A Guardian report uncovers disturbing testimonies from Iran’s death row, based on smuggled letters, videos, and prison accounts that reveal executions carried out amid war and political unrest. One key case is Babak Alipour, a 34-year-old law graduate who documented prison life before being executed after three years on death row. His writings and final video highlight alleged unfair trials and charges linked to opposition ties. Human rights groups say executions have surged during ongoing conflict, with prisoners accused of “enmity against God” or political dissent. Families describe sudden disappearances, rushed trials, and secret hangings inside prisons.The report suggests Iran is using wartime conditions to intensify repression, silence dissent, and accelerate capital punishment, drawing growing international concern over due process violations and human rights abuses. (PC: The Guardian)

At least three people were killed in fresh violence in Manipur’s Ukhrul district after gunfights broke out between armed groups linked to the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities. According to police reports, the clashes occurred in two separate incidents early Friday, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries in nearby villages. The violence marks a new escalation in long-standing ethnic tensions in the region, which has witnessed repeated cycles of retaliation and armed confrontation. Security forces have been deployed and investigations are underway, while authorities remain on high alert to prevent further outbreaks of violence in the sensitive hill district. (PC: PTI)

A political twist emerged as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs reportedly met at Arvind Kejriwal’s residence for a discussion that never took place, as they had already decided to quit the party. According to sources, Kejriwal had called the MPs to address internal concerns and possibly pacify tensions, but the leaders had independently finalised their exit plan earlier. Seven MPs, including Raghav Chadha, allegedly left the party and moved toward a merger with the BJP, catching the leadership off guard. Kejriwal was reportedly unaware of their collective decision at the time of calling the meeting. (PC: NDTV)

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has been extended by three weeks, according to US President Donald Trump, following high-level diplomatic talks involving Israeli and Lebanese representatives in Washington. The extension aims to maintain a temporary pause in hostilities that have continued despite earlier agreements. The deal was reached during US-mediated discussions, with officials expressing cautious optimism about moving toward broader peace negotiations. However, tensions remain high as sporadic clashes continue on the ground, raising doubts over long-term stability. The US has also indicated continued engagement to support regional de-escalation efforts and prevent further escalation of violence in the region. (PC: AP)

A young woman, daughter of an IRS officer, was found dead at her residence in Delhi’s Kailash Hills, sparking widespread concern. Police have arrested Rahul Meena, a former domestic worker, in connection with the case. Investigators say the accused was familiar with the house and may have used prior access to enter the premises. Initial findings indicate possible theft, as valuables were reported missing. Authorities are examining multiple angles, including motive and sequence of events, while awaiting forensic reports. The incident has raised fresh concerns about household security and background checks for domestic staff in urban areas. (PC: HT)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad for a fresh round of diplomatic engagements linked to stalled US-Iran negotiations. Leading a senior delegation, he is expected to meet Pakistan’s top leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military officials, as Islamabad plays a mediating role. However, Tehran has clarified that no direct talks with the United States are planned during this visit, with messages instead conveyed through Pakistan. Meanwhile, the US is dispatching envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, signaling continued diplomatic efforts despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding a breakthrough.

Swati Maliwal, once a prominent face of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), explained her exit by accusing the party of abandoning its core values and indulging in “corruption and loot.” She said she distanced herself to avoid being part of alleged wrongdoing. Maliwal also recalled a 2024 incident where she accused Arvind Kejriwal’s aide of physically assaulting her at the Chief Minister’s residence. The controversy deepened her rift with the leadership. Her departure comes amid a larger rebellion, with multiple AAP MPs leaving the party and aligning with the BJP, signalling serious internal turmoil. (PC: NDTV)

The Union government informed the Supreme Court that 10 Indian nationals have died while serving in the Russian Army during the ongoing Ukraine war. These individuals were among 26 Indians whose families had approached the court seeking their safe return. According to the Centre, most had voluntarily joined the Russian military, though concerns persist over alleged recruitment through agents and misleading job offers. The deaths have intensified distress among families and raised serious questions about overseas recruitment practices. The government said efforts are ongoing to ensure the return of remaining Indians and to address the issue diplomatically.

In a major political setback for Arvind Kejriwal, Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal—who had replaced Raghav Chadha in the Upper House—has joined the BJP along with six other AAP MPs. The move was announced by Chadha, who said more than two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha members supported the merger, allowing them to avoid disqualification under anti-defection laws. Aam Aadmi Party leaders criticised the switch as a betrayal. The development highlights deep internal rifts within AAP, triggered by leadership disputes and recent reshuffles, and significantly weakens the party’s presence in Parliament. (PC: PTI)

U.S. President Donald Trump has dispatched senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan for high-level talks with Iranian officials, aiming to revive stalled diplomatic engagement. The discussions are expected to address regional security concerns, especially tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing Middle East conflicts. Pakistan is acting as a key intermediary in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran. Vice President JD Vance is not part of the current delegation but may join later if negotiations show progress. The move highlights renewed U.S. efforts to pursue diplomacy and reduce escalating tensions. (PC: News 18)