President Trump declared America has "lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China" after the SCO summit in Tianjin, sarcastically wishing the trio a "prosperous future together." Trump's comments mark his sharpest acknowledgment of deepening ties between the three nations, all at odds with Washington on Ukraine and trade. The summit featured Modi's first China visit in seven years since the 2020 Galwan clash, signaling India's strategic autonomy over US alignment. Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, targeting Russian oil imports, while criticizing India's "one-sided" trade relationship. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar countered that the US applies different standards to China and EU regarding Russian energy purchases, highlighting growing diplomatic tensions. (PC: Mint & X)

A 41-year-old actress named Anushka Manimohan Das was arrested in Maharashtra's Thane for allegedly running a sex trafficking ring by exploiting aspiring actresses. Police report she lured young women with promises of opportunities in films and TV serials. Two undercover police officers posed as clients to contact Anushka, who arranged a meeting to collect payment. She was caught red-handed during this operation. The investigation led to the rescue of two young women who were seeking to enter the acting industry. The case highlights the exploitation of vulnerable aspiring performers through false promises of career advancement in the entertainment industry. (PC: Aajkaal)

Putin rejected Western proposals for international "reassurance forces" in Ukraine, warning any deployed troops would be "legitimate targets." This follows a Paris summit where 26 allies, led by France and UK, committed to deploying forces post-ceasefire to prevent "new major aggression." French President Macron stressed troops wouldn't engage frontlines or wage war against Russia. Putin maintained readiness for talks with Zelensky but saw "little point" due to disagreement on key issues. Trump indicated possible US air support while maintaining dialogue with Putin. Russia insists on full peace deal rather than initial ceasefire, controlling only Crimea among five illegally annexed Ukrainian territories. Western leaders believe Moscow seeks more territorial gains during prolonged negotiations in the 40-month conflict. (PC: ABC & X)

Mumbai Police placed the city on high alert after receiving WhatsApp threats claiming 14 Pakistani terrorists with 400kg RDX planted "human bombs" in 34 vehicles targeting Anant Chaturdashi celebrations. The "Lashkar-e-Jihadi" message warned blasts would "shake the city" and kill "one crore people" during Saturday's Ganesh festival finale. Senior police officials called it likely a hoax but enhanced security citywide. Over 21,000 personnel will deploy for idol immersions, using AI for traffic management. Recent similar hoax incidents include a 43-year-old's arrest for false Thane railway station threats and July airport bombing warnings. Authorities launched investigations while appealing to citizens to report suspicious activities and ignore rumors during the massive religious celebration. (PC: The Financial Express & NDTV)

Pakistan accuses India of "weaponising water" amid catastrophic monsoon floods killing 884 people nationally, with Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal claiming deliberate dam releases caused Punjab flooding. However, water experts dismiss these allegations as "oversimplification," noting India's own severe flooding with 100+ deaths. King's College professor Daanish Mustafa explains India would flood itself before Pakistan due to geography. The crisis intensified after India withdrew from the six-decade Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam attack. Climate change and obsolete dam infrastructure compound the problem, with melting glaciers and intense monsoons exceeding designed capacities. Former Pakistani IWT representative Shiraz Memon calls flood accusations against India "natural phenomenon," urging focus on climate adaptation over political blame-shifting between nuclear neighbors. (PC: Al Jazeera)

India banned Austrian economist Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn's X account after he posted "dismantle India into ExIndia" with a Khalistan map, calling PM Modi "Russia's man." The Ministry of Home Affairs and Electronics & IT flagged the viral post, directing X to block Indian access. Fehlinger-Jahn serves as President of the Austrian Committee for NATO Membership and sits on Southern Balkans economic integration boards. A senior MEA source dismissed raising the matter with Vienna, calling him "a loony" with "no official position." The post sparked angry social media reactions. This follows PM Modi's historic July 2024 Austria visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 41 years, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. (PC: NDTV)

Mumbai Police placed the city on high alert after receiving terror threats claiming 34 "human bombs" with 400kg RDX will target the city on Anant Chaturdashi. The caller, identifying as Lashkar-e-Jihadi, threatened blasts that would "shake the entire city" and kill "one crore people" using 34 vehicles. Security has been enhanced statewide following the traffic police helpline threat. This follows recent hoax incidents including a Monday arrest of a 43-year-old man for false railway station bomb threats, August ISKCON temple email threats, and July airport bombing warnings at CSMIA Terminal 2. Police investigations revealed previous threats were hoaxes after thorough searches by Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad found nothing suspicious across multiple Mumbai locations. (PC: NDTV & Mid-day)

Israel announces control of 40% of Gaza City, vowing to "expand and intensify" its offensive in coming days as Palestinian death toll climbs. Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin pledged to "increase pressure" on Hamas until defeated, following Thursday strikes that killed over 30 in Gaza City and 64 across the Strip. Senior Israeli officials expect the escalated offensive to displace one million Palestinians southward from Gaza City, where UN declared famine last month. European Commission VP Teresa Ribera called the conflict "genocide," criticizing EU inaction. Hamas's October 2023 attack killed 1,219 Israelis, while Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed at least 64,231 Palestinians according to Gaza health ministry. Hamas officials met Iran's Foreign Minister in Doha discussing war termination efforts. (PC: Reuters)

A third earthquake struck Afghanistan Thursday night, a magnitude 5.6 tremor hitting southeastern regions as death tolls from Sunday's initial quake continue climbing. The latest quake sent residents fleeing shelters in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces, with 17 wounded brought to Kunar Provincial Hospital. Sunday's devastating earthquake has now killed 1,368 people and wounded 2,180 across 25 villages, according to UN officials. Mountainous terrain hampers rescue operations, conducted mainly by helicopter due to landslide debris blocking village access. A magnitude 5.5 quake Tuesday temporarily halted rescue efforts. The Taliban government appeals for international aid while UN releases emergency funds and UK pledges £1 million. Afghanistan's location on Indian-Eurasian tectonic plate boundaries makes earthquakes frequent. (PC: India Today & Al Jazeera)

President Trump called China's massive military parade "impressive" but dismissed it as staged performance to grab his attention. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump criticized Xi Jinping for omitting US contributions in his World War 2 victory speech, saying America "helped China greatly gain its freedom." The parade at Tiananmen Square featured cutting-edge missiles, goose-stepping troops, and 50,000 spectators, with Xi flanked by Putin and Kim Jong Un. Trump earlier posted on Truth Social suggesting the trio was "conspiring against America," but softened his tone later, claiming good relationships with all three leaders. Despite heightened US-China tensions over tariffs and geopolitical dominance, Trump hinted at possible upcoming meeting with Xi.