Investigators probing Hong Kong’s tragic high-rise fire at Wang Fuk Court suspect highly flammable Styrofoam board used during renovation played a key role in how rapidly the blaze spread. The foam was found on windows, reportedly part of construction materials installed to protect glass during works. Experts also warn that the bamboo scaffolding wrapped in plastic sheeting acted like a “chimney,” enabling flames to travel swiftly across the exterior of the densely packed towers. Authorities have arrested three construction executives amid gross-negligence manslaughter probes. 

Following a shooting near the White House that critically injured two National Guard soldiers, the United States has indefinitely suspended all immigration processing for Afghan nationals. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said the halt will remain until a full review of security and vetting protocols is completed. President Donald Trump condemned the attack as “an act of terror” and demanded a re-examination of all Afghan immigrants admitted under the 2021 Operation Allies Welcome. (PC: X)

A woman in her 20s was killed and a man critically injured in a shark attack at Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay, New South Wales. The man was airlifted to Newcastle hospital after a bystander applied a makeshift tourniquet, likely saving his life. Authorities said a large bull shark, one of the few dangerous shark species, was involved. The beach is closed, and “smart” drumlines and drone patrols have been deployed. Surf Life Saving NSW urged locals to stay out of the water. This marks the fifth fatal shark attack in Australia this year. (PC: BBC)

Rumours about the death of Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan spread online after Afghan media claimed he was killed in Adiala Jail. The report said Khan died from mistreatment, but Pakistan’s government strongly denied the claims. His three sisters said they were assaulted while trying to meet him and had not seen him for over three weeks. PTI supporters held a sit-in outside the jail but ended their protest after police agreed to allow family visits. Khan has been in jail since August 2023 on corruption charges. His family says he is being kept in a “death cell”. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump called for a full review of all Afghan nationals who entered the country under the Biden administration. His statement came after two National Guard members were shot near the White House. The suspect, an Afghan man who arrived in 2021, is in custody. Both soldiers were shot in the head and are in critical condition. The FBI is treating the attack as a possible act of terror. The White House was briefly locked down. US immigration officials have stopped processing Afghan cases. Trump also ordered 500 more Guard members to Washington. Joe Biden said he was “heartbroken”. (PC: Sky News)

Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir took charge as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces after a major constitutional change. The new post gives him control of the army, navy and air force. It also puts him in charge of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. The 27th Amendment removed the old Joint Chiefs role and extended Munir’s tenure until at least 2030. He now has legal protection similar to the president. Analysts say Munir is now Pakistan’s most powerful man. Critics warn that politicians have given too much power to the military. Supporters say the move will bring stability. (PC: NDTV)

Grief and shock spread across Hong Kong’s Tai Po district after a huge fire tore through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, killing more than 50 people. Nearly 300 residents are still missing. Many families searched shelters and online lists through the night, hoping for any news. Survivors said smoke filled corridors within minutes, turning escape routes into deadly traps. Police blamed a construction firm for “gross negligence”, saying the fire started from bamboo scaffolding used for repair work. Many long-time residents lost all their belongings. The blaze is now Hong Kong’s deadliest since 1948. (PC: HT)

A year after a ceasefire, southern Lebanon remains under attack by Israel. Air strikes continue almost daily, targeting areas Israel says are linked to Hezbollah. Residents in villages like Froun and Yaroun live in fear, with homes destroyed and many displaced. Despite the truce, Israel has killed hundreds, while Hezbollah denies breaking the ceasefire south of the Litani River. Locals say they want peace and stability, tired of the conflict. Lebanese authorities have not fully disarmed Hezbollah, fearing a civil war. The situation leaves thousands uncertain about returning home, with life overshadowed by drones and air strikes. (PC: BBC)

In Bangladesh, 'baul' singers continue to face attacks by radical Islamist groups. On Wednesday, three baul artists were injured in an assault near Thakurgaon district court. A video shows the mob, linked to Tawhidi Janata, calling for their killing. The attacks come after baul singer Abul Sarkar was arrested for alleged blasphemy during a performance. The interim chief, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, has not commented. BNP condemned the violence, calling it "heinous" and unacceptable. Bauls are known for their music, poetry, and dance, blending Hindu and Sufi traditions. Civil society protests the rising attacks. (PC: NDTV)

A massive fire at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court apartment complex has killed at least 55 people, with nearly 300 still missing. The blaze began on Wednesday afternoon and burned for more than 15 hours across several 32-storey towers in Tai Po. Firefighters worked through the night to reach people trapped on upper floors. Police arrested two company directors and an engineering consultant for suspected manslaughter. Officers said unsafe scaffolding and foam-sealed windows may have helped the fire spread. At least 45 people are in critical condition. This is Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since World War II. (PC: BBC)