas," warning against its unchecked development by profit-driven companies. He urged robust legal frameworks and political oversight to prevent AI from deepening inequality, devaluing work, and escalating conflict, drawing parallels to the Industrial Revolution.

President Donald Trump last week halted a planned executive order. This order would have required government safety checks for advanced artificial intelligence models. Major tech companies like Google and Microsoft were to be affected. Trump cited a desire to maintain America's lead over China as the reason for the cancellation. The decision came after his state visit to China.

US president Donald Trump's presidency has shifted to muscular interventionism, beginning with the swift overthrow of Venezuela's Maduro. Now, the focus turns to Cuba, but unlike Venezuela, the island presents a more cohesive political structure, a disciplined military, and a population prepared for conflict, making the 'Venezuela model' unlikely to succeed.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized strengthening the border security grid with Pakistan and Bangladesh, urging zero infiltration. He highlighted expanding BSF jurisdiction to 50 km, combating drone smuggling, and improving facilities for women personnel. Shah also lauded BSF's historical contributions and ongoing modernization efforts, including infrastructure development and technological advancements.