Russia has announced the development of a new Ebola vaccine that could potentially protect against multiple virus strains, including the rare Bundibugyo variant linked to outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The claim was made by Mikhail Murashko and highlighted by the Russian Embassy in South Africa. The development comes as health authorities seek broader protection against Ebola variants beyond the Zaire strain, which current vaccines primarily target. The Bundibugyo strain is considered particularly dangerous because of its high fatality rate and limited outbreak history. Scientists and public health experts are expected to closely evaluate the vaccine's effectiveness and supporting clinical data. (PC: X)

India has strongly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in a recent China-Pakistan joint statement issued after meetings between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India, stating that no external party has the locus standi to comment on the issue. New Delhi also reaffirmed its opposition to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, arguing that some projects pass through territory it claims as sovereign. India additionally rejected references to China-Pakistan trans-boundary water cooperation and reiterated its non-recognition of the 1963 boundary agreement. (PC: X)

France is facing a major child abuse scandal as authorities investigate allegations of violence, sexual assault and rape involving staff supervising children in schools and daycare centres across Paris. Prosecutors say inquiries are underway in 84 preschools, around 20 primary schools and nearly 10 daycare facilities. Several cases involve alleged abuse of preschool-aged children by school monitors responsible for supervision outside classroom instruction. Public outrage has intensified following the trial of a school aide accused of sexually assaulting five children and harassing colleagues. City authorities have suspended dozens of staff members, while officials promise stricter oversight. The scandal has renewed concerns about child protection and institutional accountability across France. (PC: Reuters)

Iran on Monday accused the United States of committing a “gross violation” of the fragile ceasefire after American forces carried out air strikes in southern Iran near the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command said the strikes targeted Iranian missile sites and boats allegedly attempting to place mines, calling them “self-defence strikes”. Iran warned it would respond to the attacks and held Washington responsible for the consequences. The strikes come amid ongoing negotiations to extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. Talks involving Iran, the US and regional mediators are continuing despite rising tensions. (PC: BBC)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru entered the IPL 2026 final after defeating Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 in Dharamsala. RCB posted a record 254/5, the highest playoff score in IPL history. Captain Rajat Patidar played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 93 off 33 balls. Virat Kohli scored 43 and became the first player to score 600 or more runs in four straight IPL seasons. GT struggled during the chase and were bowled out for 162. Rahul Tewatia scored 68 for GT, but the effort was not enough.

The Trump administration’s new immigration policy requiring most green card applicants to apply from their home countries has drawn criticism from leading U.S. technology entrepreneurs. Reid Hoffman questioned whether researchers, employees and students would now be forced to leave the country and wait through lengthy backlogs, warning of negative consequences for innovation. Andrew Ng called the measure a harmful attack on legal immigration that could reduce the number of doctors, teachers and scientists in the United States. Meanwhile, U.S. immigration authorities defended the policy, arguing it aligns with existing law, reduces system abuse and limits the risk of unlawful overstays. (PC: Reuters)

The latest Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi concluded without announcing a date or host confirmation for the next Quad leaders’ summit, raising questions about the grouping’s future trajectory. Previous Quad statements typically identified the next summit host, but the latest joint statement only expressed anticipation for a future meeting. The talks involved S. Jaishankar, Marco Rubio, Penny Wong and Toshimitsu Motegi. With scheduling challenges involving the leaders of India, the United States, Japan and Australia, speculation has emerged that the Quad could temporarily revert to ministerial-level engagements or hold meetings alongside larger international gatherings. (PC: X)

India has strongly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in a recent China-Pakistan joint statement, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of the country. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said no foreign country has the locus standi to comment on the matter. India also reiterated its opposition to projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in territories it considers its sovereign land, stating that such activities infringe upon its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Additionally, New Delhi rejected references to China-Pakistan trans-boundary water cooperation, citing its non-recognition of the 1963 boundary agreement.

Iran has accused the United States of violating the ceasefire through recent military strikes in Hormozgan province and warned that any further aggression would receive a response. The Iranian Foreign Ministry described the reported actions as serious breaches of the truce and reiterated Tehran’s commitment to defending its territory. The allegations followed U.S. military operations targeting missile sites and boats near the Gulf, which Washington said were conducted in self-defence. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also claimed to have downed a U.S. MQ-9 drone and engaged other American aircraft. The developments have complicated ongoing diplomatic efforts in Qatar, where negotiators are seeking a broader agreement to end the conflict and preserve the fragile ceasefire.

The Punjab government in Pakistan has reportedly deferred plans to restore several pre-Partition Hindu, Sikh and British-era names of roads, bazaars and neighbourhoods in Lahore after facing criticism from conservative groups and social media commentators. The proposal, backed by Maryam Nawaz and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was part of a heritage revival initiative aimed at preserving Lahore’s historical identity. Planned restorations included names such as Krishan Nagar, Lakshmi Chowk and Dharampura. Although historians, architects and heritage experts reportedly supported the proposal, authorities have paused implementation amid public controversy and concerns over potential backlash. (PC: X)