US President Donald Trump spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time in 3 months. Trump said the two leaders agreed on a deal to let TikTok continue in the US. They also talked about trade, tariffs, and fentanyl. Trump said the call was “very productive.” He added both sides want the Russia-Ukraine war to end. The leaders will meet at the APEC summit in South Korea next month. Trump also confirmed he will visit China in 2026, while Xi will visit the US. Talks on trade and tariffs are still not fully settled. (PC: India Today)

Nato intercepted three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets after they entered Estonian airspace without permission on Friday. Estonia’s foreign ministry called the incursion “brazen” and said the jets remained for 12 minutes near Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland. Nato spokesperson Allison Hart said the alliance “responded immediately,” calling it reckless Russian behavior. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said Estonia will request Nato Article 4 consultations. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Russia’s “aggressiveness must be met with pressure.” EU leaders warned Russia is testing Western resolve. This year, Estonia has reported four Russian airspace violations already. (PC: BBC)

An encounter began between the Indian Army and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Friday night. The army said the gunfight started around 8 PM after security forces launched an intelligence-based operation. Troops from the White Knight Corps came in contact with the terrorists, leading to an exchange of fire. “Operations are currently in progress,” the army said in a post on X. Security forces have surrounded the area to stop the terrorists from escaping. Authorities have not yet confirmed if there are casualties. The situation in Kishtwar remains tense as the encounter continues into the night. (PC: HT)

US late-night TV hosts defended Jimmy Kimmel after ABC suspended him for remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing. Stephen Colbert said his removal was a “blatant assault on freedom of speech.” Seth Meyers called Kimmel “a friend” and warned of a “crackdown on free speech.” Jon Stewart and Jimmy Fallon mocked the controversy with satire, while David Letterman said it showed “managed media.” Trump claimed networks were “negative” and could lose licences. Fox host Greg Gutfeld and Piers Morgan opposed Kimmel, saying free speech has limits. The row has sparked a national debate on censorship and politics. (PC: BBC)

Singer Zubeen Garg, 52, died in Singapore on Friday after a scuba diving incident. He was rescued from the sea and admitted to the ICU but later died. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music.” Assam Minister Ashok Singhal called him “the heartbeat of Assam,” adding that his songs carried the culture and spirit of the state. Born in Meghalaya, Zubeen became famous with Ya Ali in 2006. He sang in over 40 languages. He was scheduled to perform at the North East Festival in Singapore on Saturday. (PC: X)

Pakistan and China jointly submitted a request to the UN Security Council to designate the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its suicide wing, Majeed Brigade, as terrorist entities. However, the United States, United Kingdom, and France blocked the proposal by placing a technical hold, citing insufficient evidence linking the groups to Al-Qaeda and ISIL. Pakistan's UN Ambassador stated that over 60 terror camps operate from Afghan sanctuaries, enabling cross-border attacks. The US had already designated BLA as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2024, following the group's responsibility for attacks including Karachi airport bombings, Gwadar Port strikes, and the March 2025 Jaffar Express train hijacking that killed 31 people and held 300 hostages. (PC: India Today & Hindustan Times)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of blocking an investigation into alleged voter deletions in Karnataka’s Aland constituency. Gandhi said the Karnataka CID had written 18 letters in 18 months seeking crucial data, but the requests were “blocked.” He alleged 6,018 votes were nearly deleted, which could have affected results. The Election Commission dismissed his charges through a #ECIFactCheck post, calling them “incorrect and baseless.” The Karnataka CEO later said all available information had already been shared with police in Kalaburagi. Gandhi insisted the commission was shielding “vote chors” and those who “destroyed democracy.” (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump said some TV networks that criticize him should “maybe” lose their licence. He spoke after ABC suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel was taken off air for remarks about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) warned ABC over Kimmel’s comments. Trump told reporters that media was “97% against” him and suggested licences be taken away. Kimmel’s suspension drew strong reactions. Barack Obama, actors, and unions called it censorship. FCC chairman Brendan Carr said more action could follow, while critics warned this move threatens free speech rights. (PC: BBC)

Paramjit Singh, an Indian-origin businessman living in the US for over 30 years, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to an old case. He was arrested on July 30 at Chicago O’Hare Airport after arriving from India. Singh, a permanent resident and father of US-born children, also suffers from a brain tumour. He spent five days at the airport, 20 days in an Indiana detention centre, and was later moved to Kentucky. His lawyer said DHS is using “court tactics” to delay release. A judge has granted bond, and the case may go to federal court. (PC: NDTV)

Israel launched new strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon on Thursday. The Israeli army said the attacks were aimed at Hezbollah’s “military infrastructure” and were carried out in response to the group’s attempts to rebuild its activities. Civilians in three villages—Mays al-Jabal, Kfar Tebnit, and Dibbine—were warned to evacuate before the strikes. Hezbollah is under pressure from the US, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanese rivals to disarm but has refused. Israel and Hezbollah have been in conflict since October 2023. The latest offensive comes a year after Israel crippled Hezbollah’s communication network in a major covert operation. (PC: India Today)