SIR

Ukraine has carried out strikes targeting Russia's air defense and drone infrastructure, including Pantsir-S2 systems and UAV launch sites. The attacks aim to degrade Russia's ability to intercept Ukrainian missiles and to launch drone barrages. The developments come as both sides continue long-range strikes deep into each other's territory amid the ongoing war.

Amid the ongoing controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, BJP leader Abhijeet Dipke has made a major announcement regarding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, according to Live Hindustan. The remarks have drawn attention as the Election Commission faces criticism from opposition parties over the SIR exercise, intensifying the political debate around the poll body's conduct.

Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has reportedly chosen to join Saudi club Al-Hilal, turning down interest from Premier League suitors. Reports describe the move as driven by mutual desire between the player and the Saudi side, raising questions over his motivations and what the transfer means for his career.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reportedly brought in Monks, the marketing group founded by former WPP chief Sir Martin Sorrell, to support his re-election campaign. The move signals a professional, high-profile communications push behind Infantino's bid to extend his leadership of world football's governing body.

West Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari has claimed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is responsible for the deletion of around 27 lakh (2.7 million) names during the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bengal, saying neither the BJP nor the Election Commission is to blame. The statement sharpens the political fight over voter roll deletions, with Trinamool Congress repeatedly alleging the exercise will wrongly remove genuine voters.

India faces a three-day bank strike, prompting widespread questions about whether salaries, UPI payments and ATM withdrawals will be affected during the walkout. Educator Ankit Avasthi broke down the potential impact for customers, and the explanation has drawn heavy attention, with many people seeking clarity on how their money and daily transactions will be managed while bank branches stay shut.

LeBron James says his friendship with Tyrese Maxey and a desire to help Joel Embiid win an NBA championship led him to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. The claim, reported by Philadelphia outlet 6abc, has drawn attention from 76ers fans and NBA followers reacting to the star's stated reasons for joining the team.

Ethiopia has taken delivery of Chinese-made FK-2000 air defence systems, a mobile short-range platform widely seen as comparable to Russia's Pantsir. Reports note the acquisition is notable because Ethiopia already operates six Russian Pantsir-S1 units, raising questions about why it would buy a similar Chinese system. The United Arab Emirates is reported as a possible intermediary in the deal. Observers suggest Ethiopia may be diversifying suppliers or hedging against Russian supply disruptions.

Apple is allowing US iPhone buyers to claim up to $95 in compensation after it promised, but did not deliver, a significantly smarter Siri assistant. The payouts relate to devices purchased during the period when the upgraded Siri features were advertised but failed to arrive as expected. Coverage is highlighting how buyers can file claims and what the settlement means for consumer protection.

Singapore's national water agency PUB says the flash flood at the junction of Neo Pee Teck Lane and Pasir Panjang Road has subsided. The flooding had disrupted the busy west coast junction, and PUB confirmed water levels have returned to normal. Residents have been sharing updates as heavy rain again tested Singapore's drainage network.