National News Highlights
1. BRICS Summit opens in New Delhi
Leaders of BRICS nations gathered in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit, with conflicts in West Asia, global security and the future of multilateral cooperation high on the agenda.
2. Modi–Xi meeting signals thaw in India-China ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, stressing the need to rebuild trust and improve bilateral relations.
3. Modi and Pezeshkian discuss West Asia crisis
Prime Minister Modi held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, stressing dialogue, diplomacy and the need to protect freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers.
4. BRICS declaration calls for restraint in West Asia
BRICS leaders backed a joint declaration calling for maximum restraint amid the escalating Middle East conflict, while stressing civilian protection, sovereignty and maritime security.
5. India-EU trade deal moves closer
India and the European Union are reported to be close to concluding their long-running trade negotiations, with the final approval process now awaited in Brussels.
6. Two ships collide off Gujarat coast; 21 rescued
The Coast Guard rescued 21 people after two merchant vessels collided off the Gujarat coast. Pollution-response measures were also activated following the incident.
7. Fake cancer drugs supplied to hospitals in Bengaluru
Authorities arrested a pharmacy owner in connection with the alleged supply of counterfeit cancer medicines to more than 90 hospitals in Bengaluru.
8. Assam bypoll sees new political developments
An IAS officer who recently vacated a senior administrative post has received a BJP ticket to contest an upcoming Assam Assembly by-election, adding another political dimension to the contest.
9. Gurgaon cuts construction-waste charges amid sanitation crisis
Authorities in Gurgaon have sharply reduced construction and demolition waste charges as the city deals with mounting garbage and a sanitation workers’ strike.
10. Five baby orangutans found in Odisha; repatriation process begins
Odisha authorities are investigating the origin of five baby orangutans recovered in the state, while Indonesia has begun preparations for their possible repatriation.
International News Updates
1. Houthis seize strategic position near Bab el-Mandeb
Iran-aligned Houthi forces have advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and taken control of strategically important territory around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, raising fresh concerns over global shipping security.
2. Nearly 50,000 Yemenis flee fighting
A rapid Houthi offensive in western Yemen has displaced nearly 50,000 civilians, according to humanitarian assessments, as fighting intensifies around key Red Sea areas.
3. Saudi Arabia shuts major oil pipeline after drone attack
Saudi Arabia suspended operations on its East-West oil pipeline following a drone attack, creating another major concern for energy and shipping security amid the widening regional conflict.
4. Russian strikes kill civilians in Ukraine
Russian attacks on Ukraine killed several civilians and wounded dozens, according to Ukrainian officials, while President Vladimir Putin warned European countries against sending troops to Ukraine.
5. Trump backs idea of a united Ireland
During his visit to Ireland, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would welcome the prospect of a united Ireland, a politically sensitive issue involving Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Quote of the Day
“The universe is not required to be in perfect harmony with human ambition.”
— Carl Sagan
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