Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti advised a Ladakhi delegation not to trust the Centre's verbal assurances and insisted on getting any commitments in writing. The delegation had met her to discuss concerns regarding developmental issues, constitutional safeguards, and the future of Ladakh region. Mufti emphasized that written agreements hold legal validity and protect regional interests. Her remarks reflected underlying tensions between state leadership and the central government over promises made to the people of Ladakh regarding autonomy and development.

Jammu & Kashmir MLAs from the Kashmir valley have strongly criticized the disproportionate representation of Kashmiri officers in the Union Territory's administrative cadre, alleging only 18% posts were allocated to the valley. They argue this undermines regional balance and violates principles of equitable representation. The MLAs demanded corrective measures, urging the government to ensure fair distribution of administrative positions between Jammu and Kashmir regions to maintain parity and address long-standing grievances of underrepresentation.

Heavy rainfall battered eastern Spain, causing severe flooding and widespread disruption. A woman went missing after being swept away by floodwaters, prompting emergency services to launch an urgent search operation. Rivers overflowed, roads were submerged, and homes were evacuated as torrential downpours overwhelmed drainage systems. Authorities issued red weather alerts across several regions, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Schools and businesses were forced to close. Emergency crews worked tirelessly to rescue stranded individuals and restore normalcy amid the devastating conditions.

बिहार में बाढ़ की स्थिति गंभीर बनी हुई है, जहां 15 जिले बाढ़ से प्रभावित हैं। लाखों लोग विस्थापित हुए हैं और बचाव कार्य जारी है। झारखंड में बिजली गिरने से 3 लोगों की मौत हो गई, जिससे राज्य में मौसम की भयावहता सामने आई। राजस्थान में भारी बारिश के बाद कई इलाकों में ओलावृष्टि हुई, जिससे फसलों को नुकसान पहुंचा। उत्तराखंड में लगातार बारिश के कारण लैंडस्लाइड की घटनाएं हुईं, सड़कें अवरुद्ध हुईं और यातायात बाधित रहा। मौसम विभाग ने इन राज्यों में अलर्ट जारी किया है।

Meta acknowledged a significant error in its handling of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. The company committed to improving its detection systems and pledged to promptly report identified CSAM to authorities, including the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). This admission came amid growing criticism from lawmakers and child safety advocates who accused Meta of failing to adequately protect minors. Meta outlined enhanced AI tools and stricter moderation policies to combat exploitation.

**ओडिशा के सुंदरगढ़ जिले में दो आदिवासी नाबालिग लड़कियों के साथ गैंगरेप की दर्दनाक घटना सामने आई है। पुलिस ने इस मामले में 5 युवकों को हिरासत में लिया है। आरोपियों ने लड़कियों को जबरन अगवा कर सामूहिक दुष्कर्म किया। पीड़ित परिवारों ने शिकायत दर्ज कराई, जिसके बाद पुलिस ने त्वरित कार्रवाई करते हुए आरोपियों को पकड़ा। SC/ST एक्ट और POCSO के तहत मामला दर्ज किया गया है। आदिवासी समुदाय में भारी आक्रोश है और लोग कड़ी सजा की मांग कर रहे हैं। पुलिस जांच जारी है।**

U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown stated that American military forces must be prepared to operate and potentially fight in the space domain extending to the lunar surface. This aligns with growing concerns over space becoming a contested environment, particularly as China and Russia advance their space capabilities. The Pentagon views cislunar space—the area between Earth and the moon—as a future strategic frontier. The remarks underscore the Trump administration's emphasis on space as a warfighting domain, building on the U.S. Space Force established in 2019. Military leaders warn that protecting satellites and space assets is critical to national security.

The US House passed a Russia sanctions bill targeting its oil sector, now awaiting President Trump's signature. Meanwhile, Trump threatened 100% tariffs on India, escalating trade tensions. He criticized India's high import duties on American goods, demanding fairer trade terms. The Russia bill aims to pressure Moscow over the Ukraine conflict by hitting energy revenues. India faces potential economic fallout if tariffs are imposed, impacting bilateral trade. Both moves signal aggressive US foreign and trade policy under Trump's administration.

The Indian government has reduced export duties on petroleum products to ease refiner margins and boost exports. The windfall tax on domestically produced crude oil was also revised. Export duty on petrol and diesel was significantly cut, while the levy on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) was also slashed. These taxes, first imposed in July 2022, are reviewed fortnightly based on global crude prices and refiner margins. The move aims to balance domestic supply, control inflation, and support India's refining sector amid fluctuating international oil markets.

BJP Members of Parliament from Odisha have expressed serious concerns over the slow progress of key infrastructure projects in the state. During a meeting with senior officials, the MPs highlighted delays in national highway construction, railway projects, and other central government-funded initiatives. They pointed out that bureaucratic hurdles, land acquisition issues, and poor coordination between state and central agencies are major reasons behind the sluggish pace. The MPs urged the government to expedite clearances and ensure timely completion of projects crucial for Odisha's development, employment generation, and connectivity improvement.

The US House passed a sweeping sanctions bill targeting Russia, aiming to cripple its war funding by penalizing entities supporting its oil trade. The legislation also authorizes up to 100% tariffs on goods from countries like India and China that continue purchasing Russian energy. The move pressures nations maintaining trade ties with Moscow amid the Ukraine conflict. If signed into law, it could significantly reshape global trade dynamics, strain US relations with major economies, and escalate economic tensions worldwide.

The Jammu & Kashmir High Court granted bail to a police officer accused of sexually exploiting a female constable. The accused officer allegedly exploited the victim by misusing his position of authority, promising career benefits in return. The constable filed a complaint detailing repeated sexual exploitation over a period of time. Despite the serious nature of the charges, the High Court granted bail considering factors like the ongoing investigation and the accused's cooperation. The case has sparked outrage, highlighting issues of sexual harassment and power abuse within the police force. Authorities assured that the investigation would continue impartially.

**कश्मीर मुठभेड़ अपडेट:**

जम्मू-कश्मिर के ऊधमपुर जिले के पहाड़ी इलाके में सुरक्षा बलों और आतंकवादियों के बीच मुठभेड़ शुरू हो गई है। स्थानीय लोगों और खुफिया एजेंसियों से मिली सूचना के आधार पर इलाके में संदिग्ध आतंकियों की मौजूदगी की खबर मिली थी। इसके बाद सेना, CRPF और जम्मू-कश्मिर पुलिस ने संयुक्त रूप से सर्च ऑपरेशन शुरू किया। पहाड़ी और जंगली इलाका होने के कारण तलाशी अभियान चुनौतीपूर्ण है। पूरे क्षेत्र को घेरकर नाकाबंदी कर दी गई है। अतिरिक्त बल भी तैनात किए गए हैं। अधिकारियों ने स्थानीय लोगों से सतर्क रहने की अपील की है।

China Democracy Party chairman Wang Juntao claimed Chinese President Xi Jinping suffered a stroke and fainted during the 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. He alleged Xi was rushed for emergency treatment and that the incident was covered up by Chinese authorities. However, no credible international media or official sources confirmed this claim. Xi was seen in public appearances during and after the summit. Critics noted Wang's party is an exiled dissident group, and such unverified health rumors about Xi have surfaced before without substantiation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold a 'Chintan Shivir' (brainstorming session) as his government reaches the halfway mark of its third term. The session aims to review the government's performance, assess policy implementation, and set priorities for the remaining tenure. Senior ministers and key officials are expected to participate, discussing governance reforms, economic growth, welfare schemes, and development goals. This introspective exercise reflects Modi's strategy of mid-term course correction and ensuring alignment with his administration's vision for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.