Ukraine faced one of the heaviest Russian attacks in weeks, with 574 drones and 40 missiles launched overnight. Ukrainian officials said 1 person was killed in Lviv and 15 injured in Transcarpathia, where a US electronics firm was hit. The air force claimed 577 incoming weapons were intercepted. Hypersonic, cruise and ballistic missiles were used, with strikes from Russia, Crimea and the Black Sea. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine was ready to meet Vladimir Putin in neutral Europe, but ruled out Budapest. The strikes came as Donald Trump led diplomatic efforts to end the war. (PC: BBC)

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), led by Masood Azhar, is raising PKR 3.91 billion through digital wallets to rebuild terror bases destroyed in India’s Operation Sindoor. The outfit plans to set up 313 new camps across Pakistan. Investigators say the group now moves 80% of its funds through mobile wallets, bypassing Financial Action Task Force (FATF) checks. Many donations come from Gulf countries. Sources claim funds are also being used for weapons, including drones. Indian security agencies warn JeM is decentralising camps to avoid future strikes. This exposes Pakistan’s hollow FATF compliance and highlights ISI’s backing of terror financing networks. (PC: HT)

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that negotiations will begin to free hostages held in Gaza and end the ongoing war. “These two things – defeating Hamas and releasing all our hostages – go hand in hand,” he said. Israeli forces have advanced to the outskirts of Gaza City, with more troops joining the operation. Mediators from Egypt and Qatar are working on proposals for indirect talks. Netanyahu stressed that all hostages must be freed for the conflict to end. No timeline was provided, and details of the negotiations remain limited. (PC: Reuters)

The UK has summoned Israel’s ambassador after final approval was given for a controversial settlement plan in the West Bank. The project, known as the E1 settlement, will add about 3,500 homes east of Jerusalem and could cut the West Bank in two. Britain, along with 21 other nations, condemned the decision, calling it a clear breach of international law and a major threat to a two-state solution. The UN also warned the plan would “drive a stake through the heart” of peace efforts. Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich said the move was meant to erase the idea of a Palestinian state. (PC: Reuters)

Rajesh Sakriya Khimjibhai, 41, from Rajkot, attacked Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a Jan Sunwai event on Wednesday. Police said he told them he acted over the lives of three lakh stray dogs after a Supreme Court order. Khimjibhai, an autorickshaw driver with a criminal record including assault and bootlegging, is in custody. An attempt-to-murder case has been registered. CM Gupta described the attack as a “cowardly attempt” but said she is recovering. Police continue to verify his motive and are working with Gujarat authorities to investigate his background and actions. (PC: HT)

Hurricane Erin battered the Outer Banks with strong winds and high waves, flooding Highway 12 and surging under beachfront homes, officials said. Tropical storm conditions also affected parts of Virginia. Authorities closed beaches in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware due to dangerous rip currents. Waves over 20 feet hit North Carolina, causing coastal flooding and threatening erosion-damaged homes. Despite evacuation orders, most residents stayed. Officials warned that the storm could regain strength and become a major hurricane but is expected to move out to sea. Rescuers saved dozens of people caught in rip currents this week. (PC: NDTV)

Russia launched 574 drones and 40 missiles on Ukraine, hitting western cities including Lviv and Transcarpathia, Ukrainian officials said. One person died and 18 were injured as residential buildings and a US electronics firm were damaged. Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted 577 of 614 attacks. President Zelensky expressed willingness to meet Putin in neutral Europe but ruled out Budapest due to Hungarian ties with Moscow. The strikes come amid US-led diplomatic efforts to end the war. Ukraine also struck Russian facilities in Rostov and Donetsk. The attacks mark the largest bombardment since July, highlighting the urgent need for stronger air defenses. (PC: BBC)

Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to former Prime Minister Imran Khan in eight cases linked to the May 9, 2023, violence. The cases followed nationwide protests and attacks on government and military buildings after Khan’s arrest. A three-member bench led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi approved the bail pleas. However, Khan will remain in jail due to other convictions, including a case on state gifts and another involving £190 million. Several trials are still pending. PTI called the Supreme Court’s decision a “victory for Imran Khan” and shared his message of hope on X. (PC: Economic Times)

A Pune court has summoned actors Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, and director Subhash Kapoor over their upcoming film Jolly LLB 3. The summons came after lawyer Wajed Rahim Khan filed a petition claiming the film insults the judiciary. He alleged that some scenes mock judges and lawyers, including one where the word “mama” is used for the bench. The court has directed the three to appear on October 28. The complaint was first filed in 2024 after the teaser was released. Jolly LLB 3, set to release on September 19, reunites Kumar and Warsi in the courtroom comedy. (PC: The Hindu)

Judge Frank Caprio, known as the “nicest judge in the world,” passed away on August 20 at the age of 88 after battling pancreatic cancer. Caprio became famous for his kind and compassionate rulings on the TV show Caught in Providence, which earned him global love and millions of followers. His court hearings, blending justice with empathy, often went viral online. Tributes poured in from fans worldwide, praising his humanity and warmth. In his final days, Caprio asked for prayers and thanked people for their support. He will be remembered as a devoted family man and an inspirational judge. (PC: X)