Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia carried out a large-scale overnight aerial assault on Saturday, striking residential neighbourhoods across seven districts of Kyiv and killing at least nine people while injuring dozens more. In a statement posted on X, Zelenskyy said the attack involved 35 missiles, including 27 ballistic missiles, along with 185 attack drones of different types. Although Kyiv was the primary focus of the assault, the strikes also affected the Dnipro, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Poltava regions.

According to the Ukrainian president, the bombardment caused significant destruction across the capital. A total of 18 residential buildings, a school, critical infrastructure, and the Lithuanian Embassy sustained damage. Emergency crews continued rescue and firefighting operations throughout the city as authorities assessed the full extent of the destruction. Expressing condolences to the victims' families, Zelenskyy said emergency medical teams were treating those injured. He also highlighted Ukraine's shortage of air defence interceptors, noting that only one ballistic missile was shot down because of limited Patriot missile system ammunition.

The Ukrainian leader argued that the shortage of interceptor missiles enables Russia to continue launching deadly ballistic attacks and renewed his appeal to international partners for faster delivery of additional air defence systems. He stressed that such equipment is urgently needed on the battlefield rather than remaining in reserve stockpiles.

Zelenskyy also revealed that he had spoken by phone with US Vice President JD Vance. The conversation followed his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House and focused on strengthening Ukraine's air defence capabilities as well as the wider economic impact of the ongoing war. Zelenskyy said both sides agreed to maintain close coordination, with air defence—particularly additional Patriot interceptors—remaining Ukraine's highest priority. He thanked the United States for its continued support during the conflict.

Russia's Defence Ministry, as cited by Russian state media outlet RT, said its forces carried out a coordinated overnight operation using precision ground- and sea-launched weapons along with long-range drones. Moscow claimed the strikes targeted Ukrainian defence industry facilities and logistics centres in and around Kyiv involved in the production, storage, and transportation of missiles, drones, radar equipment, and electronic warfare systems. Russian media reported that explosions began shortly after 1:00 a.m. local time in Kyiv and continued in several waves until around 3:00 a.m., as the large-scale attack unfolded across the Ukrainian capital.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@ZelenskyyUa.

The United States' efforts to pressure Iran through military action, economic sanctions, and diplomatic isolation have become increasingly complicated, with experts suggesting that many of Washington's objectives remain out of reach. Instead of producing a quick strategic victory, the prolonged confrontation has exposed the limitations of military force and intensified concerns about regional stability.

When the US increased pressure on Tehran, officials hoped that a combination of targeted strikes and sanctions would weaken Iran's military capabilities and compel its leadership to negotiate from a position of weakness. However, recent developments indicate that the conflict has become far more difficult to manage than initially anticipated.

Despite repeated military operations, Iran has continued to demonstrate its ability to respond through missile capabilities and its network of regional allies. While American strikes have reportedly damaged parts of Iran's military infrastructure, analysts say Tehran has retained enough capacity to prolong the confrontation, preventing Washington from achieving a decisive outcome.

The lack of a clear military breakthrough has also complicated diplomatic efforts. Several attempts to revive negotiations have produced little progress, as both countries remain deeply distrustful of each other's intentions. Every fresh round of hostilities has further narrowed the space for meaningful dialogue, making a negotiated settlement increasingly difficult.

The conflict has also created economic uncertainty well beyond the Middle East. Investors and governments continue to monitor developments around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy corridors. Any disruption to shipping through the narrow waterway has the potential to affect global oil supplies, fuel prices, and international trade. Although major disruptions have so far been avoided, markets remain sensitive to the possibility of further escalation.

At home, the conflict has become a growing political issue for the United States. Questions are being raised over the financial cost of prolonged military engagement, the long-term strategic goals of the campaign, and the legal authority for continued operations. The debate has intensified in Washington as lawmakers seek greater clarity on the administration's plans and the prospects for ending the confrontation.

Iran continues to face significant internal economic challenges, including high inflation, unemployment, and the impact of years of international sanctions. However, these domestic pressures have not translated into the political concessions that many policymakers in Washington had expected. Instead, Iranian leaders have largely maintained their position, arguing that continued resistance is essential despite mounting economic difficulties.

Security experts believe the conflict demonstrates the complexity of modern geopolitical crises, where military superiority alone is often insufficient to achieve political objectives. They argue that sanctions can weaken an economy but may not necessarily change strategic decision-making, while prolonged conflicts tend to create unintended consequences that affect both regional and global stability.

For now, there is little indication that either side is prepared to significantly alter its approach. With military tensions persisting and diplomatic channels making only limited progress, the US-Iran confrontation appears set to remain one of the most significant geopolitical flashpoints in the Middle East. Analysts warn that unless both sides return to sustained negotiations, the conflict could continue to generate economic uncertainty, regional instability, and heightened security risks for the international community.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.

The year 2026 could mark a significant turning point in India-European Union relations as changing global dynamics push both sides toward deeper strategic cooperation. Growing tensions involving China, evolving US policies and uncertainties surrounding Russia are creating new opportunities for India and the European Union to strengthen their partnership across trade, technology, security and clean energy.

For years, India and the EU have maintained strong economic relations, but the partnership has often been described as falling short of its full potential. However, the changing international environment is now encouraging both sides to move beyond traditional trade discussions and build a broader strategic alliance. The rise of China as a major economic and military power has become one of the biggest factors influencing this shift. European nations have increasingly focused on reducing dependence on China for critical industries, including technology, manufacturing and essential supply chains. India, with its growing manufacturing capabilities and large consumer market, is emerging as a key partner for Europe’s diversification strategy.

At the same time, India has its own strategic concerns regarding China, particularly because of ongoing border tensions and Beijing’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Although India and Europe may not always follow identical approaches toward China, both share an interest in creating more secure and reliable supply networks.

The changing role of the United States in global affairs is another factor bringing India and Europe closer. While Washington remains an important partner for both New Delhi and Brussels, recent debates over trade policies, tariffs and geopolitical priorities have highlighted the importance of building stronger independent partnerships. For the European Union, India represents one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and a potential alternative hub for investment, innovation and manufacturing. For India, closer ties with Europe can provide access to advanced technology, greater foreign investment and expanded opportunities in one of the world's largest markets.

Trade is expected to remain a major pillar of this relationship in 2026. Negotiations for stronger economic cooperation between India and the EU have gained importance as both sides look to increase market access, encourage investment and create more resilient supply chains. Areas such as pharmaceuticals, electric vehicles, renewable energy, artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing are expected to receive greater attention.

Technology cooperation is also becoming a key area of partnership. Through platforms such as the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, both sides are working to improve collaboration in emerging technologies, digital infrastructure and clean energy solutions. The partnership reflects a shared interest in developing secure and sustainable technologies in an increasingly competitive global environment.

Russia’s changing relationship with the West has added another layer of complexity to India-EU ties. India continues to maintain important defence and energy links with Moscow, while European countries have taken a much harder position toward Russia following the Ukraine conflict. Despite these differences, both India and Europe appear interested in managing disagreements while focusing on areas where their interests overlap. Security cooperation is also expected to expand. Maritime security, cybersecurity, defence technology, counterterrorism and space cooperation are becoming increasingly important as India and Europe respond to new global challenges.

However, the path ahead will not be without challenges. Differences over trade regulations, environmental rules, data protection policies and market access could create difficulties during negotiations. European businesses have often called for greater regulatory transparency in India, while New Delhi remains cautious about protecting domestic industries. Despite these challenges, the strategic importance of India-EU relations has grown considerably. A combination of geopolitical uncertainty, China's growing influence, shifting US priorities and Russia-related challenges has created a strong reason for both sides to work more closely.

If India and the European Union can successfully overcome remaining differences and translate discussions into concrete agreements, 2026 could become a historic year for their partnership. The relationship is gradually moving beyond commerce and toward a wider strategic cooperation that could influence the global balance of power in the years ahead.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

A powerful earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto region on Tuesday, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami advisory for parts of Kumamoto Prefecture after the quake reached the highest seismic intensity of 7 on Japan's scale. Japan's Cabinet Office Disaster Management Division urged residents to remain calm and stay updated through official sources. In a statement shared on X, the agency confirmed that the earthquake registered a maximum seismic intensity of 7 in the Kumamoto region and advised people to rely on information from the government, local authorities, television, radio and trusted online platforms.

Following the tremor, officials issued a tsunami advisory for the Ariake Sea and Yatsushiro Sea, warning people in coastal areas to evacuate immediately and remain away from the shoreline until the alert is lifted. According to India's National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at 12:57:22 IST on July 28, 2026, with its epicentre located at 32.643°N latitude and 130.985°E longitude, at a depth of 70 kilometres. The NCS measured the quake at magnitude 6.5.

Japanese media reported that the shaking reached Shindo 6 in several locations, including the cities of Yatsushiro and Uto, the towns of Mashiki and Misato, and Minami Ward in Kumamoto City. The earthquake also disrupted electricity supply, leaving around 45,600 households in Kumamoto Prefecture without power, according to Kyushu Electric.

The latest quake comes just over ten years after the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, which claimed 278 lives, injured nearly 2,800 people, and caused widespread destruction across the prefecture. Among the most severely affected landmarks was the historic Kumamoto Castle, where restoration efforts are expected to continue until 2052.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Andy Burnham is set to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as his first international guest, underscoring the UK's continued commitment to Ukraine. As Burnham unveils his agenda to address long-standing issues such as social care, Pippa Crerar and Jessica Elgot examine whether his proposals can deliver meaningful change.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Iran has reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz, while the Houthi movement has announced a blockade of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, placing two of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints under simultaneous pressure. The developments threaten to disrupt key global energy and trade routes, with Saudi Arabia's alternative oil export corridor through the Red Sea also facing increasing uncertainty. In an in-depth discussion, Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing examine the growing economic implications of these developments. Joined by Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics and International Studies at the University of San Francisco, they explore how financial markets are responding to disrupted supply chains, rising shipping and insurance costs, and the potential for renewed inflationary pressures as global trade routes are forced to adapt.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

British politics is once again making headlines with an unexpected electoral contest. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is preparing to defend his political standing in a by-election that could see him face just one challenger: the satirical candidate Count Binface. The unusual matchup has attracted widespread attention, highlighting both the serious political issues surrounding the vote and the growing role of political satire in modern democracy.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The guardian. 

Claudia Sheinbaum’s journey from activist to Mexico’s president has drawn global attention. Once known for championing progressive causes, she now faces the challenge of governing a complex nation. As her presidency unfolds, observers continue to debate whether her decisions and policies remain consistent with the ideals and values that first defined her career.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.