"world-news"

A Colombian military C-130 aircraft crashed during takeoff in Putumayo, killing 66 and injuring 57, with over 40 unaccounted for, as authorities launched an investigation and President Gustavo Petro raised concerns over military modernisation delays

South Korea is in talks with Iran and other countries to restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran signalled readiness to allow Japan-bound vessels. The vital oil route remains strained following US-Israel strikes and Iran’s blockade.

Iran has warned the UK it will exercise its right to self-defence if British involvement escalates, as tensions rise following a missile attempt near Diego Garcia and disputes over US access to UK military bases.

An alleged Pakistani airstrike on Kabul’s Umid addiction treatment hospital killed over 400 people and injured at least 250, with Taliban officials blaming Pakistan and international figures expressing concern over rising civilian casualties and escalating tensions.

Five candidates, including Michelle Bachelet and Rafael Grossi, have been nominated to succeed António Guterres as UN secretary-general, with interactive candidate sessions beginning April 20, announced Annalena Baerbock, president of the United Nations General Assembly

Strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran have damaged several cultural heritage sites, including Golestan Palace and Isfahan’s Chehel Sotoun Palace, prompting Iran and Lebanon to seek enhanced protection from UNESCO amid fears that the escalating conflict threatens historic landmarks

A US federal jury convicted Pakistani national Asif Merchant for plotting with Iran’s IRGC to assassinate Donald Trump during the 2024 campaign. The plan failed after an FBI informant alerted authorities. Merchant now faces life imprisonment

President Donald Trump ordered targeted US strikes on Iran, announcing the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The move marks a sharp escalation after months of failed diplomacy, raising concerns about regional stability and potential long-term geopolitical consequences.

Ukrainian drones struck an industrial site in Russia’s Udmurt Republic, reportedly targeting the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant, a major missile factory. Eleven people were injured, three hospitalised. Videos show smoke and structural damage; Ukrainian authorities have not commented.

A suicide attack during an intelligence-based operation in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killed two security personnel. Five militants from the banned TTP-linked group Fitna al Khwarij were also killed after an exchange of fire, averting a civilian attack.

A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Pakistan on Saturday, a day after a stronger 5.9 tremor. No casualties or damage were reported. Recent quakes highlight the region’s vulnerability due to its location along active tectonic plate boundaries.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticised the KP Chief Minister’s proposed “Release Imran Khan Force,” calling it unconstitutional. The announcement follows opposition protests demanding the jailed former prime minister’s release, intensifying political tensions across the country.

Prince Andrew, Duke of York, has been arrested by UK police on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Buckingham Palace and the royal family express support for the investigation, while Andrew continues to deny any wrongdoing.

Pakistan’s Punjab Police arrested 26 terror suspects linked to TTP and Al-Qaeda during intelligence-based operations across the province. Explosives, detonators, and IEDs were recovered. Officials said the suspects had planned attacks on important buildings in different cities.

A Russian drone strike killed one person in Odesa ahead of new US-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Geneva next week. Fighting continues along the front line as both sides face a June deadline to reach an agreement.

Pakistan launched its second indigenous Earth Observation Satellite, EO-2, from China’s Yangjiang Seashore Launch Centre. Developed by SUPARCO, the satellite will improve earth observation, high-resolution imaging, disaster management, and strategic planning, expanding Pakistan’s satellite fleet for enhanced coverage and precision.

Russia launched overnight missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, hitting Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odesa. Zelenskyy said Russia is “hesitating” on US-brokered peace talks. The strikes injured civilians and damaged infrastructure, leaving thousands without heating.

A 28-year-old Hindu tea garden worker was found murdered in northeast Bangladesh ahead of parliamentary elections. His hands and legs were tied. Police are investigating. The killing is the second targeting a Hindu individual in two days.

Eight people, including three children, were injured after two quadcopter attacks in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attacks targeted a football ground and a local peace committee leader’s home. One injured person is in critical condition. Police are investigating.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is visiting Turkiye for high-level talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The meeting aims to improve ties despite disputes over maritime boundaries, Cyprus and regional energy cooperation. No major breakthroughs are expected.