"world-news"

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.

A school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, left eight people dead, including the suspected shooter, and more than 25 injured. Two more bodies were found at a nearby home. Prime Minister Mark Carney called the tragedy devastating.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani killed at least nine people in Madagascar after hitting the eastern port city of Toamasina with powerful winds. Authorities issued red alerts for flooding and landslides. The storm later weakened to a tropical storm as it moved westward.

A Russian drone destroyed a home in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, killing a father and his three young children and seriously injuring their pregnant mother. Officials say Russia launched 129 drones overnight, as civilian casualties continue to rise.

Pakistan's Supreme Court allowed PTI lawyer Salman Safdar to meet jailed former PM Imran Khan and report on his living conditions. This will be the first legal visit since December, while family and lawyer visits remain restricted over political concerns.

Estonia’s intelligence chief says Russia has no intention of ending the Ukraine war and is stalling talks with the US. While Washington claims progress, experts question whether President Putin genuinely wants peace or believes he can still win.

Japan will convene a special Diet session on February 18 to select a new Prime Minister following the lower house election. With a two-thirds majority, the ruling LDP is expected to retain power under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

China reacted to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s landslide midterm victory, citing structural and ideological trends. Beijing emphasized adherence to bilateral agreements, criticized Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks, and highlighted ongoing diplomatic tensions, including travel advisories and trade restrictions on Japanese goods.