Iran has announced that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will not attend his father's funeral because of serious security concerns. According to the Supreme Leader's representative, intelligence assessments warned of potential assassination or attack risks during the high-profile ceremony. Authorities said the decision was taken to ensure his safety amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing security threats. The funeral is expected to draw senior Iranian officials, foreign dignitaries and thousands of mourners under tight security. The development has fueled speculation over Iran's political succession, though officials have not commented on any leadership implications. (PC: India Today)

Russia launched one of its largest missile and drone assaults on Kyiv since the war began, killing at least 21 people and injuring more than 80 others. Nearly 500 drones and over 70 missiles targeted the Ukrainian capital and other regions, damaging residential buildings, a hotel, and critical infrastructure while trapping residents under rubble. Ukrainian air defences intercepted many projectiles, but significant destruction was reported across the city. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed urgent appeals for additional Western air-defence systems, while Russia claimed the strikes were retaliation for recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure. Kyiv has declared a day of mourning for the victims. (PC: Reuters)

China is advancing plans to expand its regional connectivity network by linking the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with a proposed China-Myanmar-Bangladesh route, extending its strategic reach from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal. The initiative aims to boost trade, infrastructure and regional connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative. However, analysts say the move could strengthen China's geopolitical influence around India and increase strategic pressure on New Delhi. India remains cautious, citing sovereignty concerns over CPEC and the growing Chinese presence in neighbouring countries, while Bangladesh views the proposal as an opportunity for economic development and improved connectivity. (PC: X)

Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, overnight, killing at least 18 people and injuring around 90 others, according to Ukrainian officials. The assault involved hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, striking residential neighbourhoods, apartment buildings and other civilian sites across the city. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described it as the "most massive attack" on the capital in terms of the number of weapons used. Ukraine accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilians, while Moscow said the strikes were aimed at military and defence facilities. Rescue operations and investigations are continuing. (PC: BBC)

At least 13 people were killed and around 90 injured after Russia launched one of its largest missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, overnight. Ukrainian officials said Russia fired 74 missiles and 496 drones, with several striking residential areas, an ambulance station and other civilian infrastructure. Fires broke out across the city, forcing evacuations in multiple neighbourhoods. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko declared a day of mourning, calling it the city's "most massive attack." Russia said it targeted military and defence facilities in response to Ukrainian strikes, while Ukraine accused Moscow of deliberately attacking civilians. (PC: BBC)

A residential neighbourhood in Yuncheng, northern China’s Shanxi Province, is using rooftop misting systems to cool buildings during extreme summer heat. High-pressure nozzles spray a fine mist that evaporates quickly, absorbing heat from the air through evaporative cooling. According to Chinese reports, the system can lower local temperatures by 5°C to 8°C within minutes when outdoor temperatures approach 38°C. The mist evaporates before reaching the ground, keeping streets dry while reducing heat. The energy-efficient technology uses far less electricity than air conditioning and is part of China’s broader effort to tackle rising temperatures linked to climate change. (PC: India Today)

A Russian couple climbed the restricted transmission tower of New York City's Empire State Building, unfurled a peace banner and got engaged before being arrested by police. Urban climbers Angela Nikolau and Vanya Beerkus reached the top of the 1,454-foot skyscraper without authorization and documented the stunt on social media. After displaying a banner calling for world peace, Beerkus proposed to Nikolau on a platform near the tower's base, and she accepted. The New York Police Department later took the pair into custody without incident. Authorities are investigating how they accessed the restricted area.

Trump ally and far-right activist Laura Loomer has sparked fresh controversy after urging Israel to carry out strikes during the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a series of social media posts, Loomer described the funeral as a "target-rich environment" and encouraged the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to act. She later said she would support any opportunity to see the US or Israel target "jihadis." Her remarks quickly drew criticism online and added to tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. (PC: HT)

At least 10 people were killed after Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, overnight, according to Ukrainian officials. Several residential areas were hit, triggering fires, damaging civilian infrastructure and forcing residents to seek shelter. Children were among the casualties, while emergency teams continued rescue operations across the city. Ukraine said the strikes deliberately targeted civilian areas, while Russia claimed it attacked military and energy facilities in response to recent Ukrainian strikes. President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier warned that Moscow was preparing a major assault on the capital. (PC: BBC)

A U.S. Navy MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush made an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea during a routine operation. Three of the four crew members were rescued safely and are reported to be in stable condition aboard the aircraft carrier, while an intensive search continues for the missing aircrew member. The U.S. Navy said there is no indication the incident resulted from hostile action, and the cause remains under investigation. Naval assets in the region are supporting the ongoing search-and-rescue mission as authorities work to determine what led to the emergency landing. (PC: X)