A SIPRI report suggests that India and China may have begun 'mating' their nuclear warheads with launchers. This reverses the assumption that warheads were stored separately in peacetime. India’s moves towards missile canisterization and sea-based patrols indicate a shift. Similarly, China’s deployment of solid-fuel missiles in silos and potential launch-on-warning capability suggest a similar trend. SIPRI also noted India's nuclear stockpile increased from 164 to 172 warheads, and China's to around 500. The report raises concerns about changes in China’s ‘No First Use’ policy on nuclear weapons.

A tragic shooting incident occurred in Carteret, New Jersey, leaving one Indian woman dead and another critically injured. 29-year-old Jasvir Kaur succumbed to her injuries, while 20-year-old Gagandeep Kaur remains in critical condition. The accused, 19-year-old Gaurav Gill, an Indian-origin man, was arrested hours after the crime. Gill and Gagandeep Kaur were acquainted from an IELTS coaching center in Punjab, India. Jasvir Kaur, who worked at Amazon, was hosting her cousin Gagandeep at her home when the incident occurred. The motive behind the shooting is yet to be revealed. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Indian community in New Jersey.

Jake Sullivan, the US National Security Adviser, is visiting New Delhi for two days and has met with India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Their discussions cover bilateral, regional, and global issues as part of the ongoing India-US strategic partnership. They are focusing on the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), launched in May 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden. This initiative targets advancements in semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, defense innovation, and space technology. Sullivan's visit aims to evaluate progress made under iCET and to establish new priorities and goals for future collaboration in areas like biotechnology, digital connectivity, and advanced materials processing.

Simran Preet Panesar, a 31-year-old Indian-origin former Air Canada manager, will surrender in the coming weeks in connection with Canada's largest gold and cash heist. Panesar, who is confident in his innocence, has decided to return voluntarily to clear his name. He is implicated in the theft of CAD 22.5 million worth of gold and cash from Toronto's Pearson International Airport. Panesar's lawyer, Greg Lafontaine, stated that his client believes in the Canadian justice system and is eager to demonstrate his innocence. Canada-wide warrants were issued for Panesar's arrest, but his location remains undisclosed for safety reasons.

India declined to sign a joint communique at a Swiss summit on Ukraine peace, citing the need for a negotiated settlement acceptable to both parties. The communique, signed by 80 countries, emphasized Ukraine's territorial integrity as the basis for peace. However, India's representative, Pavan Kapoor, stressed that enduring peace requires dialogue, diplomacy, and engagement between all stakeholders. India's stance comes after Russia skipped the summit, calling it a "waste of time". The summit aimed to explore ways forward for a negotiated settlement to end Russia's war in Ukraine.

Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, has been extradited to the United States from the Czech Republic on charges of plotting the murder of Khalistani terrorist and US citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Gupta, 52, is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. His extradition follows a Czech court's decision last month to reject his petition against extradition. Gupta is expected to appear in a federal court in New York on Monday. This development comes ahead of US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's visit to New Delhi for the annual ICET dialogue, where the issue may be addressed.

A debate erupted on Twitter between Elon Musk and Indian political figures over the security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Musk expressed doubts about EVM reliability, citing hacking risks, leading to responses from former Indian minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who defended India's EVMs as secure. Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav joined Musk in questioning EVMs, advocating for a return to paper ballots. Chandrasekhar countered, emphasizing the secure, network-isolated design of Indian EVMs. This exchange highlights ongoing concerns about the integrity of electronic voting systems.

India has called for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine for lasting peace. At a Swiss peace summit, India chose not to back any joint statement, stressing that solutions must be acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine. India’s Secretary (West) Pavan Kapoor emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. Although 80 countries supported a final communique, India, along with a few others, abstained. The summit aimed to start a peace process and gather ideas for a just and lasting resolution to the conflict. Russia and China did not participate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Eid Al-Adha greetings to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, underscoring the festival's values of sacrifice, compassion, and brotherhood crucial for global peace. Modi highlighted India's vibrant multicultural celebrations of Eid and reaffirmed commitment to bilateral ties. The gesture follows Muizzu's recent visit to India, where discussions centered on enhancing cooperation. Unlike predecessors, Muizzu visited Turkey and China before New Delhi, marking strategic diplomacy shifts. The High Commission of India shared photos of the leaders' exchange, emphasizing mutual goodwill.

Elon Musk's tweet on the potential hackability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) has revived concerns about their security in India. Musk's remark, in response to a post by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on election irregularities, has been shared by Indian opposition leaders. Rahul Gandhi called EVMs a "black box," and Akhilesh Yadav demanded a return to paper ballots, citing global concerns and expert warnings. The issue has intensified following reports that a relative of Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Waikar allegedly used a phone linked to an EVM. Opposition leaders are pressing the Election Commission for clarity and action on EVM security.