A 17-year-old girl was killed and two boys, aged 12 and 17, were seriously injured in a sword attack at Brinell School in Fagersta, central Sweden. Another person suffered minor injuries. Police arrested an 18-year-old man and are investigating the case as murder and attempted murder. Officers fired shots after reaching the scene, though it remains unclear whether the suspect was hit. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called it a “serious incident” and said police were working intensively to establish the motive behind the attack. Authorities are continuing their investigation. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump renewed his “51st state” jibe at Canada as a trade dispute escalated after Washington imposed a 50% tariff on its neighbour. Trump accused Canada of wanting the benefits of being a US state without becoming one and criticised tariffs imposed on American farmers. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the tariffs an attack on Canada and vowed a “dollar-for-dollar” response. The dispute followed the collapse of trade negotiations, with both sides blaming each other for failing to finalise an agreement, further straining economic ties between the two countries. (PC: HT)

Chinese humanoid robots made headlines at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing by surpassing established human athletic records. One robot completed the 100-metre sprint in 9.39 seconds, beating Usain Bolt’s 9.58-second world record set in 2009. Another humanoid achieved a standing high jump of 2.88 metres, exceeding the human record of 2.45 metres. The five-day event features more than 2,000 robots competing across 51 events, including running, football and table tennis. The competition highlights China’s rapid advances in humanoid robotics, although experts note that the technology still faces significant challenges in real-world applications. (PC: Reuters)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has claimed that the world has accepted Iran’s victory in its war with the United States, arguing that continued conflict is unnecessary. Iranian state media reported that Pezeshkian said global opinion had recognised Tehran’s success and criticised the US. His remarks come as President Donald Trump’s administration prepares an unprecedented economic campaign against Iran, seeking to increase isolation and pressure Tehran over its nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz. The US is also demanding that Iran reopen the strategic waterway to international oil and gas shipments, keeping tensions high despite claims of victory from Tehran. (PC: X)

Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified as Washington prepares new sanctions targeting Tehran and potentially its trading partners, including China. Iran’s newly appointed Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei warned that countries supporting US economic measures could face retaliation, saying Tehran would regard them as enemies. He also reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed unless Washington changes its policies and meets Iran’s conditions. The strategic waterway remains central to the standoff because of its importance to global oil shipments. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain stalled, raising concerns over further military and economic escalation. (PC: X)

Rescuers are searching for survivors after Russian drones struck a busy shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine. At least 16 people were killed and 130 were injured. Four people remain missing. Two drones hit the centre within a short time. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack “cynical and despicable”. He said the second drone targeted emergency workers at the scene. The fire covered about 9,000 square metres but has now been put out. Rescue teams from seven regions joined the search. Officials said the operation could continue for two more days because of the damage and ongoing threats.

14 people were killed in military air strikes on a monastery in Myanmar’s Sagaing region on Friday. The victims were elderly people attending a meditation retreat during Buddhist Lent. A local rescue worker said the site was hit twice. Several monks were also injured. The attack took place around 9:00 local time in Myaung township, about 70km west of Mandalay. An opposition fighter said rescuers were searching for survivors when a second strike took place. The victims included 11 men and three women, aged between 50 and 70. Myanmar’s military has not commented on the attack.

One person has died after an 18-year-old man allegedly attacked people with a sword at Brinell High School in Fagersta, Sweden. The incident occurred on Friday while around 400–500 students were attending classes. Two boys, reportedly aged between 12 and 17, suffered serious injuries. Police responded shortly after 2pm, and the suspect was shot, arrested and taken into custody. Several schools and public buildings in Fagersta were temporarily placed under lockdown. Authorities later said there was no continuing threat to the public. The suspect was reportedly a former student, while police investigations into the attack and its motive are ongoing. 

Iran has granted permission for several Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, responding to a key request from Baghdad, Reuters reported. The decision followed diplomatic discussions during Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf’s visit to Iraq. Iraqi President Nizar Amedi confirmed that tanker passage was being facilitated, while talks on maintaining oil exports through the strategic waterway continue. Shipping through Hormuz has fallen sharply amid the Iran conflict and security threats, disrupting regional energy trade. Iraq, which produces around four million barrels of oil daily, is also exploring alternative export routes through Turkey, Syria and Jordan to reduce dependence on the strait. (PC: Reuters)

Canada has vowed to respond to US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs “dollar for dollar” after Washington and Ottawa failed to reach a trade agreement by the midnight deadline. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney accused the US of making unfair last-minute changes during negotiations. The talks had been extended by three days in an effort to reach a deal and avoid the higher tariffs. With no agreement secured, Canada is preparing measures to match the US duties, escalating tensions between the two major trading partners. The dispute could affect cross-border trade and increase economic uncertainty for businesses in both countries. (PC: AFP)