The world's first nuclear-powered icebreaker, Lenin, continues to symbolise Russia's long-standing ambitions in the Arctic as Moscow expands the strategic Northern Sea Route (NSR). Once a Cold War technological milestone, the vessel now serves as a museum while underscoring Russia's decades-long investment in Arctic infrastructure and nuclear-powered shipping. The NSR is gaining importance as melting Arctic ice opens shorter trade links between Europe and Asia. India has emerged as a key partner in Russia's Arctic plans, with both countries deepening cooperation on the NSR through maritime connectivity, energy transport and logistics. The collaboration reflects growing India-Russia strategic ties beyond traditional defence and energy sectors.

A Ukrainian drone struck a crowded beach in Russia's Krasnodar region, killing seven people, including three children, and injuring 40 others, according to Russian authorities. The explosion occurred near the Black Sea resort village of Arkhipo-Osipovka, where tourists were on the beach. Regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev accused Ukraine of deliberately targeting civilians, while Kyiv has not commented. The intended target remains unclear, with some Ukrainian Telegram channels claiming the drone crashed after electronic jamming. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire before the blast, suggesting Russian air defences may have engaged the drone. Both Russia and Ukraine deny deliberately targeting civilians during the war.

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is set to lead a protest march with around 100 supporters from the party headquarters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in New Delhi, demanding the withdrawal of the Centre's E20 petrol policy. Kejriwal plans to submit petitions opposing ethanol-blended fuel, alleging the government is promoting E20 under pressure from US President Donald Trump, a claim the Centre has not accepted. The protest follows an AAP town hall on the issue held two days earlier. Delhi Police said no permission has been granted for the march and security arrangements are in place to prevent any unauthorised procession toward the Prime Minister's residence. (PC: Times Now)

A senior operative linked to Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has claimed in a video that more than 30 members of the organisation have been killed by "unknown gunmen" across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir over the past three to four years. The video features Rizwan Hanif, whom Indian security agencies have identified as a senior LeT terrorist wanted by India. Hanif alleged that Indian agencies orchestrated the killings, a charge New Delhi has rejected. The video also reportedly contains hate speech targeting the Hindu religion. The development marks the first known public admission by a LeT-linked terrorist of such targeted killings within Pakistan and PoK.

Telegram briefly disappeared from Apple's App Store across multiple countries, preventing new users from downloading the messaging app on iPhones and iPads before it was later restored. Neither Apple nor Telegram explained the temporary global delisting, and existing users continued accessing the platform without disruption. The unexplained removal sparked widespread speculation but was not officially linked to regulatory action, policy violations or security concerns. The incident comes as Telegram faces mounting scrutiny worldwide. Founder Pavel Durov was recently charged by Russian authorities with allegedly facilitating terrorism and placed on an international wanted list, while Australia has launched legal proceedings over extremist content moderation. Durov denies wrongdoing. (PC: Mobi Devices)

A coalition of 25 Democratic-led US states has sued to block President Donald Trump's new tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, including India, arguing the administration exceeded its legal authority. Filed in the US Court of International Trade in New York, the lawsuit challenges 10% to 12.5% duties imposed last month under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The White House says the tariffs target countries that have failed to curb exports of goods made with forced labour. The case marks the latest legal challenge to Trump's trade strategy, which has faced repeated court scrutiny despite surviving earlier judicial setbacks over similar tariff measures. (PC: India Today)

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor said his victory in the Bankipur bypoll was a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah rather than just an election result. Kishor won the seat by 19,324 votes, ending the BJP's three-decade hold on the constituency. He urged the BJP leadership to appoint an honest, capable and clean Chief Minister for Bihar and focus on education, jobs, healthcare and industrial development. Kishor said Bihar deserved greater attention from the Centre and stressed that reducing migration and improving governance should become the state's top priorities. (PC: The Indian Express)

Industrialist Anand Mahindra praised India's performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026, calling the achievements of judoka Asmita Dey and athlete Gulveer Singh truly inspiring. India finished fourth in the medal standings with 39 medals despite the absence of traditional medal-winning sports such as hockey, badminton and wrestling. Mahindra highlighted Asmita's journey from a poor family to becoming India's first Commonwealth Games judo champion and Gulveer's rise from running on village trails to winning two athletics medals. He said their stories reflect determination, hard work and resilience, describing them as the true meaning of India's rise. (PC: NDTV)

The Chandipura virus has killed 22 children in Gujarat during the current monsoon season, with 35 confirmed cases reported from 184 suspected infections, Health Minister Praful Panseriya said. Seven infected children are receiving treatment in civil hospitals, while six have recovered. All confirmed patients are below the age of 15, and cases have been reported across different parts of the state. Health authorities have intensified surveillance, insecticide spraying and public awareness campaigns to control the spread of sandflies, which transmit the virus. Officials urged parents to seek immediate medical care if children develop symptoms. (PC: India Today)

Rohit Sharma has paid tribute to former India fielding coach T Dilip after the BCCI decided not to renew his contract. Sharing a message on Instagram, Rohit called Dilip a "legend" who "created magic within the group" and worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Dilip thanked the BCCI, players and coaching staff in an emotional farewell, reflecting on India's successes during his 5-year tenure, including 2 ICC T20 World Cup titles, the 2025 Champions Trophy and 2 Asia Cup wins. The popular fielding medal ceremony also became a key part of India's dressing-room culture under his guidance. (PC: NDTV)