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.

The Centre has transferred CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh and Secretary Himanshu Gupta amid the ongoing controversy over the board's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for Class 12 answer-sheet evaluation. The government has also set up a one-member inquiry committee headed by S Radha Chauhan, Chairperson of the Capacity Building Commission, to examine the procurement of OSM services.   The controversy erupted after students reported blurred answer-sheet scans, missing pages and technical glitches during the review process. The issue drew political attention, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioning the selection of the private vendor. CBSE has denied allegations of irregularities and said all procurement procedures were followed. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump said Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to a US-backed partial ceasefire aimed at halting attacks between the two sides. Lebanon confirmed Hezbollah accepted the proposal, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said strikes on Beirut would stop if attacks on Israeli civilians ceased.   Despite the agreement, clashes continued in southern Lebanon overnight. Hezbollah claimed attacks on Israeli tanks, while Israel said it intercepted projectiles fired from Lebanon. The ceasefire comes amid growing regional tensions, with Iran warning that Israeli actions in Lebanon could undermine broader efforts to maintain the US-Iran truce. Fighting has killed thousands since the conflict expanded earlier this year.  

Independent UK MP Rupert Lowe has reignited debate over alleged Pak grooming gangs after presenting survivor testimonies in Parliament. Lowe said his independent investigation found organised child sexual exploitation in at least 85 areas across the UK, with many suspects identified as men of Pakistani heritage. Citing survivors' accounts, he highlighted allegations of abuse, intimidation and institutional failures to protect victims. The MP urged Parliament to act on the findings and ensure accountability for perpetrators and authorities that failed to intervene. The issue has drawn renewed attention to longstanding grooming gang scandals across the UK.   (PC: NDTV)

At least 18 people, including two children, were killed and more than 100 injured after Russia launched one of its largest missile and drone attacks on Ukraine in recent months. Ukrainian officials said the overnight assault involved 656 drones and 73 missiles targeting Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv and other regions. Twelve people died in Dnipro after part of an apartment building collapsed, while six were killed in the capital Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky said civilian infrastructure and energy facilities were hit nationwide and renewed calls for additional Patriot missile systems. Russia said the strikes were retaliation for earlier Ukrainian attacks. (PC: BBC)  

US President Donald Trump reportedly lashed out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a tense phone call over Israel's escalating military operations in Lebanon. According to reports, Trump warned Netanyahu, saying, "You'd be in prison if not for me," while accusing him of risking international isolation and undermining ongoing US diplomatic efforts with Iran.   The confrontation came after Israel launched strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut and expanded operations in southern Lebanon. US officials said Trump was concerned the escalation could derail sensitive negotiations with Iran and fuel wider regional instability. Following the call, Israel reportedly paused plans for additional strikes in Beirut, though Netanyahu maintained that operations against Hezbollah would continue. (PC: India Today)  

US President Donald Trump reportedly had a heated phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel's attacks in Lebanon. According to reports, Trump told Netanyahu, "You're f**king crazy," while criticising Israel's military actions. Trump also warned that continued strikes could increase Israel's isolation around the world. The call came as Iran threatened to suspend talks with the United States if attacks on Lebanon continued. Following the conversation, Israel reportedly dropped plans for strikes in Beirut. Later, Lebanon announced a partial ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in an effort to reduce tensions in the region. (PC: AP)

A reported phone call between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu exposed growing tensions over Israel’s expanding military operations in Lebanon. According to reports, Trump strongly criticised Netanyahu, arguing that Israeli actions risked escalating regional conflict, increasing international isolation and undermining ongoing US diplomatic efforts with Iran. The confrontation followed Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah-linked areas in Beirut’s southern suburbs and expanded ground operations in southern Lebanon. US officials reportedly said Trump viewed Israel’s response as disproportionate despite acknowledging security concerns related to Hezbollah attacks. Following the call, reports suggested Israel paused plans for additional strikes in Beirut, though Netanyahu maintained that broader military operations would continue. (PC: India Today)

Hundreds of people protested in Kenya's Nanyuki town on Monday against a proposed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base. The centre was reportedly planned to house American citizens exposed to the Ebola virus.   The protests came after Kenya's High Court temporarily blocked the project and suspended the admission of foreign patients. Petitioners argued that Kenya's healthcare system is not prepared to handle foreign Ebola cases.   Health Minister Aden Duale said the facility was intended for everyone, not only Americans. The US has pledged $13.5 million to support Kenya's Ebola preparedness. Kenya has reported no Ebola cases, though neighbouring Uganda has confirmed infections. (PC: AP)

The US military is expanding its drone programme and testing thousands of low-cost combat drones. The Pentagon has launched an 18-month competition called "Drone Dominance" to identify the best drone manufacturers.   The programme offers companies a share of $1.1 billion in contracts to build up to 300,000 drones. The Trump administration has also proposed spending $54.6 billion on drone warfare programmes in the next defence budget.   Many competing firms are startups founded by drone racers, hobbyists and technology entrepreneurs. The drones cost about $5,000 each and are designed for one-time combat missions. Officials say future wars are likely to rely heavily on large drone swarms. (PC: Getty Images)