World

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.

India has strongly opposed proposals for a new ‘third category’ of UN Security Council membership, arguing it would undermine genuine reform and delay expansion of permanent seats. Both the G4 (India, Japan, Germany, Brazil) and the L.69 group of developing nations rejected the idea.

The US Supreme Court struck down Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, ruling that only Congress can impose taxes. Former Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal led the challenge, calling the verdict a major victory for constitutional separation of powers

The US trade deficit widened to $70.3 billion in December, with the annual goods gap with India reaching $58.2 billion in 2025. Imports outpaced exports as goods trade drove the expansion of America’s overall deficit.

After the Supreme Court restricted emergency tariff powers under IEEPA, the Trump administration imposed a temporary 10 per cent global tariff under Section 122. Existing Section 232 and Section 301 duties remain in force as alternative legal measures are pursued.

Jakub Mensik stunned World No. 2 Jannik Sinner in the Qatar Open quarter-finals, securing a career-best win. He will now face Frenchman Fils in the semi-final, who made a strong return from injury by defeating Jiri Lehecka in straight sets

India’s 26-member squad for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 has been revealed. The team, placed in Group C, will face Vietnam, Japan, and Chinese Taipei in the group stage, with hopes of qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027

Australia ended their T20 World Cup campaign on a high note, thrashing Oman by nine wickets in their final group match. Adam Zampa’s four-wicket haul and Mitchell Marsh’s blistering 64 guided the team to the joint-fastest chase in tournament history

The US Supreme Court struck down Donald Trump’s global tariffs, ruling that emergency powers cannot be used to impose import taxes. The 6–3 verdict reasserts Congress’s authority over tariffs and deals a setback to Trump’s trade agenda

Signing the accord offers the symbolic advantage of a “seat at the high table,” but strategic caution must guide New Delhi’s choices

NASA successfully completed a second fueling test of its Artemis II Space Launch System rocket at Kennedy Space Center, addressing prior hydrogen leaks, as engineers assess March launch readiness for the first lunar crewed mission since Apollo 17

North Korea launched the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, its largest political event in five years. Leader Kim Jong-un highlighted economic progress, set five-year policy goals, and formed a 39-member presidium

India joined the US-led Pax Silica to strengthen resilient supply chains for critical minerals and AI. Officials, including Ashwini Vaishnaw and US Ambassador Sergio Gor, highlighted enhanced economic security and bilateral cooperation

Nearly four years after invading Ukraine, Russia controls 20% of its territory, with civilians facing repression, poor infrastructure and alleged abuses. Rights groups report secret detentions and forced Russification, while displaced families recount fear, destruction and hardship in annexed regions

Iran’s UN envoy warned that Tehran would respond decisively to any US aggression, citing self-defence under the UN Charter. Tensions rose after remarks by Donald Trump on Diego Garcia, amid ongoing nuclear talks and concerns over military build-up

President Donald Trump directed federal agencies to identify and release files on UFOs and extraterrestrial life, amid renewed public interest. Pentagon reports continue to find no evidence of alien activity despite hundreds of unidentified aerial phenomenon reports.

President Donald Trump is considering a limited military strike on Iran to pressure Tehran into a nuclear deal, as US forces bolster Middle East deployments. Iranian leaders have issued warnings while diplomatic negotiations continue amid escalating tensions.

Iran conducted joint military drills with Russia as US warships moved closer to the Middle East, raising fears of escalation. With nuclear talks stalled, Washington, Tehran and Israel are signalling readiness for conflict if diplomacy fails

Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney shared a record opening stand as Australia defeated India by 19 runs in the second T20I in Canberra. India collapsed late in the chase, allowing the hosts to level the three-match series

Shai Hope’s fluent 75 and a strong bowling performance helped West Indies defeat Italy by 42 runs in the T20 World Cup. Italy were bowled out for 123 while chasing 166, as the Windies topped Group C

Brian Bennett and Sikandar Raza guided Zimbabwe to a comfortable six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup. Chasing 179, Zimbabwe reached the target in 19.3 overs to enter the Super Eights unbeaten

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.

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Seoul Central District Court for attempting to impose martial law in 2024, in a case deemed an insurrection, though prosecutors had sought the death penalty