One migrant labourer was killed and another was seriously injured after terrorists opened fire at a brick kiln in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Friday evening. The victims, both non-local workers, were attacked in the Kellam area. Deepak, a resident of Chhattisgarh, died from his injuries. Bhopinder was taken to Government Medical College, Anantnag, for treatment. Security forces reached the spot soon after the attack, sealed the area and launched a search operation to find the attackers. The incident came less than ten days after a police officer was shot dead by terrorists in Anantnag district.

Harsh Singh created history by becoming the first Indian man to win a judo gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. The 23-year-old defeated Australia's Katz 10-0 in the men's 60kg final in Glasgow on Friday. He dominated the match and secured India's second judo gold after Asmita Dey. Harsh reached the final with wins over opponents from Malawi, Vanuatu and Australia. The victory is his first major international medal. Trained at the Inspire Institute of Sport in Karnataka, Harsh has received support from the Sports Authority of India and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for his preparation. (PC: SAI)

Hundreds of people were evacuated by sea after wildfires surrounded the coastal town of Agios Vasileios in central Greece on Friday. Around 500 people, mostly tourists, were stranded as strong winds spread the flames quickly. Firefighters are also battling major wildfires on the island of Crete, where thousands of hectares have burned and 8,000 people were evacuated earlier this week. Fires have also broken out on several Greek islands. Portugal, Spain and Turkey are also fighting large wildfires after recent heatwaves. Officials warned that high temperatures and strong winds could keep the fire risk high in the coming days. (PC: Greek Fire Service, Reuters)

At least 41 migrants have died after around 60,000 people crossed from Morocco into Spain's enclave of Ceuta in the past 24 hours. Many reportedly drowned or were killed in a stampede near the border. Spain has deployed troops, more police, drones and boats to strengthen security. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez blamed human smugglers and called the mass crossing a violation of Spain's territorial integrity. The European Union described the situation as unacceptable, while several European countries offered support. US President Donald Trump also commented, linking the migrant crisis to the US immigration debate during a political statement.

India on Friday urged the international community to scrutinise Pakistan's actions in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The Ministry of External Affairs said Pakistan used "ruthless force" against protesters, leaving more than 40 civilians dead since July 27. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal claimed militants once trained by Pakistan had "turned their guns inwards" against the Pakistani state. He also said people in PoJK had sought an independent investigation into the violence. "We urge that the international community should scrutinise Pakistan's actions," Jaiswal said. India also reiterated that the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.

Indian boxers Preeti Pawar and Ankush Panghal reached the finals of the Commonwealth Games 2026 with dominant wins in Glasgow on Friday. Preeti defeated Zambia's Catherine Mwape 5-0 in the women's 54kg semifinal. She will face Canada's Scarlett Delgado in the gold medal bout. Ankush also won 5-0 against Joshua Ofori in the men's 80kg semifinal after a strong all-round performance. Preeti said she was happy to execute her plans and would give her best in the final. Both Indian boxers controlled their matches from the start and moved one step closer to winning gold medals for the country. (PC: Getty Images)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast below-normal rainfall across the country in August. It said rainfall is likely to stay below 94% of the long-period average. The southwest monsoon may weaken as a moderate El Niño continues over the Pacific Ocean. However, some parts of northwest, northeast, central and peninsular India may receive normal to above-normal rainfall. July recorded near-normal rainfall because of several low-pressure systems and monsoon depressions. IMD said El Niño could become stronger in September and continue into early 2027. Weather experts said rainfall in August and September will be important for farming, reservoirs and water supply.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke expressed sympathy for Delhi Police personnel injured during the Jantar Mantar protest. However, he alleged that the attacks were carried out by "BJP goons" and not student protesters. Dipke also said students injured in the police action should not be forgotten. He accused the government of targeting innocent students instead of habitual offenders to stop future protests. CJP spokesperson Ratna Singh also highlighted injuries suffered by protesters and their families. Their remarks came after families of injured Delhi Police personnel held a press conference describing the violence faced by officers during the protest.

Hamas has agreed to disarm under a peace plan announced by US President Donald Trump, according to a senior Hamas official. The deal is part of the second phase of a US-backed Gaza ceasefire plan. Trump said Israel would withdraw its troops from Gaza as Hamas gives up its weapons. The plan also includes rebuilding Gaza and creating a new Palestinian government with international support. Israel has not officially accepted the agreement and is yet to comment. Talks are expected to continue in Cairo. The plan aims to end the war, but many Palestinians remain doubtful after earlier peace efforts failed. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has sparked debate after warning that a united, frustrated youth movement could "overturn everything," borrowing the term "cockroaches" from India's recent youth-led protests. Speaking about Pakistan's worsening economic challenges, Naqvi acknowledged the country's mounting debt, governance failures, and limited opportunities for young people, admitting that the system has "collapsed." He urged authorities to address rising public frustration instead of relying on more borrowing. His remarks reflect growing concern that economic hardship and youth discontent could trigger widespread unrest, drawing comparisons with recent protest movements in neighbouring India. (PC: AP)