Seven Pakistani soldiers were killed on Tuesday in an IED explosion targeting their vehicle in Balochistan’s Kalat district, according to Pakistan's military. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, claimed responsibility for the deadly attack. This follows a series of recent violent incidents in the region, including the abduction of five police officers after an assault on a prison van last weekend. Militants have also torched government buildings and a bank. Balochistan, a resource-rich province, remains a hotspot for separatist insurgency, with frequent attacks on state forces and infrastructure projects, particularly those with foreign investment ties. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Amid heightened tensions with India following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued a chilling threat, saying, “If our existence is in danger, then either we survive, or no one does.” His statement, seen as an indirect nuclear threat, drew sharp criticism. Asif also compared India's stance to Israel’s actions in Gaza, accusing India of pushing Pakistan toward conflict. The remarks come after the April 22 attack that killed 26 tourists, prompting India to consider military options. BJP leaders in India called Asif’s comments “hollow threats,” saying Pakistan’s leadership is panicked and desperate. (PC: Reuters)

Five Pakistan Army soldiers were killed on Monday in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Balochistan, a province long plagued by separatist violence. The explosion occurred amid a surge in militant activity, following recent incidents where Baloch rebels kidnapped security personnel and blocked highways. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), known for targeting infrastructure and security forces, is suspected to be behind the attack. Balochistan, rich in resources and key to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has witnessed escalating unrest as local insurgents accuse the state of exploitation and marginalization.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday pledged unwavering support for India in its fight against terrorism, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Speaking amid rising Indo-Pak tensions, Johnson emphasized the Trump administration’s commitment to providing energy and resources to bolster India's counter-terrorism efforts. He reaffirmed the strategic importance of US-India relations, stating that terrorism remains a global threat that must be confronted together. Johnson’s remarks underscore growing international solidarity with India, as global powers call for accountability and action against terror networks. His statement signals deepening cooperation between New Delhi and Washington in combating cross-border extremism. (PC: India Today)

In a closed-door consultation, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) strongly criticized Pakistan over the alleged involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, including tourists and a local operator. UNSC members rejected Pakistan’s “false flag” claims and raised concerns over its escalating nuclear rhetoric and recent missile tests. The council called for accountability and urged Islamabad to rein in terror groups operating from its soil. UN Chief Antonio Guterres emphasized restraint, stating that military escalation is not a solution. India had earlier suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in response to the attack. (PC: AP)

India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists. This move, along with the closure of Salal and Baglihar dam gates, has led to a sharp drop in Chenab River flows, prompting Pakistan’s Indus River System Authority (IRSA) to predict a 21% water shortage during the early Kharif season. The IRSA warned that if the shortage persists, the impact may worsen. India has also imposed trade bans, closed the Attari-Wagah border, and expelled Pakistani military advisors, intensifying regional tensions amid international mediation calls. (PC: PTI)

In a closed-door UN Security Council session, members raised strong concerns over Pakistan’s nuclear rhetoric and recent missile tests, following the Pahalgam terror attack in India that killed 26 civilians. Pakistan attempted to shift focus by bringing up the Kashmir issue and accusing India of military aggression. However, members rejected its narrative and highlighted possible Lashkar-e-Taiba involvement. No resolution or statement was issued, leaving Pakistan isolated—even China refrained from endorsing its stance. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged restraint, warning that India-Pakistan tensions are at their highest in years and a military confrontation must be avoided at all costs. (PC: India Today)

Russia says Ukraine launched another overnight drone attack on Moscow, forcing the temporary shutdown of all major airports. At least 19 drones were intercepted, with debris falling near a key highway, though no casualties were reported. This marks the second consecutive night of drone assaults. Simultaneously, Ukraine accused Russia of strikes on Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Odesa, where one person was killed. In Russia’s Kursk region, Kyiv claims its forces targeted a drone command unit, as intense fighting reportedly continues near the border. Ukraine maintains a presence in Kursk, which it first entered in 2024 to establish a buffer zone. (PC: EPA)

Israel has bombed Yemen's Hodeidah port following a missile attack by the Iran-aligned Houthis on Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. The attack, which is the first known missile to bypass Israel's missile defense system since March, comes as part of Houthi solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel's expanded operations in Gaza. Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed retaliation, while the Houthis announced plans for a "comprehensive" aerial blockade on Israeli airports, warning international airlines to avoid Israeli airspace. The Houthi rebels have previously targeted shipping in the Red Sea and Israel's missile defense system has intercepted most attacks. 

Sourav Ganguly, former India captain, met Rajasthan Royals’ young prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi following the team's narrow defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. Despite his earlier record-breaking T20 century, Suryavanshi failed to score in consecutive matches. Ganguly, alongside Sanju Samson and Rahul Dravid, provided a motivational talk, encouraging the 14-year-old to stay fearless and stick to his natural game. Rajasthan’s loss marked another disappointing chapter in their IPL 2025 campaign, leaving them out of playoff contention after a thrilling run-chase attempt led by Riyan Parag’s explosive 95.