The UAE has reportedly released billions of dollars in Iranian assets frozen in its banks, including two tonnes of gold valued at about $283 million, amid the ongoing US-Iran war. Multiple sources in Tehran said the move was intended to persuade Iran to spare the UAE from potential future attacks as hostilities continue. The released assets were reportedly transported from Abu Dhabi to Iran aboard a UAE Royal Jet Boeing 737-7KK. The aircraft flew to Tehran’s Mehrabad and Karaj’s Payam airports on August 11 and 12, remaining for roughly an hour before returning. The same aircraft reportedly transferred $3 billion from Abu Dhabi to Tehran on June 8, according to Iranian officials cited by Reuters. (PC: X/@conflict_live)  

Former Gorkha soldiers and their supporters protested in Nepal’s Pokhara, demanding that India resume recruiting Nepali youths into the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme. Nepali citizens have served in the Indian Army for more than two centuries, but recruitment has remained disrupted since 2020. Protesters specifically called for Agniveer opportunities, arguing that Nepali youths should receive military employment rather than being pushed towards jobs in the Gulf. The demonstration comes days before Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth’s scheduled visit to Nepal. The recruitment issue has become a significant concern for former Gorkha soldiers and aspiring recruits, amid uncertainty over whether and when India will restart enlistment from Nepal under its current military recruitment system. (PC: India Today)

Two Palestinian families in the West Bank village of Qusra have reportedly been confined to their homes since the weekend amid a siege involving Israeli settlers and soldiers. According to The Guardian, the families have faced shortages of food and water, while access to electricity and medical care was disrupted. A similar campaign reportedly preceded the displacement of another Palestinian family in nearby Jalud. An Israeli military commander visited the affected families and promised action, but settlers reportedly remained nearby after one tent was removed. The Israeli army said it was investigating and would pursue disciplinary action against soldiers allegedly assisting settlers. (PC: EPA)

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has announced plans to conduct a proper scientific study to examine concerns surrounding E20 petrol, after withdrawing an earlier communication on fuel contamination. SIAM said the previous data had insufficient testing and sample size to support definitive conclusions. The decision follows concerns raised by automakers over chloride and moisture contamination in fuel samples. SIAM maintains that the withdrawn communication should not be interpreted as evidence against E20 itself. Meanwhile, the government and ARAI have maintained that E20 is safe for compatible vehicles after extensive testing. The controversy has intensified consumer concerns over mileage and vehicle performance. (PC: The Hindu)

A 30-year-old nurse, Rupali Burman, was found dead inside a locked toilet at Nilratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Wednesday night. Burman was reportedly on duty in the gynaecology department’s High Dependency Unit (HDU), having started her shift at 8 pm. She entered the restroom around 10:20 pm but did not return. Colleagues called out to her several minutes later, but received no response, prompting them to break open the door. She was found unconscious and later died before medical treatment could be provided. Police have taken over the investigation, with CCTV and forensic evidence being examined. (PC: NDTV)

A 25-year-old man from Kurukshetra, Haryana, Vishu Sharma, was allegedly stabbed to death by three men outside his room in Frankfurt, Germany, on Tuesday. His family said Vishu was called outside before the attack, while the motive remains unknown. He had last spoken to his family on Monday and was reportedly planning to return to India during Diwali. Vishu had moved to Europe in 2022, first working in Portugal, then undergoing military training and serving in the French Army before relocating to Germany, where he worked in delivery services. His family is completing formalities to bring his remains home. 

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked with a kirpan at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday afternoon. Police detained 62-year-old Pune-based lawyer Jaspal Singh Tejpal, dressed in Nihang attire, who reportedly approached Badal as he descended the steps after prayers. Security personnel immediately intervened, preventing a more serious attack. Badal sustained injuries to his right hand and received two to three stitches, while a security officer was also hurt. Maharashtra Police are questioning the accused and investigating the motive. SAD leaders have demanded a CBI probe, citing possible security and intelligence failures. (PC: India Today)

Lok Sabha proceedings opened with ‘Vande Mataram’ on Thursday, marking the first time the National Song was played at the start of a parliamentary sitting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other MPs were present as 6 stanzas were played on the final day of the Monsoon Session. The Rajya Sabha also closed its session with the National Song. The move came days after President Droupadi Murmu approved a law giving legal protection to ‘Vande Mataram’ and making disruption of its singing punishable. The Monsoon Session ended amid repeated protests and heated exchanges between the government and Opposition. (PC: India Today)

The Defence Ministry has issued a tender worth around Rs 1 lakh crore to buy 60 multirole transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Tata, Mahindra and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are among the Indian companies involved in the programme. About 20% of the aircraft are expected to arrive in fly-away condition, while the remaining planes will be manufactured in India with more than 60% indigenous content. Mahindra Defence has partnered with Brazil’s Embraer for the C-390, while Tata has tied up with Lockheed Martin for the C-130. The move aims to modernise the IAF’s ageing transport fleet. (PC: economic times)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned the US against making what he called another “miscalculation” over the Strait of Hormuz as tensions between Tehran and Washington rise. Araghchi accused the US of repeated intelligence failures and said “fake intelligence” could be more dangerous than fake news. His warning came after US President Donald Trump claimed the US had total control of the strategic waterway. Iran’s Basij commander Hossein Taeb, meanwhile, said Hormuz remains under Tehran’s control. The latest exchange highlights growing tensions over the key shipping route, which is crucial for global energy supplies. (PC: x)