Kyiv experienced a massive Russian airstrike on Friday morning, with explosions hitting nearly every district across the Ukrainian capital. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported fires and damage in eight of ten districts, with residential buildings and critical infrastructure targeted. At least 11 people were wounded, including five hospitalized among them a pregnant woman and one man in extremely serious condition. A fire erupted on a five-story residential building's roof in Solomyansky district near Kyiv's international airport. Tymur Tkachenko, head of the city's military administration, confirmed many high-rises were damaged throughout the capital. Heating infrastructure was destroyed, leaving parts of Desnyansky district without heat, while water and electricity disruptions were anticipated citywide. (PC: The Guardian & France 24 English)

A newly released email from Jeffrey Epstein appears to confirm that Prince Andrew was photographed with Virginia Giuffre. Epstein wrote in 2011 that Giuffre “was on my plane” and “had her picture taken with Andrew.” This goes against Andrew’s long claim that he never met her and that the photo could be fake. The email is part of thousands of documents released by US lawmakers. The files also show Andrew and Epstein stayed in contact months after Andrew said their friendship had ended. Andrew denies all allegations. Giuffre had accused him of having sex with her when she was a teenager. (PC: BBC)

Bangladesh's interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced Thursday that the country will hold a national referendum on the 'July Charter' for state reform alongside national elections in February 2026. The charter, containing over 80 reforms, was drafted following discussions with various political parties. The Council of Advisers approved holding both votes simultaneously on the same day. Supporters view the charter as a foundational framework for institutional reform in Bangladesh. This significant decision marks a crucial step in the nation's political transition, allowing citizens to vote on comprehensive state reforms while simultaneously electing their national government. The dual-voting approach aims to streamline the democratic process and expedite reform implementation. (PC: NDTV) 

Council staff attempting to check on 10-year-old Sara Sharif went to the wrong address the day before her father and stepmother murdered her, a review revealed. Urfan Sharif, 43, and Beinash Batool, 30, received life sentences after Sara's body was discovered following two years of abuse in Woking, Surrey. The review found Surrey services failed to identify abuse risks, didn't investigate unexplained bruising, and avoided questioning her sudden hijab-wearing due to "fear of causing offence", later revealed as concealing injuries. Despite bruising reports and behavioral changes, a social worker accepted Sharif's lies without consulting police regarding his domestic abuse history. Sara "effectively disappeared" after being removed for homeschooling, with the fatal address error preventing final intervention. (PC: BBC)

Authorities were aware that Urfan Sharif, the father of murdered 10-year-old Sara Sharif, had a long history of domestic abuse but failed to act, a damning report has revealed. Despite multiple warnings from family members and previous partners, child protection officials allowed Sara to remain in his care. The report found that agencies repeatedly “overlooked clear evidence” of violence and coercive behaviour, leading to “catastrophic consequences.” It also criticised the lack of information sharing between police, social services, and schools. Investigators concluded that systemic negligence and poor risk assessment left Sara defenceless against years of escalating abuse. (PC: PA, Surrey Police)

Leaked emails from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate show that Prince Andrew told Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, “I can’t take any more of this,” after learning in 2011 that a British newspaper was set to publish a story about them. The emails, released by the US House Oversight Committee, include messages mentioning Donald Trump and others. Andrew denied all wrongdoing and has not faced any charges. He settled a civil case with Virginia Giuffre in 2022 without admitting guilt. The latest release adds pressure on Andrew as US lawmakers seek his testimony in their ongoing Epstein investigation. (PC: BBC)

A loud sound in Delhi’s Mahipalpur area on Thursday morning caused panic just days after the Red Fort blast. Police and fire officials rushed to the spot after a call reported a “blast-like” sound near the Radisson Hotel around 9:19 am. After checking, officials confirmed it was caused by the burst of a DTC bus tyre. No suspicious items or activities were found. The Delhi Police said the situation was normal and there was no threat. The city remains tense after the Red Fort explosion that killed 13 people and left over 20 injured earlier this week. (PC: HT)

The United States has sanctioned 32 entities and individuals across India, China, the UAE, Türkiye, Germany, Hong Kong, Iran, and Ukraine for aiding Iran’s ballistic missile and drone development. The U.S. Treasury and State Departments identified these groups as part of global procurement networks supplying key components to Iran’s defense sector and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force. Among those sanctioned is Chandigarh-based Farmlane Private Limited and its UAE-based director Marco Klinge. The move reinforces Washington’s renewed pressure on Tehran following the reinstatement of UN sanctions in September 2025. (PC: Reuters)

Bangladesh experienced arson and crude bomb attacks preceding a crucial International Crimes Tribunal verdict against deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday. Dhaka transformed into a fortress with massive police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) deployments after Hasina's Awami League called for a citywide lockdown. The violence evoked memories of 2024's turbulent student protests that killed over 500 people. Security was significantly heightened around the International Crimes Tribunal, which will schedule its verdict date in the crimes against humanity case against Hasina and her senior associates. The unrest reflects Bangladesh's continued political instability following Hasina's removal from power, with tensions escalating ahead of the high-stakes judicial proceedings.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified President Trump's H-1B visa policy aims to temporarily import skilled foreign experts to train American workers, not replace them. Speaking to Fox News, Bessent described it as a "knowledge transfer" strategy to revive US industries like manufacturing, shipbuilding, and semiconductors after years of outsourcing. "Train the US workers. Then go home. Then the US workers fully take over," Bessent explained. He emphasized that Americans currently lack expertise in fields abandoned for decades, making foreign knowledge essential. The policy aligns with Trump's broader effort to restore critical industries domestically. Bessent also confirmed discussions on a $2,000 tariff rebate for families earning under $100,000, ensuring trade policy benefits reach American households directly.