Nicola Sturgeon to step down from Holyrood

Ministers are accused of showing "contempt" towards farmers by suspending applications for a post-Brexit payment scheme, sparking what is called a "war on farmers". Tory leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Labour for canceling the sustainable farming incentive just before tax returns were due, leading to anger among farmers and protests. Despite Labour's decision, Sir Keir Starmer pointed out that the Tories had also cancelled the scheme without sufficient notice in previous years, leading to further tensions...

India's Tejas light combat aircraft successfully test-fired the indigenous air-to-air missile Astra off the coast of Chandipur in Odisha, as confirmed by the defence ministry. The missile hit the flying target directly, showcasing its precision and effectiveness, while meeting all mission parameters. Developed by DRDO, the Astra missile has a range of over 100 km and demonstrated accurate performance in engaging targets. Full Article

Pakistani security forces are in a deadly standoff with militants who seized a passenger train in the southwest, demanding the release of imprisoned members. At least 190 hostages have been rescued, with the militants threatening to kill hostages if their demands are not met. The Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist group, has been targeting security forces and Chinese interests in Baluchistan, using advanced tactics like suicide bombings. Full Article

Newcastle coach Rob Stanton has no plans to leave the in-form Jets mid-season, despite uncertainty about his future, as they continue their best unbeaten run in 20 years. He believes his players are ready to continue thriving even without him next season if necessary, with the team currently on a seven-game unbeaten streak and closing in on a finals spot. Stanton is focused on developing his players to reach their full potential and is committed...

Pakistan's army has freed over 300 hostages from a passenger train seized by militants in Balochistan province, with 33 militants killed during the operation. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) killed 21 civilians and four military personnel before the operation began. The military is conducting a search operation to eliminate any remaining threats, with the BLA being designated as a terrorist organization by Pakistani and Western authorities. Full Article

The Kremlin responded cautiously to Kyiv and the White House's proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, stating the need for more details before making a decision. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that Russia must now accept the ceasefire agreement, while Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov suggested a potential phone call between President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump to discuss the matter further. Peskov emphasized the need for more information from U.S. negotiators before...