India has dismissed criticism by US Congressman Riley Moore over the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the Ministry of External Affairs describing the legislation as an internal matter. Responding to Moore's claim that the Bill targets Christians and could affect India-US ties, the MEA said many countries, including the United States, regulate foreign funding through domestic laws. The government maintained that the proposed amendments are intended to strengthen oversight of foreign contributions while preserving the religious character of places of worship. The Bill also proposes empowering a government-designated authority to manage the assets and foreign contributions of NGOs whose FCRA registration has been cancelled.

A BBC investigation has revealed disturbing allegations of rape, sexual harassment, voyeurism, and misogyny at the UK's Army Foundation College in Harrogate, which trains 16- and 17-year-old recruits. Several former female recruits accused fellow trainees and some instructors of fostering a toxic environment that failed to protect young women. One survivor alleged she was raped by multiple junior soldiers, while others described repeated abuse and humiliation. Official Ministry of Defence data recorded 176 complaints of inappropriate sexual behaviour at the college between 2018 and mid-2025. The British Army said the allegations are deeply distressing and pledged full cooperation with investigations. (PC: BBC)

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth has become the first woman in the Indian Air Force to qualify as a Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) after completing the elite course at the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), Gwalior. The rigorous 20-week programme trains fighter pilots in advanced air combat tactics, mission planning, and leadership. Kanth was among India's first three women fighter pilots commissioned in 2016 and became the country's first woman cleared for fighter combat missions in 2019. Her latest achievement marks another historic milestone for women in India's armed forces and strengthens the IAF's combat leadership ranks. (PC: X)

Lucky Rawat, a Class 10 student from Chakrata in Uttarakhand, has been selected as India's sole representative for the prestigious Icebreaker of Knowledge international expedition to the North Pole. Chosen through a rigorous three-stage selection process, he will join students aged 14–16 from 22 countries on a 10-day scientific and educational voyage aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy, departing from Murmansk, Russia. The programme promotes Arctic research, environmental awareness, cultural exchange, and global collaboration. Lucky's achievement is a proud moment for India, highlighting how talent and determination can earn international recognition. (PC: ANI)

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa won his first Grand Chess Tour St. Louis Rapid & Blitz title after a commanding performance in the United States. The 20-year-old secured the championship with a round to spare by drawing against Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov in the penultimate round before finishing on 23.5 points, 1.5 points clear of the field. Praggnanandhaa led the standings throughout the tournament, losing only two of his 27 games. The victory strengthens his position in the Grand Chess Tour standings ahead of the prestigious Sinquefield Cup and marks another major milestone in his impressive 2026 season. (PC: X)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has said India's reservation system should continue as long as social discrimination persists, describing it as a necessary measure for achieving equality. Speaking at the IIMUN Annual Championship Conference in Mumbai, he cited Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision and argued that reservation benefits should increasingly reach communities that remain excluded. Referring to demands for sub-categorisation within reserved groups and recent Supreme Court observations, Bhagwat said those who have already benefited should help ensure opportunities reach others. He also criticised the politicisation of reservation, stressing it was intended to promote social harmony rather than deepen divisions. (PC: X)

UEFA has reaffirmed that its threat to boycott FIFA competitions, including future World Cups, remains in place despite FIFA withdrawing its controversial proposal to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights to private investors. European football's governing body said FIFA has not yet met the conditions required to restore trust, including firm guarantees that similar plans will never return. UEFA also continues to express a lack of confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino's leadership. The standoff has deepened divisions within world football and could affect upcoming FIFA tournaments if negotiations fail to resolve the governance dispute. (PC: Getty Images)

Scientists monitoring the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have identified mutations in the circulating virus, prompting concerns about whether the changes could affect transmission, disease severity, or the effectiveness of existing countermeasures. Researchers stressed that mutations are a normal part of viral evolution and there is currently no evidence that the virus has become more dangerous. However, they said continued genomic surveillance is essential to detect any significant changes. Health authorities are intensifying testing, contact tracing, and vaccination efforts as the outbreak continues, while experts closely monitor the virus to ensure existing treatments and vaccines remain effective. (PC: AFP)

The agitation by job aspirants in Jharkhand entered its 14th day after one of the protesters on an indefinite hunger strike was taken to hospital following a decline in health. The students are demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, including paper leaks and delays in appointments. In an effort to resolve the deadlock, the protesters formed an 11-member delegation to hold talks with the state government after Chief Minister Hemant Soren said his government's doors were open for dialogue. Despite the outreach, the students vowed to continue their protest until concrete assurances and action are provided. (PC: PTI)

A passenger was arrested after allegedly trying to open the emergency exit of an IndiGo flight just minutes before it landed at Kochi International Airport. Cabin crew and fellow passengers quickly intervened, preventing any safety risk, while the aircraft landed safely without incident. The accused was detained immediately after landing and handed over to airport security and local police. Authorities have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident, including the passenger's motive and mental condition. Aviation officials reiterated that tampering with aircraft emergency exits is a serious offence that endangers passenger safety and can attract strict legal action.