US President Donald Trump has welcomed the recently signed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, calling it a major step towards regional security and greater defence self-reliance. In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump said he was “very happy” that the three countries had “recently, and finally” signed the pact. Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three nations will be regarded as an attack against all three. Trump said the deal showed how the Middle East was coming together and would enable countries to defend themselves more meaningfully. He described the agreement as a “BIG, BOLD, IMPORTANT FIRST STEP” towards stronger regional defence cooperation.

Indian-origin Flight Lieutenant Arshdeep Singh Dang, 28, has become the first Sikh to graduate as a fighter pilot in Britain’s Royal Air Force since World War II. Dang graduated during a fast-jet pilot ceremony at RAF Valley in North Wales on August 14. The RAF said he was the first Sikh trainee to graduate on the Texan aircraft at 4 Flying Training School under the UK Military Flying Training System. The milestone marks the first time since World War II that a Sikh has attained fighter wings from a fighter squadron in the RAF, according to The Indian Express. However, the RAF clarified that Dang was not the first Sikh to graduate from Basic Flying Training. (PC: X)

The National Testing Agency will re-conduct three UGC-NET papers after finding several errors in the exams held in June. The affected subjects are English, Commerce and Sociology. Candidates reported spelling mistakes, repeated questions and repeated answer options. In Sociology, names such as Ritzer, Ghurye and Parsons were reportedly misspelled. English and Commerce papers also contained questions repeated from earlier exams. NTA said a committee found factual, typing, translation and grammar errors in the papers. The English and Commerce exams will be held on September 9, while Sociology will be held on September 10. No extra fee will be charged.

Bangladesh has linked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to India with its demand for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shahidul Karim said talks between Dhaka and New Delhi had been ongoing for weeks. However, the process was affected by Hasina’s press interaction in New Delhi on August 5. Bangladesh wants India to act on its extradition request and hand over other fugitives. Dhaka also wants India to hand over people accused of killing Sharif Osman Hadi. Karim said a “propitious environment” was needed for Rahman’s visit. Bangladesh is now waiting for India’s response to its requests under the bilateral extradition treaty.

Hurricane Lala has caused severe flooding and mudslides in Hawaii, leaving one person dead in a car accident. The Category 1 storm passed close to the Big Island without making landfall. Heavy rain swept away homes in coastal areas and damaged roads. Some areas received up to 35 inches of rain. More than 200,000 customers lost power, while several hospitals used backup generators. About 180 National Guard members were sent to help with rescue work. Two homes were reportedly swept away, and searches are underway for affected residents. Lala has weakened into a tropical storm but continues to bring heavy rain. (PC: Getty Images)

Firefighters are battling 14 wildfires across South Wales as dry conditions continue to raise fire risks. The military has joined efforts to support emergency crews. In Stourbridge, West Midlands, 19 homes were completely destroyed by a major wildfire. Eight families have so far been allowed to view their damaged homes. Another 15 properties suffered partial damage. Most unaffected residents have returned home. The cause of the Stourbridge fire remains unknown. Firefighters say the land is extremely dry and even a small spark can start a fire. Officials have urged people not to use disposable barbecues and to safely put out cigarettes.

At least seven people were killed in Russia after Ukraine launched its largest attack there this year, Russian officials said. Around 822 drones were used, with 600 reportedly targeting Moscow. Five people died in the Rostov region. Two others were killed in Belgorod and the Moscow region. A Wildberries warehouse near Moscow was also hit, injuring three people. Meanwhile, Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least seven people and injured more than 39. Kyiv was also targeted overnight. Ukraine said Russia launched more than 1,550 drones, 1,560 guided bombs and 62 missiles across 13 regions this week. (PC: Reuters)

Flight Lieutenant Arshdeep Singh Dang, 28, has made history in Britain’s Royal Air Force. The Indian-origin pilot is the first Sikh to graduate as an RAF fighter pilot since World War II, according to the RAF. Dang was born in Chandigarh and moved to the UK when he was six. His family has roots in Ludhiana and Amritsar. He graduated from the University of Bristol and joined RAF training in 2022. He passed his wings test in July 2026 after training in the UK and Texas. Dang said he hopes his achievement inspires others and that he does not want to be the last.

A political row has erupted over Vande Mataram after a Congress event in Delhi. BJP leaders accused Sonia Gandhi of objecting to the full national song being sung. Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanded an apology from her. BJP workers held protests in several states. Complaints were also filed against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi over the alleged incident. Congress denied the allegations. The party said Sonia was only asking for a chair for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh hit back at Shah and accused him of diverting attention from other issues. The dispute has triggered a wider political clash.

A geomagnetic storm from the Sun is expected to reach Earth on Monday, August 17. The event began with a solar eruption on August 14. It sent a huge cloud of charged particles into space. The cloud, called a coronal mass ejection, is expected to make a direct or glancing impact with Earth’s magnetic field. Forecasters expect a G1-class storm, the lowest level on the five-point scale. It could create bright auroras in parts of North America and Europe. The storm may also cause minor disruptions to satellites, radio signals and navigation systems. No major impact is expected.