US Plans $2.8 Billion Bomb Deal With Israel, to Supply 2,000-Pound Munitions

The military conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia continues to escalate, with hundreds of attacks reported between both sides. The Houthis claimed to have downed a Saudi F-15 fighter aircraft and targeted multiple cities across Saudi Arabia, focusing on oil facilities and military sites. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported that a drone was intercepted heading towards Mecca, describing the holy city as an absolute red line. The ongoing hostilities have severely disrupted maritime traffic along the Red Sea coast, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Strait of Hormuz, causing mounting pressure on global crude oil prices despite US-mediated peace talks in Oman.

A Pakistani naval corvette, PNS Hunain, suffered external damage after colliding with a frontline Indian warship during an unprofessional and close approach in the Northern Arabian Sea on 15 September. The Indian vessel was carrying out a routine surveillance mission when the Pakistani ship came dangerously close. Following the incident, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned Pakistan's chargé d'affaires in New Delhi and raised the issue in Islamabad, highlighting the violation of the 1991 bilateral agreement. While the Indian warship sustained no damage and continued its mission, PNS Hunain had to return to harbour for repairs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 76, marking 25 years in public life and his tenure as the longest-serving elected prime minister. From his 2014 victory where the BJP secured 282 seats and the NDA won 336 seats, Modi pledged the Gujarat development model for the country under the vision of 'Bharat ki vijay. Achhe din aane wale hain.' Over his tenure, India expanded from the tenth to the fifth largest global economy. Significant policy reforms include the Goods and Services Tax, the JAM trinity, UPI, and the PM Jan Dhan Yojana bringing over 50 crore citizens into formal banking. Welfare initiatives like PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Ayushman Bharat alongside infrastructure drives like PM Gati Shakti, UDAN, and Vande Bharat trains spurred modernisation. Internationally, India showcased vaccine diplomacy, hosted the G20 presidency, and engaged at BRICS. Advances in space research include Chandrayaan and preparations for Gaganyaan with astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla.

The US House of Representatives has passed the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, granting President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on nations purchasing Russian oil and gas. The move directly exposes major buyers like India and China, following the recent BRICS Summit in New Delhi where leaders opposed unilateral coercive measures. Russian crude accounted for 30.3% of India's oil imports in fiscal 2026, making energy security vital for the nation. Simultaneously, rising tensions between Washington and Ottawa have led Canada to explore unprecedented associate membership with the European Union to diversify trade and strategic partnerships beyond North America. Additionally, social media rumours regarding Chinese President Xi Jinping suffering a medical emergency in New Delhi were debunked, while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf prepares for its planned march to Islamabad amidst heightened administrative security.