A Kuki village in Manipur’s Noney district has reportedly been torched by unidentified armed men, according to media reports, intensifying ongoing ethnic tensions in the region. The incident is part of a broader pattern of violence in Manipur, where several villages in hill districts have recently faced arson attacks and armed clashes linked to the prolonged ethnic conflict between communities. Security forces have been deployed to assess the damage and prevent further escalation. Local organisations have alleged militant involvement, while investigations are ongoing to determine the attackers’ identity and motive. The situation has further deepened instability in the already conflict-hit northeastern state, raising fresh concerns about civilian safety and law and order. (PC: The Hindu)

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has highlighted the expanding use of ethanol-blended fuels in India, stating that even racing cars are now operating on ethanol-based fuel. He emphasized that the country’s shift towards ethanol blending in petrol is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and promote cleaner energy alternatives. Puri noted that ethanol adoption has already reached significant levels in regular vehicles and is now being tested in high-performance applications such as racing, showcasing its viability. The government maintains that ethanol fuels are environmentally friendly and economically beneficial, despite ongoing debates over engine compatibility and performance concerns in older vehicles. Officials say the transition is irreversible and part of India’s long-term energy security plan. (PC: X)

Germany is reportedly considering a major overhaul of its labour policies, including a new sick leave law that would require employees to provide medical proof for absence from work. The proposal is part of broader reforms aimed at tightening workplace discipline, reducing misuse of sick leave, and improving productivity. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s administration is also linking the reform to wider changes in pension and tax systems. Supporters argue it will modernise labour rules and reduce economic losses, while critics warn it could increase pressure on workers and weaken employee rights. The reforms are still under discussion and have not yet been fully implemented. (PC: AP)

Iran has announced that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will not attend his father's funeral because of serious security concerns. According to the Supreme Leader's representative, intelligence assessments warned of potential assassination or attack risks during the high-profile ceremony. Authorities said the decision was taken to ensure his safety amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing security threats. The funeral is expected to draw senior Iranian officials, foreign dignitaries and thousands of mourners under tight security. The development has fueled speculation over Iran's political succession, though officials have not commented on any leadership implications. (PC: India Today)

A 44-year-old security guard, Hernán Alberto Gil, was rescued alive after spending more than eight days trapped beneath the collapsed Galerías Playa Grande shopping centre in Venezuela's La Guaira state. The dramatic operation, involving rescue teams from Venezuela and several countries including Chile, El Salvador, the United States, Portugal, Mexico and Costa Rica, took around 70 hours to complete. Gil was provided water through tubing while rescuers dug tunnels through unstable debris to reach him safely. The twin earthquakes have killed at least 2,295 people, left tens of thousands missing, and caused widespread destruction, with international rescue and relief efforts continuing.

Russia launched one of its largest missile and drone assaults on Kyiv since the war began, killing at least 21 people and injuring more than 80 others. Nearly 500 drones and over 70 missiles targeted the Ukrainian capital and other regions, damaging residential buildings, a hotel, and critical infrastructure while trapping residents under rubble. Ukrainian air defences intercepted many projectiles, but significant destruction was reported across the city. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed urgent appeals for additional Western air-defence systems, while Russia claimed the strikes were retaliation for recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure. Kyiv has declared a day of mourning for the victims. (PC: Reuters)

China is advancing plans to expand its regional connectivity network by linking the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with a proposed China-Myanmar-Bangladesh route, extending its strategic reach from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal. The initiative aims to boost trade, infrastructure and regional connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative. However, analysts say the move could strengthen China's geopolitical influence around India and increase strategic pressure on New Delhi. India remains cautious, citing sovereignty concerns over CPEC and the growing Chinese presence in neighbouring countries, while Bangladesh views the proposal as an opportunity for economic development and improved connectivity. (PC: X)

A 17-year-old boy died after being electrocuted while walking through a waterlogged street in Maharashtra’s Thane during heavy rainfall. According to his family, exposed electrical cables lying inside roadside gutters became live after the rain, and repeated calls for emergency assistance went unanswered. The teenager reportedly received a fatal electric shock after stepping into the flooded area. The incident has triggered allegations of negligence against civic authorities over poor maintenance of electrical infrastructure and delayed emergency response. Officials have launched an investigation into the tragedy, while the grieving family has demanded accountability and action to prevent similar incidents. (PC: NDTV)

Belgium produced a thrilling comeback to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in a dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash. Senegal took control with two first-half goals and looked set for a famous victory, but Belgium fought back through late goals to level the match and force extra time. The decisive winner came in the additional period, completing a remarkable turnaround and securing Belgium’s place in the Round of 16. The victory showcased Belgium’s resilience under pressure, while Senegal’s spirited performance ended in heartbreak after surrendering a commanding lead in one of the tournament’s most dramatic knockout encounters. (PC: AP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership during their summit in New Delhi, highlighting shared interests in security, technology and economic growth. Modi warmly referred to Takaichi as India's “little sister,” reflecting the close bilateral relationship. The two leaders announced major agreements on artificial intelligence, economic security, critical minerals, energy resilience and defence co-development, alongside a roadmap for over $10 billion in new Japanese investments. They also reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, stronger supply chains and expanded cooperation in advanced technologies and regional stability. (PC: X)