World

Pakistani police in Peshawar have detained numerous undocumented Afghan migrants during intensified operations, seizing weapons and narcotics. The crackdown follows suspended visa renewals and targets those without legal status. Rights groups and the UNHCR warn the measures are worsening Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis.

With the concerns of US President Donald Trump's tariffs looming over India, former Deputy National Security Advisor Pankaj Saran has called for a measured and realistic approach in dealing with the trade tensions, particularly on how New Delhi should respond to the tariffs imposed by Washington.

Diplomatic missions, including Singapore and France, extended warm wishes on India's 79th Independence Day, celebrating strong bilateral ties. Singapore greeted Indian travellers with its mascot Merli, while French diplomats shared a cultural rapid-fire on India.

As India marks its 79th Independence Day with pride and patriotism across the nation, amidst the roar and rhythm of ceremonial marches at the Red Fort in the national capital, one vintage icon quietly commands attention.

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai condemned a reported Pakistani airstrike in Nuristan, urging respect for Afghanistan's sovereignty and international law. Taliban authorities remain silent, while reports suggest the strike may have targeted TTP positions, further straining Kabul-Islamabad relations, Khaama Press reported.

The US, Indian missions abroad, and PM Modi extended Independence Day greetings, with celebrations themed 'Naya Bharat' and honouring Operation Sindoor. Around 5,000 guests attended the Red Fort event, alongside nationwide military band performances to mark India's 79th Independence Day.

Taiwan's Ministry of Defence detected seven Chinese aircraft, two Chinese naval vessels operating around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time) on Friday.

Israel's Foreign Ministry on Thursday welcomed the UN's decision to add Hamas to its 'blacklist' of groups committing sexual crimes in armed conflicts, calling it an overdue recognition of atrocities committed since October 7.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Thursday issued a statement outlining the five principles for ending the war in Gaza that Israel's security cabinet settled on in a meeting one week ago.

The Israel Police arrested five people on Thursday night who set tires on fire on the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv during a planned protest on behalf of the Israelis still held hostage in Gaza, blocking the highway.

The IDF (Israel Defence Forces) attacked several underground routes of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation in South Lebanon on Thursday evening.

Smotrich declared that the move would 'bury the idea of a Palestinian state', adding that the plan has the backing of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

This move averts an immediate surge in duties that could have severely impacted trade between the world's two largest economies.

The High Commission of India in London observed Partition Horrors Remembrance Day with a commemorative event to honour the lives lost and the strength of those who survived during the partition of India in 1947.

Amid reports that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi may visit New Delhi on August 18 to meet Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, China said that the two countries remain engaged in dialogue across multiple levels but stopped short of confirming the visit.

'I think President Putin will make peace and President Zelensky will make peace,' Trump said.

'There's only one man in the world who knows what's going to happen next, and that is President Trump. Not even his cabinet officials. They're also the last to know, as we are,' Saran said.

'If you look at Pakistan and India, planes were being knocked out of the air. Six or seven planes came down. They were ready to go. Maybe nuclear, we solved that,' the US President said.

'India should never bend. We should look at a long-term perspective. The Prime Minister has invested a lot in this relationship with the United States over the last decade. We should adopt a long-term perspective and ultimately win the game against the United States,' Kant told ANI.

The UAE Rescue Team is continuing its efforts for the fourth consecutive day to extinguish multiple wildfires in various locations across the Republic of Albania, in close coordination with Albanian authorities.

The UAE, in cooperation with the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the Gaza Strip, has delivered a shipment of medicines and medical supplies to the health sector, as part of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3.

High Commissioner of Singapore to India, Simon Wong extended greetings to the country on the eve of the 79th Independence Day celebrations.

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli body overseeing the transfer of goods into Gaza, called the claims 'false,' insisting that Israel facilitates aid entry while Hamas exploits the situation 'to build military strength and tighten its control over the population.' COGAT alleged that Hamas operates 'under the cover of certain international aid organisations, whether knowingly or unknowingly.'

'Hamas terrorists have committed - and continue to commit - some of the most horrific sexual crimes known to humanity: rape, gang rape, genital mutilation, sexual abuse in captivity. Now, the UN officially recognises this fact,' the ministry said.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that both countries are working to facilitate the resumption of trade through designated points, specifically: Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.