World

The Islamabad High Court ruled that advertising sanitation jobs exclusively for Christians is unconstitutional. A Bitter Winter report reveals that structural discrimination against religious minorities persists in Pakistan, showing legal decisions alone cannot dismantle entrenched social hierarchies.

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.

The US military sank a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific, with three survivors rescued, as officials confirmed dozens of similar strikes since 2025 amid growing debate over their effectiveness and human rights implications.

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.

Severe flooding in Hawaii’s Oahu island triggered evacuation orders for over 4,000 residents amid fears of a dam failure. Emergency teams, including the National Guard, were deployed as heavy rains and flash floods caused widespread damage

Martial arts legend and Hollywood actor Chuck Norris, known for “Walker, Texas Ranger” and action films, has died at 86, leaving behind a legacy in cinema, martial arts and popular culture, including the widely known “Chuck Norris Facts” phenomenon

In Daejeon, South Korea, a fire at an auto parts factory injured at least 53 people, with 24 seriously hurt and 14 unaccounted for. Firefighters focused on containment, preventing spread, and chemical safety while rescue operations continue

Sri Lanka denied US permission to land two warplanes armed with missiles at Mattala International Airport in March, citing neutrality amid Middle East tensions. The move follows naval incidents involving Iranian ships and highlights Colombo’s efforts to maintain a balanced stance

Eid Al Fitr was celebrated across Gulf countries with prayers held in mosques amid regional tensions, as authorities ensured safety following drone threats, while thousands gathered in Makkah and Madinah and festivities proceeded peacefully

Global oil prices fell as the US signaled potential easing of sanctions on Iranian crude, easing Strait of Hormuz tensions. Brent dropped 3.39%, WTI 3.22%. Indian markets rebounded, while US equities closed slightly lower amid mixed global trading

Canada’s RCMP Chief Mike Duheme said there is currently no evidence of Indian-linked transnational repression in Canada. His remarks follow months of diplomatic tensions, with both countries now normalizing ties and advancing cooperation on uranium, minerals, and trade agreements

The Iran-Israel conflict escalated as Iranian drones hit Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery, explosions rocked Tehran, and sirens warned Israelis of incoming fire. Gulf nations intercepted drones, raising fears of a global energy crisis amid rising oil prices and regional instability

At the United Nations, India rejected a minority issues report criticizing the Waqf Amendment Act 2025, calling it inaccurate and biased. India defended the law as progressive, promoting transparency, gender equality, and inclusion while reaffirming its commitment to minority rights

In Nashville, three teenagers sued Elon Musk’s xAI, alleging its AI tools enabled creation of explicit deepfake images using their real photos. The class-action case highlights risks of AI misuse, child exploitation, and lasting psychological harm to victims

India told the UN that the Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan ends support for terrorism, while highlighting its water initiatives and stressing the need for cooperation on global water security goals.

Differences between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s strike on Iran’s gas field have raised questions about US-Israel coordination, with officials acknowledging differing objectives even as both sides continue to project a strong alliance

US President Donald Trump’s reference to Pearl Harbor during talks with Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi created an awkward moment, even as both leaders emphasised strong bilateral ties and discussed Iran strikes, security, and regional cooperation

Barcelona, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals, with Barcelona scoring seven, Liverpool overturning a deficit and Bayern cruising, setting up high-profile clashes including Bayern versus Real Madrid

Lionel Messi scored his 900th career goal during Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Nashville, joining Cristiano Ronaldo in the elite club, though his team was knocked out after a draw on away goals

India ranked 116th in the World Happiness Report 2026, improving by two places from last year but remaining behind neighbours Nepal and Pakistan, while Finland continued to top the rankings for the ninth consecutive year

US strategy to involve Kurds in a ground offensive against Iran may set the entire West Asia on fire

Ukraine has sought a transparent probe into the detention of six of its nationals in Mizoram, denied any terror links, and offered cooperation to India, even as New Delhi said investigations are underway and a request for consular access is under consideration

Global oil and gas prices surged after Iran attacked key Gulf energy facilities, raising fears of prolonged supply disruptions and inflation, while stock markets across the world declined amid heightened geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over economic impact.

Indian agencies report that Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar appears weak and ill in his latest Eid message. Internal bickering and leadership dilemmas suggest a potential change, while Lashkar-e-Taiba emerges more active in PoK amid JeM’s visible lull