Ankit Balayan Murder: 2 Shooters Killed In Shamli Encounter; Link To Gogi-Tillu Gang War Explored

US President Donald Trump has shared an AI-generated video depicting Iran's Kharg Island being targeted, with a caption stating it was "being blown to smithereens." This comes as US forces struck two Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island, marking the first known American strikes on Iranian territory since late July. The launchers were reportedly preparing to deploy sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran targeted US bases in Jordan, with missiles intercepted by Jordan. The fresh military escalation in West Asia coincides with an ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Bishkek aimed at addressing energy supply disruptions caused by the six-month conflict.

Uttar Pradesh Police Special Task Force (STF) shot dead two sharpshooters involved in the murder of Haryanvi singer Ankit Balian during an encounter in Shamli. The deceased shooters, identified as Mohit and Sumit, each carried a reward of 50,000 rupees. Two head constables from the SWAT team were also injured in the gunfight. Reacting to the development, the singer's father, Satbir Singh, described the encounter as 'half justice' and expressed hope that full justice would be served, while thanking Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The police action follows an ongoing rivalry between the Gogi gang and Tillu Tajpuria gang linked to a song released by Balian.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kyrgyzstan to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek. On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi is set to hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting comes amid Western pressure over Russian crude oil imports and New Delhi's concerns regarding a widening bilateral trade imbalance. Key discussion areas for the bilateral talks include energy cooperation, ongoing defense contracts, delayed military deliveries, expanding market access for Indian exports, and developments regarding the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. India's broader agenda at the summit focuses on strengthening regional counter-terrorism cooperation, deepening Central Asia outreach, advancing connectivity projects such as Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and preparing for its upcoming BRICS chairship. Furthermore, India maintains its strategic autonomy within the SCO by opposing China's Belt and Road Initiative over sovereignty issues regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and resisting Chinese dominance within the regional bloc.

In the Tamil Nadu biryani murder case, key accused Manikuddin Lashkar and his wife Bhagwati Maji have been arrested from Manipur's Jiribam and brought back to Tamil Nadu. The investigation began after passengers detected a stench from a red suitcase on the Tamil Nadu Express at Agra station, leading to the discovery of chopped body parts. Further probe at the accused couple's Chennai house revealed the body of 38-year-old Hayat Nisha hanging and additional body parts stored inside a biryani vessel. CCTV footage aided police in tracing the couple to Manipur. The exact motive behind the murder remains unclear as the police investigation continues.