News brief: Big stories of the day

The Pentagon confirmed Thursday that Iranian forces shot down aUS naval surveillance dronebut insisted the aircraft was in international airspace, not that of Iran.

British Conservative Party MPs today voted out Sajid Javid in the fourth ballot while voting heavilyin favour of Boris Johnsonin the race for next prime minister of United Kingdom.

After reports emerged that theUS government had writtento the external affairs ministry last month warning the government that companies found supplying equipment or other products of American origin to Huawei could face "punitive action", ministry of external affairs(MEA) spokesman Ravish Kumar said the matter was being debated.

Sources in the Congress partyhave confirmed that a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting may take place in the next fortnight to deliberate on the issue of anew president as Rahul Gandhihas not changed his mind on his decision to quit.

India has said terror groups can not negotiate from a place of advantage, a remark directed towards groups such asTalibanbased in Pakistani territory.