Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss a US-backed peace plan for Ukraine. Jared Kushner, US President Trump’s son-in-law and adviser, is also expected. The talks follow meetings in Florida with Ukrainian officials, which Ukrainian President Zelensky called “constructive” but said tough issues remain. Key points include Ukraine’s sovereignty, security guarantees, and territorial disputes in the east. European leaders, including French President Macron, emphasized Ukraine’s input is essential. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration is “very optimistic” about a possible agreement to end the war. (PC: BBC)

The Indian Army successfully test-fired a BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from a test range in the Bay of Bengal. The launch was carried out by a BrahMos unit of the Southern Command with support from the Tri-Services Andaman and Nicobar Command. The missile hit its target with high accuracy, proving its guidance, speed and stability under simulated battle conditions. Officials said the test showed strong operational readiness and the ability to carry out real-time precision strikes. Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth praised the launch as a major step in improving long-range strike power and boosting India’s self-reliant defence efforts. (PC: X)

Brent Council says it spends more than £30,000 a year cleaning reddish-brown stains caused by people spitting out paan on Wembley streets. The stains are found on pavements, walls, phone boxes and even flower-beds, and the council says some marks cannot be removed even with strong cleaning machines. Chewing paan, which contains betel nut, leaf, herbs and sometimes tobacco, is common in parts of north-west London. The council has begun a “zero-tolerance” drive with banners and patrols in hotspot areas. Offenders may face a £100 fine. Opposition leaders say the action is too slow and want stronger enforcement. (PC: BBC)

Rawalpindi has imposed Section 144 for three days amid rumours about Imran Khan’s health and planned protests by his supporters. The order bans all gatherings of five or more people, rallies, sit-ins, loudspeakers and the carrying of weapons. Officials say there is a serious threat to public safety and fear attempts to disturb law and order. Imran Khan has been in Adiala Jail since August 2023 after several convictions he says are political. His family claims they have not been allowed to meet him for over a month and fear that his condition is being hidden from them. (PC: NDTV)

A Russian missile strike on the city of Dnipro killed four people and injured 40 on Monday. Local reports said a ballistic missile may have been used, and videos showed a major blast near a motorway. Several shops, cars and an office building were damaged. The attack came as global efforts to end the Ukraine war continued. US envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, after holding talks with Ukrainian officials in Florida. Both sides still disagree on key issues, including control of the Donbas region and Ukraine’s future security. Peace talks remain difficult.

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)