India has received the fourth squadron of the Russian-origin S-400 Triumf, strengthening its long-range air defence network. The delivery is part of a 2018 agreement with Russia for five squadrons, with three already operational and one remaining to be delivered. Each squadron includes command-and-control units, advanced radars, missile launchers and 128 missiles with engagement ranges from 120 km to 380 km. Delays caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict had slowed deliveries. India has also approved plans to acquire five additional S-400 squadrons while simultaneously advancing the indigenous Project Kusha to develop comparable air defence capabilities. (PC: X)

The United States and Iran exchanged fresh attacks overnight, further escalating tensions in the Gulf region. The US military said it carried out "self-defence" strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island after alleged Iranian attacks across the Middle East.   The US military also said it intercepted Iranian missiles and drones aimed at Gulf countries and ships in regional waters. Meanwhile, Kuwait said Iranian drones struck several locations, including Kuwait International Airport. One person was killed and more than 60 others were injured in the attack.   Iran said it targeted US military assets in a regional country in retaliation for American actions. The latest escalation comes as ceasefire and peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled. Both sides have continued to trade accusations, raising concerns about wider instability in the strategically important Gulf region.  

7 people were killed and 11 injured after a drone struck a passenger bus in Russian-controlled Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, according to Kremlin-backed regional authorities. The bus was travelling from Moscow to Simferopol in Crimea when it was hit near Yenakiyevo. Ukraine has not confirmed responsibility for the attack. The incident came as Ukraine launched a large-scale drone strike on Russia, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying key facilities, including an oil terminal in St Petersburg, were hit. Russia said it intercepted 350 Ukrainian drones overnight amid escalating cross-border attacks between the two countries. (PC: BBC)

Fresh details have emerged in the deadly fire at Delhi's Malviya Nagar that killed at least 21 people and left several others injured. Investigations have revealed that Flourish Stay, the hotel where the blaze occurred, was licenced to operate only six rooms under the Delhi government's Bed and Breakfast scheme but was allegedly running as many as 25 rooms.   Authorities are examining possible violations of safety and regulatory norms. More than 40 people were rescued after the fire broke out on Wednesday morning. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, though initial reports suggest a possible short circuit. Several injured victims are undergoing treatment in hospitals. (PC: India Today)

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) plunged deeper into crisis on Wednesday after expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee arrived at the West Bengal Assembly claiming support from 59 party legislators. Sources said the rebel camp is seeking backing from more than two-thirds of TMC's 80 MLAs, a move that could help it avoid anti-defection provisions.   The development comes less than a month after TMC's defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections. Banerjee and fellow expelled MLA Sandipan Saha were removed from the party after alleging that signatures of several MLAs were forged on documents related to the selection of the Leader of the Opposition. TMC leaders have accused the rebel faction of attempting a "Maharashtra-style" split, while the dissidents deny any plan to break the party. (PC: X)

The United States and Iran exchanged fresh attacks overnight, further escalating tensions in the Gulf region. The US military said it carried out self-defence strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island after what it described as Iranian attacks across the Middle East.   Iran claimed it targeted US military assets in the region using missiles and drones. Kuwait later said Iranian drones struck Kuwait International Airport, causing significant damage to buildings and injuring several people. Air traffic was temporarily suspended.   The US said it also intercepted Iranian missiles and drones aimed at regional targets and commercial shipping. The latest escalation comes as ceasefire negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled, raising concerns about a wider regional conflict.

Russia launched one of the largest aerial assaults of the Ukraine war, firing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles in a massive overnight barrage targeting Kyiv and several other cities. Ukrainian authorities said the attack involved 656 drones and 73 missiles, with air defences intercepting a significant number of incoming weapons. The strikes killed civilians, injured many others and damaged critical infrastructure, leaving around 100,000 people without power. Dramatic footage showed multiple missile impacts in Kyiv within seconds. Russia described the operation as retaliation for alleged Ukrainian attacks, while Ukraine said civilian areas were heavily affected. The escalation highlights the intensifying aerial dimension of the conflict.

British MP Rupert Lowe reignited debate over the UK’s grooming gangs scandal during an emotional parliamentary speech highlighting survivor testimonies, alleged institutional failures and demands for accountability. Referring to evidence gathered during an independent inquiry, Lowe cited accounts of organised child sexual exploitation, including claims that one victim was abused by “600 or 700 different men” over three years. He also highlighted allegations of failures by police, healthcare workers, children’s home staff and local authorities to intervene. The speech follows renewed scrutiny of historical grooming gang cases in towns including Rotherham and Rochdale, where organised abuse networks were previously uncovered.

Iran’s year-on-year inflation reached 77.2% in May, the highest level since World War II, according to the Central Bank. Prices for everyday essentials, including medicine, transport and communication services, surged 113.8% from a year earlier. The economic crisis has been intensified by damage from recent airstrikes, disruption to the oil industry and a US naval blockade targeting Iranian crude exports. Tax revenues have weakened as businesses struggle, while the rial has collapsed from 32,000 per US dollar in 2015 to over 1.7 million today. Analysts warn inflation could approach 80%, raising fears of renewed nationwide protests driven by worsening living costs and public hardship. (PC: AP/PTI)

British MP Rupert Lowe reignited debate over the UK grooming gangs scandal by reading survivor testimonies in Parliament. During hearings linked to an independent inquiry, survivors described systematic sexual abuse, intimidation, racial targeting, and alleged institutional failures by police, healthcare workers, and children's homes. Lowe cited accounts alleging rape, violence, exploitation by hundreds of men, and claims that authorities repeatedly failed to intervene. Some testimonies said perpetrators used race and religion to humiliate victims. Lowe also highlighted allegations involving police officers and broader public-sector negligence. He urged lawmakers to move beyond discussion and take action, saying the inquiry report, due in coming days, could significantly impact Britain’s response.