Pakistan is facing fresh protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit-Baltistan following reports that the government plans to declare Gilgit-Baltistan as the country's fifth province. The proposed move has triggered strong opposition from local groups, who fear it will undermine the region's disputed status and further erode their political rights. Demonstrators have accused Islamabad of ignoring public opinion and demanded greater autonomy and constitutional protections. India has consistently maintained that Gilgit-Baltistan and the entire region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are integral parts of India, rejecting any unilateral changes to their status by Pakistan. (PC: India Today)

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has emerged as the leading contender to replace Keir Starmer as leader of the UK Labour Party, according to political developments reported by Reuters. Burnham has gained strong backing from Labour members, trade unions and grassroots supporters, positioning him as the favourite to lead the party into the next general election. If elected Labour leader, he would become the party's candidate for Prime Minister. His campaign focuses on public services, economic reform and regional development. The leadership contest is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Britain's political future and Labour's direction. (PC: Reuters)

The United States has intensified its military operations against Iran, with US Marines boarding a vessel in the Gulf of Oman as part of enhanced maritime security efforts. The move follows expanded US airstrikes targeting Iranian military and infrastructure sites, escalating tensions across the Middle East. Iran has vowed retaliation, while regional security remains on high alert amid fears of further attacks on shipping routes and strategic waterways. The developments have heightened concerns over global energy supplies and the possibility of a broader regional war, as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis continue to face significant challenges. (PC: Reuters)

The UK government has warned that supporting or promoting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) could lead to up to 14 years in prison under strengthened counterterrorism measures. The warning comes as the conflict between Iran and its adversaries continues to escalate. Meanwhile, an airstrike on the Iranian port city of Bandar Khamir reportedly killed seven people, according to Iranian media. The developments have heightened regional tensions, with military exchanges intensifying and diplomatic efforts struggling to contain the crisis. Governments worldwide remain concerned about the growing risk of a wider Middle East conflict. (PC: X)

China has rejected US President Donald Trump’s allegations that it interfered in the 2020 US presidential election, insisting it “has never and will never interfere” in America’s internal affairs. Responding to Trump’s claim that China acquired 220 million US voter files during the 2020 election cycle, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy said the outcome of US elections is determined solely by American voters. The statement reiterated Beijing’s long-standing policy of non-interference in other countries’ domestic affairs. Trump, meanwhile, maintained that voter data across 18 states had been compromised and announced plans to declassify intelligence that he said would reveal major vulnerabilities in US election infrastructure. (PC: AP)

US President Donald Trump accused China of orchestrating what he called the "largest compromise of election data in history" during the 2020 election, alleging that 220 million US voter files were bought, stolen or hacked. Trump claimed voter data across 18 states was compromised and announced the immediate declassification of intelligence that he said would expose vulnerabilities in America's election infrastructure. He further alleged China began efforts to influence US elections and business leaders from 2018 onward. However, a 2021 US intelligence assessment by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence found no evidence that foreign actors compromised the technical aspects of the 2020 election infrastructure or vote counting.  

Iran has reportedly instructed Yemen's Houthi movement to prepare to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key Red Sea shipping route, if the United States launches attacks on Iran's power infrastructure, according to sources cited by Reuters. The move could significantly disrupt global trade and energy shipments passing through one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints. The report comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran following recent cyber and military threats. Neither Iran nor the Houthis have officially confirmed the directive, while U.S. officials have not publicly responded to the reported contingency plan. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has reportedly asked Yemen’s Houthi movement to prepare to block the Red Sea oil route if US-led strikes expand to target Iranian power plants, according to Reuters. The proposal was first discussed within Iran’s leadership before being conveyed to the Houthis, Tehran’s regional ally. The reported move comes as Iran remains blocked in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating hostilities with the United States. If implemented, Houthi involvement could significantly widen the conflict and further destabilise global energy supply routes by threatening another critical maritime chokepoint. The development adds to growing concerns over the expanding regional fallout from the nearly five-month-long US-Iran conflict in the Gulf. (PC: X)

The United Nations has expressed grave concern after two boats carrying refugees were reportedly lost off Myanmar's coast, with hundreds feared dead. The vessels, believed to be transporting Rohingya refugees fleeing conflict and persecution, are suspected to have capsized during dangerous sea crossings. Rescue efforts remain challenging, and the exact number of casualties is still being verified. The UN urged regional governments to strengthen search-and-rescue operations and provide greater protection for vulnerable refugees undertaking perilous journeys. The suspected tragedy highlights the continuing humanitarian crisis facing the Rohingya and the risks many endure while seeking safety and a better future. (PC: AFP)

A giant billboard depicting US President Donald Trump lying in an open coffin has been installed in Tehran's Enghelab Square, carrying the message "We Will Kill Trump" in both Persian and English. The display reflects heightened tensions following the assassination of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and growing calls from Iranian hardliners for revenge. References to the deadly Minab school strike also appear on the billboard, linking it to broader anti-US sentiment. The provocative installation has intensified international concern over escalating rhetoric and the deteriorating relationship between Iran and the United States. (PC: X)