Russia launched one of its deadliest attacks on Kyiv this year overnight, firing 28 ballistic and hypersonic missiles along with 115 drones. Ukraine's air force said it failed to intercept any of the missiles, citing a critical shortage of air-defence interceptors. The strikes killed at least 17 people and injured 44, with multiple sites across the capital hit. President Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies to speed up deliveries of anti-ballistic missile systems, saying delays were costing civilian lives. Russia claimed it targeted military logistics hubs and drone facilities in Kyiv, while reports suggested some strikes may have involved cluster-munition-equipped Iskander-M ballistic missiles. (PC: The Telegraph)

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has alleged that Bangladesh is "becoming another Pakistan" and warned that the development poses a security concern for India. Speaking ahead of Hasina's first public address since her ouster, Joy claimed Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and other foreign intelligence agencies have been given free rein to operate in Bangladesh. He also questioned the reported death toll from the July-August 2024 protests, citing discrepancies between casualty figures released by the United Nations and those presented by the previous Muhammad Yunus-led administration. Bangladesh's current authorities have not publicly responded to Joy's allegations.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged that communication with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has become "very difficult" amid the ongoing war, while insisting Khamenei's leadership remains a vital source of strength for the country. In an interview with state broadcaster IRIB, Pezeshkian said he had nonetheless held productive meetings with the supreme leader and praised his "kindness and very sound logic." Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli strike earlier this year, has largely remained out of public view since assuming office, fuelling speculation over his role and accessibility during the conflict. (PC: News18)

Sheikh Hasina has said she will return to Bangladesh in December despite the risk of imprisonment or death, insisting her decision is driven by the country's future rather than a desire for power. Addressing journalists virtually on Wednesday, the former prime minister said she wanted to stand with the people after they had "suffered a lot." She described the July-August 2024 unrest as an organised campaign for regime change, not a peaceful student movement. Hasina also alleged widespread political persecution, attacks on minorities and journalists, and attempts to erase Bangladesh's Liberation War legacy. India clarified it had no role in or endorsement of her virtual address. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan has introduced new rules requiring foreign journalists to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) before reporting from most parts of the country. The rules apply to international print, TV and digital media. Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi are exempt from the requirement. The move comes as Pakistan faces criticism over its crackdown on protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where reports say at least 90 civilians have died since June. Human rights groups have raised concerns about media restrictions and the use of force. India also criticised Pakistan, calling the recent local elections in PoK a "complete farce."

A petrol bomb was thrown at former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan's ancestral home in Magura on Wednesday night. The house was also vandalised. The attack happened hours after Shakib appeared virtually with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a press conference in New Delhi. During the event, Hasina said, "I will go back to Bangladesh," adding that she was ready to face jail or even death. Hasina has been living in India since August 2024 after leaving Bangladesh following the fall of her government. The motive behind the attack on Shakib's house was not immediately known.

Sheikh Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed, claimed Bangladesh has become "another Pakistan" on India's eastern border. Speaking during a virtual media interaction in Delhi, he alleged that Pakistan's ISI has gained influence in Bangladesh. He warned the country could become a future base for global terrorism if the situation does not change. Wazed also questioned the United Nations' reported death toll from the 2024 protests. He said the UN has not shared the names of those counted. He also criticised the Yunus-led government over an indemnity law, claiming it gives broad legal protection to protesters involved in violence.

The US Department of Justice has started legal proceedings to revoke the citizenship of 25 naturalised citizens, including Indian-origin Narinder Singh, over alleged fraud and criminal offences. Officials said Singh used false identities to enter the United States and later became a citizen in 2008. The cases also involve people from 17 countries and include allegations such as identity fraud, passport fraud, child sexual abuse, attempted murder and marriage fraud. The Justice Department said the complaints were filed between July 20 and August 3. It described the action as the largest coordinated denaturalisation effort in its history. (PC: NDTV)

At least 17 people were killed and 45 others injured after Russia launched ballistic missiles and drones at Kyiv and the surrounding region overnight, Ukrainian officials said. Homes, warehouses and a railway station were damaged in one of the deadliest attacks on the capital this year. President Volodymyr Zelensky said more air defence interceptors from allies could have saved lives and reduced the destruction. Russia said it targeted military logistics hubs, weapons storage sites and drone facilities. Ukraine also reported intercepting 98 drones during the attack. Fighting and drone strikes continued on both sides of the conflict. (PC: BBC)

India and Myanmar are discussing a possible exchange of small border areas to settle an undemarcated section of the international boundary in Manipur, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that talks are ongoing to resolve a few unsettled stretches of the border but did not confirm any final agreement. Reports have suggested the proposal involves a limited land swap to complete border demarcation and support future fencing. The reported plan has faced opposition from civil society groups in Manipur, which say the state's territorial integrity should not be changed without public consent. (PC: India Today)