World

Iran shot down two US military aircraft in a major escalation of the ongoing war, leaving one crew member missing. Intensified attacks across the Middle East and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz have heightened global economic and security concerns.

Iran rejected a US-proposed 48-hour ceasefire and escalated hostilities by continuing attacks, claiming to down American aircraft. The move follows intensified conflict after US-Israel strikes on Tehran, further deepening instability across the Middle East region.

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck northern and eastern Afghanistan and western Pakistan late Friday, killing at least eight people. The epicentre was located in the Hindu Kush mountain range at a depth of over 180 kilometres, causing tremors across Kabul, Islamabad, Peshawar, and other regions.

An American aircraft was shot down in Iran on Friday, with one crew member rescued in a joint US-Israeli operation. The Pentagon confirmed receiving notification of the incident but withheld further details. President Donald Trump has been briefed, though no additional information was shared.

For China’s leadership, the law on ethnic unity marks the culmination of policies aimed at shaping a Han-centric national identity under the Communist Party

A missile interception by the UAE’s air defence systems in Abu Dhabi’s Ajban area led to falling debris that injured 12 people, including five Indians. The Ministry of Defence reported engaging dozens of missiles and UAVs launched from Iran, adding that since the start of attacks, hundreds of projectiles have been intercepted.

The UN praised Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan for reopening the flood-affected Malakal–Renk supply route, enhancing mobility and humanitarian aid. India contributes 1,779 personnel to UNMISS, supporting stability, local communities, and peacetime projects like medical and child protection camps

Myanmar’s parliament elected military chief Min Aung Hlaing as president, five years after his 2021 coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi. The election, dominated by army-backed lawmakers, is seen as a move to maintain military control despite nominally restoring an elected government

Indian-American judge Amit Mehta ruled Donald Trump’s January 6 speech was not protected by presidential immunity, allowing lawsuits to proceed. Mehta, known for key antitrust and political rulings, has gained prominence amid ongoing legal challenges involving Trump’s actions

Global crude oil prices surged after US President Donald Trump warned of potential strikes on Iran, heightening supply concerns. Ongoing West Asia conflict disrupted Strait of Hormuz flows, pressured markets, impacted currencies, and kept investors cautious despite slight declines in gold prices

Tensions escalated in West Asia as Iran launched attacks on Israel and Gulf nations, while US strikes hit Iranian infrastructure. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz slashed oil traffic, raised global prices, and prompted international talks on restoring maritime security

India will face Bangladesh in the SAFF U-20 Championship final in Malé, aiming to defend their title. With both teams evenly matched and recent encounters closely fought, the summit clash promises an intense and competitive battle

The conflict could test military limits and force countries like India to recalibrate their strategic choices

A study found that India and Nigeria accounted for nearly one-third of global under-five deaths in 2023. While child mortality has declined significantly since 1990, several countries are unlikely to meet UN targets by 2030

Iran’s army chief warned US forces would face total annihilation if they land in Iran. Irish PM criticized Trump’s threats to civilians. Tehran insists on secret arms stockpiles. Former foreign minister Kamal Kharazi wounded in airstrike amid ongoing US-Israel strikes

Oil surged over 6% and Asian stocks fell after Donald Trump threatened stronger strikes on Iran. Uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz and lack of ceasefire details rattled global markets; gold and silver declined

The United States lifted sanctions on Delcy Rodríguez, signalling improved ties with Venezuela after years of tensions. The move may boost economic cooperation, oil sector engagement, and diplomatic normalization following leadership changes in Caracas

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva accused the United States of fabricating claims to justify war against Iran, urging UN Security Council action. Strikes disrupted global oil supply, raised fuel prices, and damaged critical civilian infrastructure and services

Trump’s prime-time address on the Iran war emphasised that US forces are close to completing their strategic objectives, including crippling Iran’s missile production, Navy, and preventing nuclear weapon development. He insisted the war is not about oil, highlighting America’s energy independence and domestic reserves.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting to review the impact of the West Asia conflict on India and directed ministries to ensure uninterrupted supply of energy, fertilisers and essential commodities while preventing misinformation

A British law firm has challenged the death sentence handed to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the International Crimes Tribunal, alleging the trial was unfair and politically motivated, conducted in absentia and in violation of international legal standards

US President Donald Trump made an unprecedented appearance at the Supreme Court during oral arguments on birthright citizenship, as justices examined his executive order restricting automatic citizenship. The case challenges the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment, with potential consequences for millions of families.

A fire triggered by an electrical fault at a military camp in Musaga, Burundi, caused ammunition explosions, prompting residents to flee. Authorities confirmed it was not an attack, and calm returned the next morning with displaced civilians being reunited with families

A Russian An-26 military transport plane crashed in annexed Crimea, killing six crew and 23 passengers. Officials cited a technical malfunction as the likely cause. Investigations and search operations are underway, with authorities probing potential flight regulation violations