In a significant escalation, Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged strikes, heightening fears of a full-scale war. On Sunday morning, Israel launched around 100 fighter jets in pre-emptive strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, marking the largest attack since the 2006 war. Hezbollah retaliated with over 300 rockets and missiles targeting northern Israel. This conflict follows recent high-profile assassinations and ongoing tensions. Despite both sides expressing a desire to avoid war, they are prepared for further escalation, with Hezbollah’s extensive arsenal and experienced fighters posing a formidable challenge to Israel.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Modi government’s decision to introduce the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), stating that the “U” in UPS stands for Modi government’s “U-turns.” In a tweet, Kharge attributed the government’s reversal on key policies to the Opposition’s resurgence following the Lok Sabha elections. He said, “The ‘U’ in UPS stands for Modi Govt’s U-turns. Post June 4, the power of the people has prevailed over the arrogance of power of the Prime Minister.” The UPS, which guarantees a pension of 50% of average basic pay or a minimum of Rs 10,000, follows backlash against the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and reverts to aspects of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

In the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case, the polygraph test of prime accused Sanjoy Roy has concluded, following a delay due to technical issues. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) also tested four other individuals, including former RG Kar Medical College principal Sandip Ghosh, on Saturday. A team from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Delhi conducted the tests. The CBI reported that the crime scene had been tampered with before their investigation began, suggesting a possible cover-up attempt by local police.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged stringent measures against crimes targeting women, declaring them “unforgivable” following the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Speaking at the ‘Lakhpati Didi Sammelan’ in Jalgaon, Modi stated, “The security of women is very important. I will once again tell every state government that crimes against women are unforgivable. No matter who the culprit is, they should not be spared.” This statement comes as nationwide protests and political tensions continue over women's safety.

NASA has confirmed that astronauts Sunita "Suni" Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore, who have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) due to issues with Boeing's Starliner, will return to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft in February 2025. Initially, they were to return after an eight-day mission but have been delayed due to propulsion system problems with the Starliner. NASA stated that a return with Starliner would be too risky. The astronauts, currently safe on the ISS, will now await their return as planned SpaceX missions continue.

A 26-year-old Syrian man surrendered to police, confessing to a mass knife attack at a street festival in Solingen, Germany. The attack killed three people and injured eight, with four victims in critical condition. The Islamic State claimed responsibility but provided no evidence. The attacker, who arrived in Germany in December 2022, was arrested in blood-stained clothes. Police are investigating potential terrorist links. Solingen’s 650-year anniversary celebrations, expected to draw 75,000 attendees, were canceled following the incident. Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack as a "horrific act." A fifteen-year-old boy linked to the suspect was also detained.

Israeli fighter jets launched a major preemptive strike on southern Lebanon, targeting over 40 Hezbollah rocket launch sites. The Israeli military stated that approximately 100 jets participated in the operation, destroying thousands of rocket launcher barrels. In retaliation, Hezbollah fired over 320 Katyusha rockets and drones toward northern Israel, hitting 11 military targets. Three people were killed in Lebanon due to Israeli airstrikes. This escalation follows increased tensions in the region after Israel assassinated Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander, last month. The situation remains volatile, with fears of a broader regional conflict.

Naresh Bhatt, a 37-year-old Indian-origin man, was arrested in Virginia for allegedly concealing his wife Mamta Bhatt's body. Police found blood splatter in their home and discovered Bhatt had purchased knives from Walmart the day before Mamta disappeared. Bhatt reported her missing days later, claiming she had gone to visit relatives. Authorities found no evidence of relatives and suspected foul play. The couple’s one-year-old daughter is now in social services' care. Mamta’s parents, living in Nepal, have been granted emergency visas to the US to take custody of their granddaughter.

A helicopter crashed in Pune's Paud area due to strong winds and bad weather, injuring the captain. The AW 139 aircraft took off from Mumbai's Juhu and was en route to Hyderabad. Inspector Manoj Yadav of Paud police said, "When they took off from Mumbai, the weather was fine, but upon reaching Paud, the helicopter encountered difficulties." The pilot attempted to land, but the helicopter struck a babul tree before crashing. Fortunately, the tree softened the impact. The four people on board survived. The IMD has issued an orange alert, warning of heavy rainfall in Pune and Satara districts.

Virat Kohli honored Shikhar Dhawan following his retirement announcement with a heartfelt message on X. Kohli wrote, “Your trademark smile will be missed, but your legacy lives on.” Dhawan, who made his international debut in 2010, was renowned for his significant contributions, including being the top scorer in the 2013 Champions Trophy. Kohli praised Dhawan’s passion, stating, “Thank you for the memories, unforgettable performances, and always leading with your heart.” Former coach Ravi Shastri also extended his congratulations, highlighting Dhawan’s ongoing potential to impact cricket. Dhawan’s career included 10,867 international runs, 24 centuries, and 79 fifties.