Teen girls, some just 14, were forced into sex by criminal gangs in London, according to a BBC report. Some victims said they were raped many times to repay unpaid drug debts. Others said they were groomed and given alcohol or gifts before being abused. One survivor said, “I was 15. I was getting passed around different men.” Another said she felt pressured and later realised she was being used. Detective Sergeant John Knox said girls in gangs are “at the lowest rung” and “cannot say no to sex.” Police say about 2,000 child exploitation cases are reported each year in London. (PC: NDTV)

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Police detained him at 08:00 at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. He is now in custody. Thames Valley Police said they are investigating claims that confidential material was shared with Jeffrey Epstein. Officers are searching addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. King Charles said he learned of the arrest “with the deepest concern.” He added that “the law must take its course.” The BBC reported that the King was not told in advance. Andrew, who turned 66 today, has denied wrongdoing linked to Epstein. He has not commented on the latest claims. (PC: BBC)

A small tremor in Central Asia in June 2020 has led to fresh US claims against China. The 2.75-magnitude signal was detected by a monitoring station in Kazakhstan. US officials say it was not an earthquake. They claim it was a secret underground nuclear test at China’s Lop Nur site in Xinjiang. “There is very little possibility that it is anything other than an explosion,” a senior US official said. Another official said China used a method to reduce the seismic signal. He called it a “yield-producing” blast. China denied the charge. It said the US was making political claims. The global test ban treaty has not taken effect. (PC: NDTV)

The United States has moved more fighter jets and warships to the Middle East as tensions with Iran grow. Reports say this is the largest US military build-up in the region since 2003. F-35 and F-22 jets have been deployed. Aircraft carriers USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln are also in position. The Wall Street Journal said the forces could support a weeks-long air campaign if ordered. US officials said President Donald Trump has been briefed on military options. Officials stressed that no final decision has been made. Talks between US and Iranian officials were held in Geneva. The White House said there has been “a little bit of progress” but both sides remain “very far apart.”

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, has been arrested in the United Kingdom on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Thames Valley Police said, “We have today arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.” The force did not name the person. Police said the man remains in custody. Searches were carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The investigation follows claims that confidential documents were shared with Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has denied any wrongdoing. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the principle that “nobody is above the law” must apply. Buckingham Palace has not commented. (PC: India Today)

The United States has significantly bolstered its military presence in the Middle East by deploying advanced fighter jets including F‑22 Raptors, F‑35 Lightning aircraft, F‑16s and support planes, alongside two aircraft carrier strike groups amid escalating tensions with Iran. This build‑up — the largest concentration of US air power in the region since 2003 — comes as Washington engages in indirect nuclear talks with Tehran while signalling readiness for possible military action if negotiations falter. Dozens of aircraft and naval assets are now positioned across bases in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and surrounding waters as Iran closely watches the unfolding scenario. (PC: Moneycontrol)

At Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, an abandoned baby Japanese macaque named Punch captured hearts online for clinging to an orangutan plush toy after being rejected by his mother soon after birth. The touching video of him carrying the toy, dubbed “Ora-mama”, went viral and drew global sympathy as a symbol of emotional comfort. After months of hand-raising and careful social integration by zookeepers, Punch has begun bonding with other macaques, including mutual grooming and play—an important sign of acceptance into the troop. His story highlights animal emotional depth, compassionate care by zoo staff, and has encouraged crowds to visit the zoo. 

Billionaire retail magnate Leslie Wexner, former CEO of L Brands, acknowledged visiting Jeffrey Epstein’s private island once with his family but insisted he never witnessed or knew of any criminal activity linked to the disgraced financier. Testifying to U.S. lawmakers, the 88-year-old said he was “duped” by Epstein, whom he described as a “world-class con man,” and cut ties nearly two decades ago. Wexner, who once hired Epstein as his money manager, denied involvement in any abuse and highlighted he was not accused of wrongdoing, though critics question the depth of their past association. (PC: The Telegraph)

A new peer-reviewed study published in The Lancet estimates that more than 75,000 people were killed in the first 16 months of the war in the Gaza Strip — around 25,000 more deaths than previously reported by local authorities. Based on survey data from approximately 2,000 households, researchers found that 56% of those killed were women, children, or elderly people. The study also estimates around 8,200 indirect deaths linked to malnutrition, disease, and lack of medical care. Researchers say the findings suggest substantial undercounting, with total fatalities possibly representing 3–4% of Gaza’s population. (PC: AP)

Satellite images reveal that Iran is repairing and reinforcing sensitive military and nuclear facilities, including the Parchin complex and sites near Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center and Natanz Nuclear Facility. New structures have reportedly been buried under layers of concrete and soil, while tunnel entrances have been sealed or strengthened. Analysts say these measures aim to protect critical infrastructure from potential future strikes. The developments come amid strained diplomatic relations with Washington over Tehran’s nuclear programme, raising concerns about possible military escalation in the region. (PC: Reuters)