Pakistan has introduced new rules requiring foreign journalists to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) before reporting from most parts of the country. The rules apply to international print, TV and digital media. Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi are exempt from the requirement. The move comes as Pakistan faces criticism over its crackdown on protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where reports say at least 90 civilians have died since June. Human rights groups have raised concerns about media restrictions and the use of force. India also criticised Pakistan, calling the recent local elections in PoK a "complete farce."

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "India has always been a great friend and will remain so," during a virtual press conference from Delhi. She said the friendship between India and Bangladesh would stay strong despite recent political developments. Hasina has been living in India since August 2024 under full security after leaving Bangladesh. She also repeated her wish to return to her country. Ahead of the event, India's Ministry of External Affairs said the government had no role in the press conference and did not endorse any views expressed there. Bangladesh has raised concerns over her political activities from India.

Shah Rukh Khan has become India's most valuable celebrity brand, overtaking Virat Kohli, according to Kroll India's Celebrity Brand Valuation 2025 report. Shah Rukh ranked first with a brand value of USD 177.9 million. Ranveer Singh finished second, while Kohli slipped to third. Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni completed the top five. Alia Bhatt remained the highest-ranked woman at sixth place. The report said the combined brand value of India's top 25 celebrities reached USD 2 billion in 2025. It also noted that digital endorsements now make up a larger share of celebrity brand partnerships than before.

Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone next month alongside the iPhone 18 series. The company has not confirmed the device, but several leaks suggest it could be called the iPhone Ultra. Reports say the phone may start at around ₹1.89 lakh in India, with top models costing over ₹2.3 lakh. It is expected to feature a book-style foldable design, a 7.8-inch inner display, and a 5.5-inch outer screen. The phone may use Apple's A20 chip, 12GB RAM, and a dual-cell battery. All details remain based on leaks until Apple's official announcement.

A petrol bomb was thrown at former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan's ancestral home in Magura on Wednesday night. The house was also vandalised. The attack happened hours after Shakib appeared virtually with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a press conference in New Delhi. During the event, Hasina said, "I will go back to Bangladesh," adding that she was ready to face jail or even death. Hasina has been living in India since August 2024 after leaving Bangladesh following the fall of her government. The motive behind the attack on Shakib's house was not immediately known.

Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk said, "Don't make me a mascot," as he ruled out becoming the face of student protests over alleged exam irregularities. In an interview with India Today, he said young people should become "their own heroes" in their communities. Wangchuk supported peaceful protests, calling them important for democracy. However, he added, "I do not approve abusive language at all," while urging governments to understand students' frustration instead of punishing them. He also backed the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) remaining apolitical. Wangchuk said he is recovering after ending his 26-day hunger strike in Ladakh.

Sheikh Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed, claimed Bangladesh has become "another Pakistan" on India's eastern border. Speaking during a virtual media interaction in Delhi, he alleged that Pakistan's ISI has gained influence in Bangladesh. He warned the country could become a future base for global terrorism if the situation does not change. Wazed also questioned the United Nations' reported death toll from the 2024 protests. He said the UN has not shared the names of those counted. He also criticised the Yunus-led government over an indemnity law, claiming it gives broad legal protection to protesters involved in violence.

A report by Dainik Jagran claimed that some Indian selectors wanted Rohit Sharma out of the 2027 ODI World Cup plans. They reportedly informed senior BCCI officials and Rohit about their views. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia publicly backed Rohit before the third ODI against England, denying retirement rumours. Rohit then scored 138 at Lord's, becoming the first Indian to hit an ODI century there. The report said some selectors felt "betrayed" by the board's support. It also claimed Ajit Agarkar's future as chief selector is uncertain, with VVS Laxman being considered as a possible replacement. (PC: ANI)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has vowed to return to Bangladesh despite saying she could face arrest or imprisonment, declaring that "fear can't decide my duty." Speaking publicly for the first time since her 2024 ouster in a virtual address from New Delhi, Hasina alleged the July-August 2024 uprising was a "planned regime change" rather than a genuine student-led movement. She claimed the protests were orchestrated to remove her government outside the democratic process. The address came despite objections from Dhaka, while India reiterated that the event was organised by a private entity and did not reflect the Indian government's views or involvement. (PC: Reuters)

The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deploy Indian Navy assets to protect Indian merchant vessels operating in high-risk maritime zones after an India-flagged cargo ship was attacked in the Red Sea. The appeal follows the sinking of MSV Faize Noore Oliya 14 near Yemen's western coast after it was struck by a projectile. All 14 crew members, including 13 Indian seafarers, were rescued. Citing escalating missile, drone and maritime attacks in the Red Sea, Strait of Hormuz and Black Sea, the union urged immediate naval protection, warning that Indian merchant mariners remain increasingly vulnerable amid widening regional conflicts. (PC: iStock)