President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday flew in a Rafale fighter jet for a 30-minute sortie at the Ambala Air Force Station. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh also flew in another aircraft from the same base. Wearing a G-suit and helmet, the President waved from the cockpit before takeoff and received a ceremonial guard of honour. The Rafale jets were key to India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ against terror camps in Pakistan earlier this year. The PIB later denied fake videos claiming she made political remarks. Rafale aircraft were inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2020.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested Danish Chikna, a close aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, from Goa. He is accused of managing Dawood’s drug network across India. The arrest is part of a larger crackdown on the don’s drug operations. Earlier, Dubai-based handler Mohammed Salim Sheikh was deported to India and arrested in connection with the same case. So far, 15 people have been arrested, and drugs and assets worth over ₹256 crore have been seized. Officials said the network was linked to a major mephedrone manufacturing unit in Maharashtra. (PC: News18/ Social media)

Hurricane Melissa has regained strength as a Category 4 storm while moving towards Cuba after hitting Jamaica. Over 735,000 people have been evacuated in Cuba as heavy rain and winds up to 130mph are expected. Jamaica, now declared a disaster area, was left with massive flooding, damaged homes, and over 530,000 people without power. Cuba’s president warned of a “very difficult night” as the storm nears the coast. The US National Hurricane Center said life-threatening floods, landslides, and storm surges up to 12 feet are possible in eastern Cuba. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump said he will soon finalise a trade deal with India, praising his “great relationship” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at the APEC CEO Summit in South Korea, Trump said he has “great respect and love” for Modi. He described the Indian leader as “the nicest-looking guy” and joked about his strong personality. Trump’s remarks came ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The upcoming trade deal is expected to boost India-US economic ties, as both nations look to strengthen cooperation in technology, defence, and manufacturing sectors. (PC: PMO)

Cyclone Montha weakened into a cyclonic storm after hitting the Andhra Pradesh coast early Wednesday. Heavy rain and strong winds damaged homes and trees in several districts. One woman died in Konaseema district after a tree fell on her. The state government imposed a night curfew and cancelled over 30 flights and 120 trains. Power cuts were reported in many areas. The storm’s effects are expected in Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Odisha is on alert, with thousands moved to relief centres as heavy rain warnings continue in several districts.

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for killing Indian-origin industrialist Darshan Singh Sahasi in Canada. Sahasi, 68, was shot dead outside his home in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Gang member Goldy Dhillon said Sahasi was killed over a money dispute. Soon after, the gang also fired shots at Punjabi singer Channi Nattan’s house. No one was hurt in the attack. The Bishnoi gang, listed as a terrorist group in Canada, is linked to several crimes, including the murder of Sidhu Moosewala. The Punjabi community in Canada has demanded stronger police action after these violent incidents.

Amazon is set to cut 800 to 1,000 jobs in India as part of global layoffs driven by AI adoption. The job cuts will affect teams in finance, HR, and technology, mostly those working with global units. The company said the move aims to reduce bureaucracy and focus on key projects. Globally, Amazon plans to replace or avoid 600,000 jobs in the US by 2027. CEO Andy Jassy said AI will make many roles unnecessary while creating new ones. Amazon continues to invest heavily in AI, spending over $100 billion this year. (PC: AFP)

Former US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for Israel, warning that if Hamas fails to uphold the fragile Gaza ceasefire, Israel has the “full right to respond.” Speaking amid renewed tensions, Trump said Hamas must cease all hostile activities and release the remains of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. The truce, brokered by international mediators, remains on the verge of collapse after recent rocket exchanges and Israeli air alerts. Trump’s statement reflects Washington’s continued tilt toward Israel, even as global leaders urge restraint and renewed diplomatic engagement. (PC: WSJ)  

Israel launched a new wave of airstrikes on Gaza, killing over 30 people and injuring dozens, according to Hamas officials. The attacks came despite a fragile ceasefire brokered by the US and regional mediators. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the “powerful strikes,” accusing Hamas of violating the truce with fresh rocket fire. Explosions were reported in Gaza City and Rafah, causing significant damage to residential areas. The renewed violence has raised fears of a full-scale escalation, with international leaders urging restraint and renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent the collapse of the ceasefire. (PC: X)

In Goa, the state government’s decision to transfer 34 junior scale civil servants amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has triggered objections from the local Congress unit. The officers included some deputy collectors, chief officers and electoral registration officers (EROs) — personnel directly involved in the SIR process. Congress claimed such transfers violate Election Commission of India guidelines that prohibit reshuffles of officers linked with electoral duties without prior approval. The state’s Chief Electoral Officer, Sanjay Goel, confirmed the matter will be taken up with the government.