Palestinians are leaving parts of Gaza City after Israel began the first stages of a ground assault. Israeli troops have entered areas like Zeitoun and Jabalia following days of heavy bombing. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the aim is to capture “the last terror strongholds” in Gaza. Defence Minister Israel Katz has called up 60,000 reservists for the operation. The UN and world leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron, have warned of massive civilian suffering and regional instability. Hamas accused Israel of targeting civilians and ignoring ceasefire efforts. Hundreds of thousands may be forced to evacuate to southern Gaza. (PC: BBC)

Nikki Haley, former US Ambassador to the UN, has warned that relations between the US and India are near breaking point. Writing in Newsweek, she urged Donald Trump’s administration to treat India as a key democratic partner, not like China. She said US tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases risk damaging 25 years of progress. Haley stressed India’s importance in supply chains, defence, and Middle East stability. She added that India’s growing economy and young workforce are crucial to counter China’s rise. “Damaging ties with India would be a strategic disaster,” Haley warned. (PC: NDTV)

Israel has approved a controversial plan to build 3,400 homes in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank. Critics say the project would split the territory in two and block hopes for a Palestinian state. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the idea of a Palestinian state is “being erased.” The Palestinian Authority condemned the move as illegal and dangerous. The UK, Jordan, and Germany also voiced opposition, warning it violates international law. Settlement building has expanded under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, with over 700,000 settlers now living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. (PC: Reuters)

Drinkers at the Well and Boot pub in London’s Waterloo station are facing a new 4% “optional” service charge, even when ordering at the bar. The fee, around 30p on a £7.65 pint, is added automatically to bills for food and drinks. The pub, owned by Glendola Leisure, says all tips go to staff. Critics argue bar orders should not carry service fees. Consumer experts warn the trend is spreading in London pubs. Customers say the small-print signs make it awkward to refuse. Rising costs in the pub industry are driving higher prices and extra charges. (The Telegraph)

Panic gripped Milan’s Malpensa Airport in Italy after a man with a hammer attacked the check-in area of Terminal 1. He smashed screens, set fire to a rubbish bin, and tried to hit security staff before being restrained by staff and passengers. Thick black smoke filled the terminal, forcing an evacuation. Emergency services quickly put out the fire and secured the area. The attacker, a Malian resident with no prior criminal record, was arrested. Authorities confirmed no major injuries were reported, but the incident caused heavy disruption for travellers and raised fresh concerns about airport security in Italy. (PC: News18)

Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic Juhu residence, Prateeksha, is flooded due to heavy rains in Mumbai. Now owned by his daughter Shweta Bachchan, videos on social media show water reaching ankle height around the property. Cars struggled through the waterlogged streets, and pedestrians used road dividers to move safely. Prateeksha, purchased by Amitabh in 1976 after the success of ‘Sholay,’ is estimated to be worth over Rs 50 crore. Both Shweta and Abhishek Bachchan were born there. Originally, Amitabh lived at Prateeksha with his parents, Harivansh Rai and Teji Bachchan, before moving to their current home, Jalsa, nearby.

Russia has captured three villages in eastern Ukraine, claiming fresh gains despite ongoing peace efforts. The Russian defence ministry said troops advanced in Donetsk, taking Sukhetske and Pankivka, near the front line between Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka. In Dnipropetrovsk, Novogeorgiivka was also taken. Moscow’s forces first entered the region in July, previously spared from fighting. These moves come as US and European leaders push for a peace deal to end the fourth-year conflict. US President Donald Trump said Vladimir Putin agreed to meet Ukrainian President Zelensky and accept some Western security guarantees, though European capitals remain cautious. (PC: NDTV)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a recent phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, briefly suggested hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Russia for a direct, one-on-one meeting—though officials quickly dismissed the proposal as unserious . At the White House, press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that arrangements for such a summit are underway, with multiple venues under consideration . Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized a cautious, phased approach starting at the expert level before any leaders meet . On Ukraine’s end, Zelenskyy expressed readiness for diplomacy, saying summit plans could be formalized “in the next week or 10 days”.

Israel has called up 60,000 reservists for a planned ground offensive in Gaza City. The operation aims to capture the city and secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas. Troops are already in Zeitoun and Jabalia preparing for the plan. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians may be asked to move south for safety. UN agencies and NGOs warned the offensive could cause a severe humanitarian crisis. Five Israeli divisions are expected to take part. The plan follows the breakdown of ceasefire talks with Hamas and comes after months of ongoing conflict. (PC: BBC)

Russia has invited India to export more goods to its market after the US imposed new tariffs on Indian products. Russian diplomat Roman Babushkin said the US move, linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil, was “unjustified” and “unilateral.” He added that Russia values its energy partnership with India and will continue cooperation despite outside pressure. The US earlier announced a 25% duty on Indian goods, later raised to 50%, to put pressure on Moscow over Ukraine. India has called the tariffs unfair, while Russia said its economy is strong and welcomes Indian trade. (PC: NDTV)