The arrest of American national Matthew VanDyke in India has revealed significant national security concerns. VanDyke, among seven foreigners detained, is accused of involvement in a conspiracy against India. According to the National Investigation Agency, the group allegedly crossed into Myanmar illegally via India to train ethnic armed organisations and banned groups operating within India. Investigators examining his phone and social media uncovered links to multiple overseas military conflicts and operations, raising questions about his role and objectives. Authorities are now probing how he entered India’s northeast and the nature of his mission. The US Embassy acknowledged awareness but declined further comment. (PC: NDTV)

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told a Senate Committee that Pakistan, China, Russia, North Korea and Iran are developing nuclear-capable missile systems that could reach the United States. She said the intelligence community assesses expanding threats, with total missiles rising from 3,000 to over 16,000 by 2035, and highlighted advanced Russian and Chinese systems designed to penetrate US defenses. Gabbard warned Pakistan’s long-range programme may include ICBMs, while Iran could develop such capability before 2035. She added North Korea’s cyber thefts, including $2 billion in 2025, fund weapons programmes. She also said US strikes have degraded but not destroyed Iran’s regime, which continues regional attacks. CIA John Ratcliffe Europe risk.

Qatar has condemned Iran’s strike near its main gas facility, calling it a “direct threat” to national security. State firm QatarEnergy said missile attacks hit Ras Laffan Industrial City and caused “extensive damage.” Fires were reported at the site after the strike. The attack followed Iran’s warning that it would target energy infrastructure after earlier strikes on its own facilities. Tensions remain high across the region. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted missiles and drones. Strikes and alerts were also reported in other countries as the conflict widened and energy sites came under focus. (PC: HT)

The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged as rising oil prices linked to the Iran war increase economic uncertainty. The key rate remains at 3.5% to 3.75%. Officials said the situation in the Middle East has made the outlook unclear. “The implications… are uncertain,” the Fed said. Higher oil prices have already pushed fuel costs up in the US. This may raise inflation and reduce spending. Policymakers are moving cautiously despite pressure to cut rates. Forecasts now show inflation at 2.7% this year. Most officials still expect at least one rate cut later this year. (PC: BBC)

Two explosions were reported in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh as tensions rose in the ongoing war. Authorities said air defences were responding to missile and drone threats. Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned of retaliation after Ali Larijani’s killing, saying “criminals will have to pay soon.” Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also issued a “firm and clear warning” targeting energy infrastructure. Israel said it carried out wide airstrikes in Tehran and other areas. The United States confirmed strikes on Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has spread across the region, with attacks reported in multiple countries. (PC: HT)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned of retaliation after senior official Ali Larijani was killed in a strike blamed on the US and Israel. He said, “criminals will soon pay for his blood.” The killing marks a sharp rise in the ongoing conflict. Larijani was a key figure in Iran’s security and political system. Officials said his death could affect decision-making during the war. He had strong links with both political leaders and the security forces. The conflict has already seen several top leaders killed. Casualties continue to rise across Iran, Israel and the wider region. (PC: India Today)

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor held an "extremely fruitful" meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, covering critical security and geopolitical issues amid escalating regional tensions. Gor confirmed that strategic cooperation between Washington and New Delhi continues advancing, with discussions encompassing defence coordination, intelligence sharing, and regional security concerns. The meeting addressed ongoing bilateral priorities including Indo-Pacific cooperation, supply chain resilience, counterterrorism efforts, and technology policy. Both governments described their relationship as pivotal for regional stability amid rapidly shifting geopolitical conditions across Asia. The high-level engagement comes as India navigates complex diplomatic challenges surrounding the West Asia conflict, Russian oil imports, and its evolving strategic partnerships with major global powers.

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has named Russia, China, North Korea, and Pakistan among the gravest nuclear threats facing the United States. Testifying before a Senate panel, Gabbard warned that missiles capable of striking America could surge from approximately 3,000 currently to over 16,000 by 2035. She highlighted deepening military coordination between North Korea, Russia, and China as a serious concern. On Iran, Gabbard stated its nuclear enrichment programme was "obliterated" in June 2025 strikes but cautioned Tehran retains significant proxy capabilities and would likely rebuild its arsenal if the regime survives. The remarks came despite Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif recently praising Trump as a regional peacemaker in Washington. (PC: India Today)

India's Ministry of External Affairs informed a Parliamentary Standing Committee that approximately 1,000 Indian nationals remain in Iran amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, though not all wish to leave. Simultaneously, 23,000 Indian school students based in Gulf nations have been unable to appear for their ongoing CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations due to regional turmoil. Committee chairman Shashi Tharoor confirmed consultations between MEA and the Ministry of Education are underway to ensure remedial examination arrangements. MPs raised pointed questions regarding India's conspicuous silence on condemning Supreme Leader Khamenei's killing and civilian deaths, but MEA officials provided no direct answers, leaving critical diplomatic questions unresolved. (PC: India Today)

The Centre has offered extra commercial LPG to states that speed up piped natural gas rollout during the current shortage. It said allocation can rise from 20% to 30% if states support faster PNG expansion. Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal said it would be a “smart move” to shift users to PNG. The shortage follows disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key supply route. India depends heavily on LPG imports through this route. The government has prioritised household supply, while commercial users face shortages. States can get extra allocation by clearing approvals and helping gas companies expand networks quickly. (PC: The Indian Express)