A powerful IED explosion targeted the Quetta-bound Jaffar Express in Balochistan near Sultankot on Tuesday, injuring several people and derailing six coaches. The Baloch rebel group, Baloch Republican Guards, claimed responsibility, stating the attack targeted Pakistani Army personnel on board. Rescue teams and security forces reached the site and are assisting the injured. The Jaffar Express has been repeatedly attacked this year, including hijackings, derailments, and bombings, resulting in deaths and injuries. Authorities continue investigations. The BRG warned such attacks would continue until Balochistan’s independence. Local authorities are monitoring the railway route for further security measures. (PC: NDTV)

The Israel-Hamas war has entered its third year, with over 66,000 Palestinians killed, most women and children, and 48 Israeli hostages still held. Talks resumed in Cairo under US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, aimed at a ceasefire and hostage release. Despite the negotiations, Israel continued bombing Gaza, worsening the humanitarian crisis. Previous ceasefires in 2023 and 2025 temporarily allowed aid and hostage exchanges but collapsed. Many countries have now formally recognised Palestine, and the UN has adopted a two-state resolution. International bodies, including the International Association of Genocide Scholars, have called Israeli actions in Gaza a genocide. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump said there is a “really good chance” of a Gaza peace deal as talks continue in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh. Israeli, Hamas, Egyptian, and Qatari officials are discussing Trump’s 20-point plan, which includes a ceasefire, hostage exchange, and aid delivery to Gaza. Hamas has partly agreed to the proposal but has not accepted key conditions like disarmament. Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu and Trump both hope the first phase, involving hostage release, will be completed this week. The UN and several world leaders have welcomed the talks as a chance to end the long Gaza conflict. (PC: X)

A Tamil Nadu government report found 350 safety violations at Sresan Pharmaceutical in Kancheepuram, which made the ‘Coldrif’ cough syrup linked to 16 child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Inspectors said the factory used non-pharma grade chemicals, had rusted machines, and no air filters or cleaning systems. Toxic diethylene glycol, used in brake fluids, was found in the syrup. The plant also lacked a quality control team and stored medicines in dirty areas. Tamil Nadu has banned the syrup and stopped production. Other states have also removed Coldrif from the market and launched further safety checks. (PC: India Today)

Israel and Hamas have started indirect talks in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh on Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. The talks aim to secure the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and an end to the war. Egypt and Qatar are mediating between both sides. Hamas has partly accepted the plan but not agreed to disarm or step aside from Gaza’s rule. Israel hopes for a hostage release soon. The plan includes aid for Gaza and discusses a possible Palestinian state. Fighting continues in Gaza as both sides face pressure to reach a lasting peace deal. (PC: BBC)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Monday to discuss Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan and Iran’s nuclear programme. The two leaders also talked about stabilising Syria and finding a negotiated solution with Tehran, Russian media reported. Netanyahu wished Putin ahead of his birthday during the call. The discussion came as ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas resumed, with both sides showing interest in Trump’s proposed roadmap involving prisoner exchanges. Putin and Trump had earlier met in Alaska to discuss the Ukraine war and nuclear arms limits under the 2010 New START treaty. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump has announced new limits on international student enrollment, capping it at 15% in American universities. A government memo, titled “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” says no more than 5% of students can come from any one country. Universities that fail to meet these rules may lose federal funding. The policy affects top institutions already exceeding the cap, forcing them to cut existing international classes. Experts say the move could reshape the US’s global education role and hurt opportunities for foreign students, including many from India studying under the Student Visa Exchange Program. (PC: X)

Rescuers in Tibet are racing to save more than 200 hikers stranded near Mount Everest after a sudden blizzard hit the region. Over 350 people have been rescued so far, according to Chinese state media. The storm struck as China began its eight-day national holiday, trapping tourists in deep snow. A camper said he had to clear snow from his tent every 10 minutes, while guides called the snowfall “unusually heavy.” In nearby Nepal, the same storm caused floods and landslides, killing at least 40 people. Officials say all stranded hikers have been contacted and rescue efforts continue. (PC: BBC)

Israel deported Greta Thunberg and 170 other activists detained after a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza was stopped last week. About 470 people were aboard over 40 boats. Israel said deportations were legal and accused the flotilla of spreading lies. The activists were sent to 17 countries, including Greece, Sweden, the US, and the UK. The move comes ahead of indirect Gaza peace talks in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Key issues include hostage release, Hamas disarmament, future Gaza governance, and Israeli withdrawal. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes continue, killing 21 Palestinians in 24 hours, as negotiations aim to implement Trump’s peace plan. (PC: BBC)

A 60-year-old man in Sydney fired up to 50 bullets from his apartment into a busy street, injuring one person critically. Police stormed the apartment in Croydon Park and arrested the suspect, who was later taken to a station. The victim, a man in his 50s, underwent emergency surgery after being shot in the neck and chest. Fourteen others were treated for minor injuries or shock. Police said the suspect had no criminal or terror links and no known mental health history. Firearms charges are expected. Such mass shootings are rare in Australia. (PC: Al Jazeera)