A viral letter circulating on social media claims Balochistan has declared independence from Pakistan, established the "Republic of Balochistan" and exercises control over 85% of its territory. The statement alleges the region has adopted a national flag, anthem, currency and independent administration, while claiming control over major mineral, gas and coal resources. It also says thousands of security personnel have joined the Baloch side and seeks international recognition. However, the authenticity of the letter remains unverified, and there has been no official confirmation or response from Pakistan. Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch claimed civilians are resisting Pakistani forces, but these assertions also remain independently unverified.

Several people were killed after a fire broke out at a construction site in Brussels, Belgium, on Tuesday. Around 200 workers were at the site when the fire started during a major renovation project. Rescue teams found several bodies inside an elevator shaft. At least six workers remain missing, and search operations are still underway. Firefighters said the first blaze was brought under control, but flames later spread through the elevator shafts and caused another fire underground. The cause of the fire is still unknown. Belgian authorities have launched an investigation as rescue teams continue searching for the missing workers. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened through US pressure or military action. Army spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia said Iran's armed forces would continue to defend the strategic waterway. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump declared that the temporary ceasefire was over. Tensions in the Gulf have increased following recent missile and drone attacks. Meanwhile, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) advised airlines to avoid flying over parts of the Gulf, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and the Gulf of Oman, because of growing security risks and military activity. (PC: Reuters)

The FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina has been declared a high-risk match by the FBI and local police. Officials met with FIFA to discuss security because of the long rivalry between the two countries. Separate entry gates will be used for England and Argentina supporters, although fans will not be separated inside the stadium. Police have increased security around the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and team hotels in Atlanta. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged fans to see the match as only football. Authorities said extra officers and resources will help keep players, fans, and visitors safe during the semi-final.

Large protests have broken out across Nepal after the death of ride-share driver Ganesh Nepali. He set himself on fire after a dispute with municipal police over parking and later died in hospital. Many young people have taken to the streets, demanding justice and calling for Prime Minister Balen Shah to resign. Opposition lawmakers also criticised the government and blamed it for failing to protect citizens. Protesters want an independent investigation and action against those involved. The government has formed a probe committee and detained three municipal police officers. Balen Shah has not yet responded to the protests publicly. (PC: India Today)

Yemen's Houthi rebels launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia's Abha Airport after air strikes hit Sanaa Airport. The Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia for the attack, while Yemen's government said it targeted the runway to stop an Iranian plane from landing. Saudi officials said their air defences intercepted the missiles and no one was hurt. The incident is the biggest rise in tensions since an informal truce began four years ago. The United Nations urged all sides to avoid more violence and return to talks. Iran condemned the strike on Sanaa Airport, calling it a violation of international law. (PC: Reuters)

Thai authorities are investigating a deadly fire at a bar in Bangkok that killed at least 30 people and injured more than 70. Early findings suggest a short circuit in an air conditioner started the fire. Police said locked doors, blocked exits, and flammable decorations made it harder for people to escape. Many victims were found near the restrooms after trying to flee. Experts believe toxic smoke also caused many deaths. The bar was registered as a restaurant, so it did not have to use fire-resistant materials. Officials are now reviewing safety rules to prevent similar tragedies in the future. (PC: AFP via Getty Images, Getty Images)

India on Tuesday summoned senior Iranian diplomats, including the Deputy Ambassador, to protest the death of an Indian sailor killed in a strike on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the attack and urged Iran to ensure the safety of Indian nationals and merchant vessels operating in the region. The diplomatic move comes as tensions in the Gulf continue to rise, threatening one of the world's busiest shipping routes. India also called for restraint and stressed the need to protect civilian lives and maintain the security of international maritime navigation. (PC: India Today)

Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah’s government is facing mounting public anger after 25-year-old Ganesh Nepali died following self-immolation triggered by a confrontation with Kathmandu Metropolitan security guards. The incident has united anti-Balen groups and intensified criticism of the government’s handling of policing and displacement. Protesters, including former Gen Z supporters, accused authorities of mistreating vulnerable citizens after nearly 1,000 families displaced during an anti-encroachment drive were allegedly left without promised rehabilitation. Law student Majjid Ansari was among those detained during demonstrations. Two more self-immolation attempts followed. After the government promised an inquiry, compensation, employment for Nepali’s wife and educational support for his children, his family agreed to perform his funeral. (PC: The Indian Express)

US President Donald Trump claimed Iran’s military had been devastated by recent US-Israeli strikes, asserting its navy, air force, air defences and senior leadership had been eliminated. Trump also said Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was “90% gone”, referring to reports that he is recovering from injuries sustained in an airstrike. Trump announced the reinstatement of an “Iranian blockade”, declared the US the “Guardian of the Hormuz Strait”, and proposed a 20% reimbursement on cargo transiting the waterway. Iran rejected the claims, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisting Tehran has always safeguarded the Strait and dismissing Washington’s proposal. (PC: CNN)