The Pentagon has confirmed that U.S. military personnel deployed in conflict zones are reportedly being tracked and targeted using commercially available location data collected from smartphones and apps. According to documents shared by Senator Ron Wyden, U.S. Central Command received multiple threat reports warning that adversaries could exploit digital location information to monitor troop movements and identify military gathering points. Lawmakers warned that such data could aid missile, drone, or roadside bomb attacks. The revelations have intensified concerns over the global surveillance and ad-tech industry, with calls for stricter protections, including disabling ad IDs and limiting data collection on military devices. (PC: Reuters)

A devastating fire at the dormitory of Utumishi Girls Academy in Kenya’s Nakuru County has killed several students and left many others injured, according to local authorities. The blaze reportedly broke out late at night while students were asleep, causing panic as emergency teams rushed to rescue survivors. Kenyan officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, while President William Ruto expressed condolences to the victims’ families and promised accountability. The tragedy has reignited concerns over fire safety standards in Kenyan boarding schools, recalling previous deadly school fires that shocked the nation and prompted demands for stricter safety regulations. (PC: Reuters)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has accused the United States and Israel of attempting to “bring the nation to its knees” as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise. The remarks came amid ongoing conflict, renewed threats over the Strait of Hormuz, and fragile diplomatic efforts involving Washington and Tehran. Khamenei warned that Iran would continue resisting external pressure and retaliate against any aggression targeting the country or its allies. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has signalled that negotiations with Iran are still possible despite military tensions. Regional instability has also intensified fears of wider conflict affecting oil routes, Gulf security, and global markets. (PC: Reuters)

The Trump administration is moving to shut down the USDA’s Bee Research Laboratory at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland, one of the oldest and largest federal bee research facilities in the United States. The lab has played a major role in studying honeybee health, colony collapse and crop pollination. Reports said the closure is part of a wider federal restructuring and budget-cutting exercise. Social media users linked the move to past scientific studies exploring whether bee venom could help kill cancer cells, though there is no evidence the closure is connected to those studies. Scientists and beekeepers have expressed concern over the decision. (PC: X)

Israel launched heavy airstrikes across southern Lebanon after issuing large-scale evacuation orders covering areas south of the Zahrani River. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in and around the coastal city of Tyre.   Videos from the area showed collapsed buildings, fires and residents fleeing through smoke-filled streets. Lebanese media reported casualties, including civilians allegedly killed while escaping threatened villages. Shelters in nearby Sidon have reportedly reached full capacity as displacement increases.   The escalation comes despite an ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides accusing each other of repeated violations amid growing fears of a wider regional conflict. (PC: BBC)

Pakistan’s Punjab government has put on hold its plan to restore the original historical names of several roads and streets in Lahore after criticism from extremist groups. The Lahore Heritage Areas Revival committee, led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, had earlier approved restoring pre-Partition names linked to the city’s Hindu and Sikh heritage.   However, officials later said no final decision had been taken. According to reports, criticism from hardline groups forced the government to step back to avoid controversy. Historic names such as Ram Gali, Laxmi Chowk and Krishan Nagar were among those proposed for restoration under the heritage revival initiative. (PC: NDTV)

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it targeted a US airbase early Thursday in response to American strikes near Bandar Abbas airport and the Strait of Hormuz. The US military earlier said it shot down four Iranian drones and struck a drone control site that allegedly threatened American forces and commercial shipping. Iran warned Washington of a “more decisive” response if attacks continue. The fresh military exchange has further strained the fragile ceasefire between the two countries. Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route, also pushed international crude oil prices higher in Asian trading. (PC: India Today)

The United States carried out fresh strikes on Iran for the second time in three days, targeting a military site in Bandar Abbas near the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command said the site was preparing to launch attack drones and claimed four Iranian drones threatening the shipping route were shot down. Iran condemned the action as a violation of the ceasefire and warned it would respond to any hostility. The renewed tensions come amid ongoing negotiations to end the three-month conflict that has disrupted global oil shipments and pushed up energy prices worldwide. (PC: BBC)

A rare albino buffalo in Bangladesh, nicknamed “Donald Trump” because of its distinctive blond tuft of hair, has been spared from Eid al-Adha sacrifice after government authorities intervened at the last moment. The animal had gained widespread public attention and social media fame due to its unusual appearance and rarity. Officials reportedly stepped in to prevent the buffalo from being slaughtered during the Islamic festival, recognising its unique status and cultural curiosity value. The incident has sparked widespread reactions online, with many celebrating the decision to preserve the rare animal. The rescue also renewed discussions around animal conservation, rare genetic traits and the growing influence of viral public sentiment on local administrative decisions.

The United States launched fresh strikes on Iranian military targets near Bandar Abbas, marking the second American attack in 48 hours amid escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. According to US officials, the strikes targeted missile launch sites, drone units and Iranian vessels allegedly deploying naval mines threatening American forces and commercial shipping. Four Iranian attack drones aimed at a US commercial vessel were intercepted and destroyed before impact. Explosions near Bandar Abbas briefly activated Iranian air defence systems. United States Central Command said the operation was conducted in self-defence. Iran accused Washington of violating the ceasefire and warned of retaliation as disputes over control of the strategically critical Strait intensified further.