The Indian Army has successfully test-fired a BrahMos missile, highlighting its long-range strike power. The test was carried out by a Southern Command BrahMos unit with support from the Andaman and Nicobar Command. Officials said the trial proved the missile’s high accuracy and strong guidance and control systems. The BrahMos is one of India’s key precision-strike weapons and can hit targets at long distances with great speed. The Army said the test adds to India’s readiness and strengthens its combat abilities. A video released by the Army shows the missile launching smoothly and hitting its target.

US lawmakers are demanding answers after a report claimed the US military carried out a second strike to kill survivors of an earlier attack on a suspected Venezuelan drug boat. The Washington Post said Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth gave a directive to “kill everybody”, which he denies. President Trump said he believes Hegseth “100%”. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers say the claims must be reviewed, warning the action could be illegal if true. The Pentagon says the strikes were part of anti-drug operations. Venezuela has condemned the attacks and plans its own investigation. (PC: BBC)

The UK and US reached a zero-tariff agreement on pharmaceutical imports after President Trump threatened tariffs up to 100%. Britain will increase NHS medicine spending from 0.3% to 0.6% of GDP over ten years and raise treatment cost thresholds by 25% in exchange for three-year tariff protection. Pharmaceuticals represent the UK's largest US export at £11.1 billion annually, comprising 17.4% of total goods exports. The deal addresses Trump's complaint that Americans subsidize global drug costs by paying premium prices. Major UK drugmakers GSK and AstraZeneca recently announced multi-billion-dollar US investments while pausing British projects. Drug company NHS rebate caps will be reduced from over 20% to 15%. (PC: Getty Images)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in court Monday after requesting a pardon from President Isaac Herzog. The request, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, comes amid Netanyahu’s long-running corruption trial for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Opposition leaders say any pardon should require Netanyahu to admit guilt or leave politics. Demonstrators protested outside the Tel Aviv court, calling for him to face jail. Netanyahu’s lawyers said frequent court appearances hinder his work as prime minister. Pardons are usually granted only after conviction, and no Israeli precedent exists for a mid-trial pardon. Netanyahu denies wrongdoing. (PC: NDTV)

Imran Khan's sons have raised serious concerns about their father's wellbeing, demanding proof of life after weeks without verified contact. Kasim Khan described the situation as psychological torture, stating the family fears something irreversible may be hidden. The former Pakistan Prime Minister, imprisoned since August 2023, faces multiple convictions including the Toshakhana case and charges related to leaked diplomatic cables and the Al-Qadir Trust. Despite court orders permitting weekly visits, access remains blocked. While Pakistani authorities claim Khan remains in good health, his family and PTI party continue pressing for independently verified confirmation. Kasim last saw his father in November 2022 following an assassination attempt. (PC: The Hindu)

A Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro has killed four people and injured 40. The strike hit an office area, cars and shops, causing a large explosion. The attack happened as new diplomatic efforts continue to end the war. US envoy Steve Witkoff will meet President Putin in Moscow, after holding talks with Ukrainian leaders in Florida. Both sides say discussions were useful but hard issues remain. Russia wants Ukraine to withdraw from parts of Donbas, which Kyiv refuses. President Zelensky is now in Europe seeking more support as worries grow over the slow peace process. (PC: BBC)

The government has directed all mobile phone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on new devices sold in India. Companies like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo have 90 days to follow the order. The app will help users report fraud, block stolen phones, check mobile connections and verify if a device is genuine. A DoT official said the aim is to make fraud reporting faster and easier. The app will be visible at first use but can be deleted. India has lost nearly ₹35,000 crore to cyber fraud in recent years, pushing the need for stronger protection. (PC: HT)

Net migration to the UK has dropped sharply, falling 80% from the 2023 peak, according to new ONS data. In the year ending June 2025, 74,000 Indians left the UK, the highest among non-EU groups. Most were students and workers. Chinese nationals were the next largest group to leave. The fall comes as fewer people arrive for work or study and more decide to leave. Skilled worker visas also dropped due to higher salary rules. Experts warn the decline may affect the UK economy. At the same time, irregular migration by small boats has increased, adding pressure on services. (PC: Financial Express)

The government has confirmed GPS spoofing and GNSS interference near Delhi airport and several other major airports. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu told Parliament that flights using satellite-based landing on Delhi’s Runway 10 faced spoofing, forcing pilots to use backup procedures. Airports in Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Amritsar also reported similar cases. The DGCA has issued strict reporting rules and a new SOP for real-time alerts. The Airports Authority of India has asked the Wireless Monitoring Organisation to trace the source of the signals. Cybersecurity steps are also being upgraded to protect key aviation systems. (PC: India Today)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said talks with Ukraine over ending the war with Russia were productive, but more work is needed. The meeting in Florida included Ukraine's new chief negotiator Rustem Umerov, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. Umerov replaced top negotiator Andriy Yermak after an anti-corruption raid. Talks followed a leaked US peace plan that upset Ukraine and Europe. Rubio said the focus is on Ukraine’s sovereignty, security, and long-term prosperity. President Trump and Ukraine’s Zelensky expressed hope for progress. Key issues, including Russian-controlled territories, remain unresolved as diplomacy continues. (PC: BBC)