Evening Wrap: Xi's Likely India Visit, Bihar Protests, and Hypersonic Missile Worries

Here is a roundup of the day's top stories, covering diplomatic moves, domestic unrest, and global security concerns.

Xi Jinping likely to visit India for BRICS summit: Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to travel to India to attend the BRICS summit, accompanied by a 400-member delegation, according to reports. The visit, if confirmed, would mark a significant diplomatic engagement between the two neighbours amid ongoing border tensions. No official confirmation has been issued by either government.

Mojtaba Khamenei appears in rare video amid health speculation: Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made a rare public appearance in a video circulated online. The footage comes amid growing concerns over the health of the elder Khamenei. The video does not address these concerns directly, and its authenticity could not be independently verified. Analysts say the appearance may be aimed at quelling speculation, but no official statement has been made.

Fresh protests erupt in Bihar over BPSC exam row: Protests have resumed in Bihar in connection with the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination controversy. Demonstrators are also angry over a remark by a government official perceived as offensive, which has been widely criticised. The protests have disrupted normal life in parts of the state, and authorities have urged calm while promising to address grievances. The official's comment, reported as a 'dogs bark' remark, has drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties and student groups.

Kharge and Rahul Gandhi urge PM Modi to withdraw caste census questionnaire: Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding the withdrawal of the existing questionnaire for the proposed caste census. They argue that the current format is flawed and may not capture accurate data. The demand comes amid a political debate over the caste census, with several parties pressing for a comprehensive count to ensure social justice. The government has not yet responded publicly.

China's hypersonic weapons raise concerns for US support aircraft: A new report suggests that China's developing hypersonic missile capabilities could pose a threat to US support aircraft operating far from the front lines. These aircraft, including tankers and early-warning planes, are considered vital to US operations. The report highlights the evolving nature of modern warfare, where long-range precision weapons may challenge traditional assumptions about safe rear areas. The Pentagon has not issued an official response, but US military planners are likely assessing the implications.

These stories reflect a day of significant political and strategic developments, with implications for international relations, domestic governance, and security.