Iran claims drone strikes on US bases

India’s federal investigation agency has filed charges against 13 people accused of involvement in the leak of question papers for the country’s national medical entrance examination, following weeks of protests over the scandal. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said the accused include subject experts linked to the National Testing Agency, intermediaries who allegedly distributed leaked papers, and individuals associated with coaching institutes. The charges include criminal conspiracy, cheating, breach of trust, and destruction of evidence. All 13 accused are currently in custody, according to the investigation agency. The case relates to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), which was taken by nearly two million students in May. The examination was cancelled after allegations emerged that questions had been leaked in several areas. A fresh test was later conducted on June 21. The controversy triggered nationwide protests led by students and young activists, with thousands gathering in New Delhi and other cities demanding accountability. The demonstrations intensified after protesters marched towards parliament and faced clashes with police. The unrest eventually led to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who stepped down after mounting pressure over the handling of the examination crisis. India’s Supreme Court has also intervened in the matter, ordering authorities not to take strict action against protesters and directing the release of detained minors. The court further instructed officials to preserve surveillance footage related to alleged police action during demonstrations. In response to the controversy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has introduced proposed amendments to public examination laws. The changes seek tougher punishments, including longer prison sentences and heavier fines for those involved in exam fraud. Under the proposed rules, those found guilty could face imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines reaching 50 million Indian rupees.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli forces had destroyed what they described as a major Hezbollah tunnel network in southern Lebanon. According to a joint statement released on Friday, the underground tunnels in the Beaufort area were considered an important part of Hezbollah’s alleged plan to enter communities in northern Israel’s Galilee region. The Israeli government said the military used around 700 tons of explosives to demolish the tunnel system. Officials described the operation as part of Israel’s continuing efforts to eliminate Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in southern Lebanon. They claimed the action was necessary after accusing Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire agreement that had been reached between the two sides. Before the Israeli announcement, Lebanese media reported a series of powerful explosions across several locations in southern Lebanon. Blasts were heard in the town of Hadatha, around Deir Mimas near Beaufort Castle and in the area between Arnoun and Yahmar. Residents said the explosions echoed across nearby districts and caused widespread concern during the night. The military operation comes only weeks after Lebanon and Israel signed a United States backed framework agreement on June 26 aimed at reducing tensions along the border. The deal outlined a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territory while the Lebanese army would expand its presence in the south and armed groups would be disarmed. Although Hezbollah was not named directly, the agreement was widely understood to include the group. As part of the first phase of the agreement, the Lebanese army began deploying forces in the town of Zawtar al Gharbiyeh on July 21 after Israeli troops pulled back from the area. The town was selected as one of the first locations for implementing the security arrangements outlined in the agreement. Despite the deal, tensions remain high. Israel continues to maintain a military presence in parts of southern Lebanon. Some of these areas have been occupied for decades while others have been under Israeli control since the conflict that took place during 2023 and 2024. Reports also indicate that Israeli forces recently advanced more than 10 kilometres into Lebanese territory during their latest operations. According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks carried out since March 2 have killed 4,333 people and injured more than 12,200 others. The figures reflect the heavy human cost of the ongoing conflict, which has continued despite diplomatic efforts to restore stability along the border. Lebanon’s National News Agency also reported that large explosions shook the southern regions of Yohmor al Chqif, Arnoun and Kfar Tebnit overnight. The blasts were so powerful that shockwaves were felt in towns far from the affected areas. In the Marjayoun district, explosions near Beaufort Castle reportedly shattered windows and damaged nearby homes in Qlayaa. Residents described strong vibrations and the smell of gunpowder spreading through the area after the blasts. The agency further reported that Israeli forces carried out heavy machine gun fire near al Mansouri and Biyout al Sayyad in the Tyre district while artillery shells struck al Mansouri. Tank movements were also reported near Baraachit hill heading towards Aainata in the Bint Jbeil district as military activity continued across southern Lebanon.

In a landmark shift ending decades of physical and bureaucratic division, Spain and Gibraltar have celebrated the dismantling of the land border fence following a treaty signed in Brussels. The post-Brexit agreement, taking effect at midnight, brings an end to land frontier controls and establishes Gibraltar as a de facto participant in the EU’s Schengen free-movement area. The treaty resolves over four years of complex negotiations between the United Kingdom, Spain, Gibraltar, and the European Union. Beyond removing land border gates that have stood since 1908, the accord places responsibility for Schengen passport checks at Gibraltar’s port and airport with Spanish officials, ensuring fluid transit for tourists and the roughly 15,000 Spanish cross-border workers who sustain the territory’s economy. Visiting the frontier municipality of La Línea de la Concepción to watch the physical removal of the barrier, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the deal marks an end to “the last wall in continental Europe”, laying the groundwork for shared regional prosperity. Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, emphasised that the historic arrangement delivers economic certainty and seamless movement while preserving the territory’s constitutional protections and British sovereignty intact.