## India ‘successfully tests’ nuclear-capable missile able to reach deep into China

Authored by theguardian.com

India has said it successfully test-fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile that, when operational, should be capable of carrying a nuclear warhead to any part of China.

The Agni-5 missile was successfully launched in India’s eastern Odisha state on Wednesday, and authorities said it “validated all operational and technical parameters”.

India and China, the world’s two most populous nations, are intense rivals competing for influence across south Asia and relations plummeted in 2020 after a deadly border clash.

India is also part of the Quad security alliance with the US, Australia and Japan, which is seen as a counter to China.

Modi is expected to make his first visit to China since 2018 this month to attend the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation – a regional security bloc.

The US says it will double new import tariffs on India from 25% to 50% by 27 August if New Delhi does not switch crude suppliers.

The Agni-5 is one of a number of indigenously produced short- and medium-range Indian ballistic missiles aimed at boosting its defence posture against Pakistan, as well as China. »

### Italy's Meloni backs Ukraine security plan that gives allies 24 hours to send troops if Russia invades again, Bloomberg reports

Authored by kyivindependent.com

Meloni is backing a plan that is similar to NATO's Article 5 collective defense clause, sources told Bloomberg.

Meloni first brought up the idea of extending Article 5 protections to Kyiv — without a NATO invitation — in March 2025.

It is not clear whether the plan would involve individual European countries sending troops to Ukraine. »

### Denmark to abolish VAT on books in effort to get more people reading

Authored by theguardian.com

Denmark is to stop charging VAT on books in an attempt to get more people reading.

Other Nordic countries also charge a standard rate of 25% VAT, but it does not apply to books.

The most popular genre was books for the very young, picture books and activity books and the second-most popular was crime, thrillers and suspense novels. »

### “Couch F***er!”: JD Vance Booed While Hyping Up Trump’s D.C. Takeover

Authored by newrepublic.com

The words on the hats are as alarming as the open corruption they represent.

“Trump 2028” has become a commonplace slogan on the right, though the president is constitutionally barred from running again.

So let me just say 3 1/2 years from now… if we happen to be in a war with somebody, no more elections.”😂😂. »

### California redistricting vote begins with overwhelming support, Newsom pollster says

Authored by usatoday.com

The proposal is backed by 57% of California voters and opposed by 35%, the poll taken by Democratic pollster David Binder found, according to a report by Axios.

Newsom has portrayed his mid-term redistricting push as necessary to offset Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's pursuit to create five new Republican congressional districts in Texas.

The California state legislature, where Democrats have a supermajority, would first need to vote to put the measure before the voters. »

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