A heartbreaking loss for the Highlanders FC family and Zimbabwean football. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, Highlanders FC and everyone affected by this tragedy. May the departed souls rest in eternal peace.

🇰🇪 🇬🇧 | Victims of the British army marched on Kenya's Parliament this week. They are survivors of sexual violence, bereaved families, and residents of the communities around Britain's training areas in Laikipia. On Wednesday they walked down Harambee Avenue in Nairobi and handed Parliament a petition demanding the Kenya–UK Defence Cooperation Agreement be halted. The agreement was signed in 2021 and has never been ratified. Britain wants primary jurisdiction over its own soldiers for offences committed "in the course of official duty." Kenyan MPs want Kenyan courts to try crimes committed on Kenyan soil. A National Assembly inquiry published in November 2025 found "compelling evidence of widespread sexual violence perpetrated by BATUK, particularly against women from the Samburu and Maasai communities." The committee described the unit as closer to an occupying force than a partner.

Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and widespread devastation caused by landslides and flash floods across Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and wishes for a swift recovery to the injured I urge Congress workers to support the relief and restoration efforts in every possible way. I stand in solidarity with every affected family in this difficult hour.

Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and devastation caused by the floods in Assam. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the safety of all those affected by this calamity and for the well-being of all personnel involved in rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts. The nation stands in solidarity with the people of Assam.

The loss of lives due to the capsizing of a boat in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal is deeply painful. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi

Xi extends condolences over mudslide disaster in Nepal Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday sent a message of condolences to Nepali President Ram Chandra Poudel over a mudslide disaster that hit Nepal recently. In his message, Xi noted that a severe mudslide disaster occurred recently at the Gyirong-Rasuwa border crossing between China and Nepal, causing heavy casualties, leaving people missing and resulting in property losses. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi expressed deep condolences to the victims and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families, the injured and people in the disaster-stricken areas. Xi noted that China is making every effort to search for and rescue missing persons, relocate and resettle affected people, provide prompt medical treatment to the injured, minimize casualties and prevent secondary disasters. China and Nepal, Xi said, are connected by mountains and rivers and share a common destiny, adding that China is ready to actively assist Nepal in its rescue efforts and provide support and assistance to the best of its capability. Xi also expressed his belief that both peoples will be able to work together to overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes as soon as possible. On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Qiang sent a message of condolences to Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah.

HONOURING THE BRAVEHEARTS Certain reports circulating in sections of the media and on social media platforms have incorrectly suggested that the supreme sacrifice of six bravehearts during Operation Sindoor have been acknowledged or brought to public notice for the first time only recently. It is clarified that the nation paid homage to these fallen heroes at the earliest opportunity, well before the reports in question. During the official Press Conference held on 11 May 2025, then Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), paid solemn tribute to these brave soldiers and specifically acknowledged their sacrifice in the line of duty during Operation SINDOOR. These bravehearts were conferred with gallantry awards and this was published in the Press Release of 14 Aug 2025. This constituted a formal and National recognition of their valour and supreme sacrifice in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Defence Forces. Simultaneously, the Indian Army’s official social media platforms carried tributes to these bravehearts without delay. The nation’s recognition of these heroes has continued thereafter. During the Army Day Parade held at Jaipur on 15 January 2026, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) presented the Sena Medal (Gallantry) to the families of three of these gallant soldiers, while the Chief of Air Staff did the same on 08 Oct 2025 in a solemn ceremony, reaffirming the Defence Forces enduring commitment to honouring those who have laid down their lives in the service of the nation. With regard to the engraving of the names of fallen soldiers on the National War Memorial, it is emphasised that this sacred process is governed by an established and well-defined protocol. The Defence Forces follow these laid-down procedures with due diligence, care and reverence, commensurate with the solemnity of the honour being conferred. Any suggestion that due process was not followed is factually incorrect. It is regrettable that an avoidable and unfounded controversy has arisen around this issue. Such narratives not only misrepresent facts but also risk causing unnecessary anguish to bereaved families and detracting from the dignity owed to those who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation. All stakeholders are urged to exercise responsibility and restraint while reporting on matters relating to fallen soldiers and to refrain from disseminating unverified information. The Indian Defence Forces remains steadfast in its commitment to honouring every soldier who has offered supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation. The six bravehearts of Operation Sindoor are national heroes whose courage, devotion to duty and sacrifice will continue to inspire generations of Indians. Their memory shall always be honoured with the dignity, gratitude and reverence it deserves. @DefenceMinIndia @SethSanjayMP @SpokespersonMoD @MIB_India @adgpi @IAF_MCC @indiannavy @PIB_India @PTI_News @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts @ani_digital @ians_india

The legal right to bereavement leave will apply to employees who have lost a spouse or partner, parent, adult child or sibling and without the need to provide evidence, the government will announce.