Skyroot Aerospace is preparing Vikram-1 for its maiden orbital mission from Sriharikota. Scheduled for July 18, 2026, the launch could mark India’s first privately developed orbital rocket flight and strengthen the country’s commercial small-satellite launch sector. The Vikram-1 first orbital launch is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. IST on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Through Missio

Sonam Wangchuk removed from Jantar Mantar after Delhi Police carried out an early-morning operation in New Delhi at around 6:30 a.m. IST on Saturday, July 18, 2026. He was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on the 21st day of his hunger strike after police said doctors had advised urgent medical care under Delhi High Court directions. Sonam Wangchuk Removed From Jantar Mantar According to police sources cited in the rep

IRGC claims two oil tankers exploded near the Strait of Hormuz after entering what it described as a mined area. The allegations, which have not been independently verified, come as military tensions between the United States and Iran continue to raise concerns over global shipping and energy security. IRGC Claims Two Oil Tankers Exploded Near Strait of Hormuz

US strikes Chabahar Port surveillance tower in a major expansion of its military campaign against Iran. CENTCOM says the facility helped the IRGC monitor shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran insists the strategically important port remains operational despite the attack. US Strikes Chabahar Port Surveillance Tower in Iran  

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed on Friday, July 17, that it had launched ballistic missiles and drones at US military aircraft stationed in Jordan, marking another dangerous expansion of the US-Iran conflict across the Middle East. The IRGC said several American fighter jets and aerial refuelling aircraft were destroyed, while other planes suffered serious damage. However, neither the United States nor Jordan had indepen

A breast cancer patient died before the Kerala High Court could decide her petition seeking a reduction in the price of a life-saving medicine, even though the case had been listed 57 times. The Supreme Court has now taken suo motu cognisance of the delay and issued notice to the Centre. Cancer Drug Plea Remained Pending for Nearly Four Years The petition was filed in the Kerala High Court in June 2022 by a woman undergoing treatment for b

Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval reviewed India-Myanmar security cooperation with his Myanmar counterpart, U Tin Aung San, during bilateral talks held around the fifth BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs’ Meeting in New Delhi. The engagement came as conflict inside Myanmar continues to create security, humanitarian and economic challenges along India’s northeastern frontier. Myanmar Risk to India’s Northeast

More than 500 Rohingya refugees are feared dead after two overcrowded boats reportedly capsized off Myanmar’s coast. UNHCR and IOM said the incident remains unconfirmed and called for urgent search operations, regional cooperation and safer refugee protection routes. Myanmar Boat Tragedy Remains Unconfirmed Initial information indicates that one vessel carrying approximately 250 people lost contact soon after leav

Iran launched strikes on military targets in Kuwait and Syria following recent US attacks. Missiles and drones were also intercepted over Jordan and Iraq, while explosions were reported in Qatar and Bahrain, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Iran attacks Kuwait Iranian state television reported that the country launched drone attacks against US military deployment sites and logistical support facilities in

A federal regulatory inquiry is examining whether Gabriel Perez, President Donald Trump’s longtime teleprompter operator, used advance knowledge of presidential speeches to place profitable bets on Kalshi. Sources familiar with the investigation said the disputed trades generated more than $90,000 in profits before Kalshi froze the account. Perez has worked with Trump since 2016 and reportedly had access to prepared remarks and late chan

Sonam Wangchuk’s protest at Jantar Mantar is gaining national attention as his indefinite hunger strike continues over alleged examination irregularities. Political visits, health concerns and a planned Parliament march have increased pressure for a government response. Sonam Wangchuk Protest Draws Wider Attention Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar has begun attracting wider public,

India’s first hydrogen train was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Jind railway station in Haryana. The fuel-cell train will operate on the Jind-Sonipat route, generating electricity on board while emitting water vapour and heat at the point of use. Hydrogen Train Launch Marks Indian Railways Milestone Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, July 17, 2026, flagged off India’s first h

Jagan 2.0 Super App has been launched by YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to connect party workers with leaders. The platform combines grievance reporting, social media tools, live updates, a digital book and an organisational library. Jagan 2.0 Super App Launched in Tadepalli Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy launched the Jagan 2.0 Super App at the party’s central office in Ta

Oil prices jump as US-Iran conflict intensifies, raising fears of disruptions to global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. Brent crude and WTI posted strong weekly gains as traders priced in growing geopolitical risks while the International Energy Agency warned that prolonged instability could threaten energy security. Oil Prices J

US airstrikes hit Iran bridge airport according to Iranian state-linked reports describing strikes on transport infrastructure in southern Iran. Officials also reported explosions near Qeshm as military tensions between Washington and Tehran continued to escalate across the region. US Airstrikes Hit Iran Bridge Airport Fresh reports from Ir

Iran continues US talks despite military pressure, according to the White House, which says Tehran remains interested in reaching an agreement with Washington. Officials also stressed that the Trump administration will continue protecting international shipping while pursuing diplomacy alongside military deterrence. Iran Continues US Talks Despite Military Pre

Trump rejects US school strike claims Iran as the White House defends military actions and says American forces do not intentionally target civilians. Officials also discussed Iran-US negotiations, regional tensions, and security in the Strait of Hormuz following recent military exchanges. Trump Rejects Allegations Over Iran School Strike

Tirupati temple donations reached a record Rs 96.98 crore in 24 hours as 2,460 devotees contributed before TTD’s revised donor policy took effect. The rush was driven by the end of lifetime privileges, shorter benefit periods and new digital darshan rules. Record Donations Before New Policy Deadline Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams collected a record Rs 96.98 crore in donations within 24 hours on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, as devotees rushe

Pakistan security forces foil suicide attack in South Waziristan after terrorists attempted to ram an explosives-laden vehicle into a military post in Wana. The incident underscores the continuing threat from TTP militants and ongoing counter-terrorism operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and border regions. Pakistan Security Forces Foil Suicide Attack in South Waziristan Pakistan security forces successfully foiled a suicide attack after terrorists attempted to drive an explosives-laden vehicle into a military post in the Kari Kot area of Wana, Lower South Waziristan, on Thursday. According to official security officials quoted by Dawn, troops responded immediately, killing four terrorists before they could reach the target. No military personnel were injured during the attack, and security forces quickly secured the area before launching clearance operations. Authorities have placed the surrounding region under heightened security while teams continue searching for any remaining militants or explosive materials. Officials said the prompt response prevented what could have been a major attack on the military installation. Wana Attack Highlights Ongoing Terror Threat South Waziristan has remained one of Pakistan's most sensitive security regions since the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) were merged into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Militant violence has continued despite repeated military campaigns aimed at restoring stability. The latest incident follows a similar attempted suicide attack near Azam Warsak Bazaar in May, where one civilian lost his life and fifteen others were injured after terrorists targeted another military post. In November 2025, security forces also stopped an assault on Cadet College Wana before attackers could reach students and staff, preventing what officials described as a potentially devastating incident. These repeated attacks demonstrate that militant groups continue to view South Waziristan as a strategic target despite sustained military pressure. Operation Shaban Intensifies Counter-Terror Efforts Pakistan's security agencies have expanded Operation Shaban across border districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to eliminate militant networks operating near the Afghanistan border. The campaign involves coordinated operations by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, police, and intelligence agencies. Officials say dozens of militants have been killed since early July, with some reports placing the combined death toll from recent operations close to one hundred. Security checkpoints have also been strengthened across vulnerable border routes to disrupt militant movement and prevent cross-border infiltration. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, terrorist violence increased significantly during May, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, reflecting the continuing security challenges facing the country. TTP Militants Remain the Primary Threat The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), officially referred to by the Pakistani government as Fitna al-Khawarij, remains the country's most active militant organization. The group intensified attacks following the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021 and has expanded operations further during 2024 and 2025. Alongside TTP, splinter militant factions and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) continue to operate across the rugged border region. Security analysts say these organizations exploit difficult terrain and cross-border movement to launch attacks against security forces and, in some cases, civilian targets. Pakistani authorities have reaffirmed that counter-terrorism operations will continue until militant networks are dismantled. Officials stated that intelligence-based operations, stronger border security, and coordination among military and law enforcement agencies remain central to efforts aimed at improving long-term stability in South Waziristan and neighboring districts. Information in this report is based on statements from Pakistani security officials and reporting by Dawn. Readers interested in related developments may also explore internal coverage on Global News, Terrorism & Security, Pakistan News, South Asia, and Border Security.

Bangladesh freezes Sheikh Hasina assets worth $6.19 billion as authorities expand investigations into alleged corruption, money laundering and tax evasion. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit says asset recovery efforts are underway with support from multiple government agencies. Bangladesh Freezes Sheikh Hasina Assets Worth $6.19 Billion Bangladesh has frozen assets worth Tk 760 billion (about $6.19 billion) linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her family members and ten of the country's largest business groups. The move marks one of the biggest financial enforcement actions since the political transition that followed the 2024 student-led uprising. Sheikh Hasina Investigation Expands Speaking during the release of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) annual report in Dhaka, BFIU chief Ikhtiar Uddin Mohammad Mamun said court orders enabled authorities to freeze Tk 570 billion in assets within Bangladesh and another Tk 190 billion overseas. He did not disclose how much of the frozen assets belonged to individual family members or each business group. The investigation began after Sheikh Hasina left office on August 5, 2024, following widespread protests. She later traveled to India, where she has remained since. The interim administration led by Professor Muhammad Yunus directed authorities to examine allegations including corruption, bribery, fraud, forgery, money laundering, foreign currency smuggling and tax evasion involving Hasina's family and several leading corporate groups. Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit Leads Probe According to the BFIU, authorities are concentrating on tracing and recovering assets that investigators believe were transferred outside Bangladesh. Mamun said officials are working with international partners and expressed hope that progress on recovering overseas assets could be announced before the end of the year. The financial investigation is being coordinated by the BFIU with support from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The agencies are examining financial records, banking transactions and ownership structures connected to individuals and companies under investigation. Business Groups Investigation Covers Major Companies Authorities confirmed that the investigation includes S Alam Group, Beximco Group, Nabil Group, Summit Group, Orion Group, Premier Group, Nassa Group, Bashundhara Group, Sikder Group and Aramit Group. Officials have not announced individual findings against any of these companies, stating that investigations remain ongoing. The large-scale asset freeze highlights Bangladesh's efforts to strengthen financial oversight while addressing allegations of illicit financial activity. Officials say legal procedures and court approvals continue to guide the investigation. Asset Recovery Efforts Continue Responding to questions about whether the investigations were politically motivated, Mamun said political affiliation plays no role in financial intelligence work. He stated that authorities focus on suspicious financial transactions regardless of an individual's position or identity. Mamun also said banks are required to freeze accounts whenever suspicious activity is identified. He added that if evidence emerges involving members of the current interim government, those cases would also be investigated under the same legal framework. The BFIU said the investigation remains active, with asset recovery now a priority. Authorities have indicated that additional developments could be announced as financial reviews, legal proceedings and international cooperation continue. Source: Statements by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) during the release of its annual report in Dhaka. Suggested internal links: Global News, Business & Economy, Government Policy, Bangladesh news archive, Money & Finance category.