A Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter crashed during take-off near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday, killing all personnel on board. According to the military's media wing, the helicopter went down due to a technical fault.   The military said there were no survivors but did not disclose the number of casualties. The crash occurred near Muzaffarabad, where security has been tightened in recent days ahead of planned protests by a movement that was recently banned under Pakistan's anti-terror laws.   Authorities have not released further details, and the cause of the technical failure is expected to be investigated. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump and Iranian leaders exchanged fresh threats after both sides carried out new military strikes in the Middle East. Trump said Iran had delayed negotiations for too long and would now "pay the price", claiming Tehran's military had been "completely defeated". Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded that the country would not leave any attack or threat unanswered. The latest tensions followed US strikes on Iranian military sites after a US helicopter was brought down near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran later launched attacks on US bases in the region, though US officials said most missiles and drones were intercepted. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face more military action, saying Tehran delayed reaching a nuclear agreement with Washington. His remarks came a day after US retaliation strikes targeted Iranian positions. According to reports, the White House is considering fresh attacks on Iranian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges. In a social media post, Trump claimed Iran's military had been severely weakened and described the country as the "bully of the Middle East". The comments signal rising tensions as diplomatic efforts over Iran's nuclear programme remain uncertain. (PC: X)

The United States carried out air strikes on Iranian military and surveillance sites after an American Apache helicopter was brought down in the Gulf, escalating tensions in the region. US Central Command said air defence systems, radar stations and ground control sites near the Strait of Hormuz were targeted in what it called a "proportional response".   Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it retaliated by attacking US bases in Bahrain and Jordan, while Kuwait said it intercepted another incoming attack. US President Donald Trump confirmed that both helicopter pilots were rescued safely and warned that America would respond to any attack on its forces. Iran vowed that it would leave "no attack or threat unanswered". (PC: BBC)

At least 12 people were killed and nine others injured after gunmen opened fire at the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg, South African police said. Authorities have launched a manhunt for more than 10 suspects believed to have carried out the attack.   According to police, the attackers arrived in a white Toyota Quantum, entered the settlement through two access points and fired at multiple locations before fleeing. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and an investigation is underway. South Africa continues to struggle with one of the world's highest violent crime rates. (PC: HT)

Pakistan has rapidly expanded its space-based surveillance network, launching six Earth-observation satellites in just 16 months with significant Chinese assistance. The new constellation includes optical imaging, hyperspectral and remote-sensing satellites capable of high-resolution monitoring, change detection and repeated observation of strategic locations. Analysts say the system could improve Pakistan’s ability to track military deployments, infrastructure projects and other activities across India. Satellites such as HS-1, PRSC-EO2 and PRSC-EO3 reportedly feature advanced imaging and AI-assisted data processing capabilities. Experts note that China’s role extends beyond launch services to technology cooperation and possible data-sharing arrangements. The development highlights the growing importance of space-based intelligence in South Asia’s evolving strategic competition. (PC: CMSA & India Today)

The United States carried out military strikes on Iran after President Donald Trump accused Tehran of being responsible for the downing of a US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command described the attacks as a “proportional response” to Iranian aggression, while Iranian officials vowed retaliation. According to a US official, the helicopter crashed after colliding with an Iranian drone during a patrol mission near Oman, though investigators have not determined whether the collision was intentional. The incident further strained a fragile two-month ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Iranian state media reported explosions on Qeshm Island following the American strikes and condemned the action.

Indian government bonds slipped as escalating US-Iran tensions pushed crude oil prices higher, overshadowing optimism generated by the Reserve Bank of India’s recent policy measures. The benchmark 6.48% 2035 government bond yield stood at 6.9758%, little changed from the previous close after an earlier policy-driven rally. Brent crude surged about 4.5% to nearly $97 per barrel amid concerns over renewed conflict and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy shipping route. Higher oil prices pose risks to India’s inflation outlook and current account deficit. Market participants said geopolitical risks were having a stronger influence on bond sentiment than recent RBI initiatives aimed at attracting foreign investment. (PC: X)

A man was reportedly shot during protests in Kenya's Nanyuki town against a planned US Ebola quarantine centre. Witnesses said the demonstrator was shot as protesters clashed with police. Authorities have not yet commented on the incident.   The protesters oppose a US-backed plan to build a treatment facility for American citizens near a military base. Many residents have raised concerns about possible health risks and a lack of transparency.   Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. The protests come days after two people were killed during similar demonstrations. A court had earlier ordered a halt to the project's construction. (PC: Reuters)

Israeli air strikes hit southern Lebanon on Tuesday, killing at least 8 people in the city of Tyre, according to Lebanese health officials. The attacks came despite Iran warning Israel not to continue military operations in Lebanon.   The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for parts of Tyre, including its Christian quarter for the first time. Thousands of residents fled the area.   Israel said it would continue targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed it launched rockets and drones at Israeli forces.   The latest violence has increased tensions in the region and raised concerns over the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran. (PC: AFP)