An explosion struck an eight-storey building in the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas on January 31, 2026, damaging two floors, vehicles and nearby shops. Iranian state media say rescue and firefighting teams responded and multiple people were injured and taken to hospital, while officials investigate the cause. Authorities have not confirmed what triggered the blast, and rumours of an attack on a military commander were denied by Iranian sources. The incident occurred amid broader regional tensions and follows other recent explosions reported across Iran. (PC: The Hindu)

The US Department of Justice released over 3 million pages of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein files, sparking fresh controversy due to sensational allegations involving Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Among draft emails attributed to Epstein are unverified claims that Gates contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD) after encounters with “Russian girls” and allegedly sought antibiotics to secretly give to his then-wife, Melinda Gates. Gates’ spokesperson strongly denied the assertions, calling them “absurd and completely false.” Experts note the claims remain unsubstantiated and based on disputed draft communications within the larger tranche of records. (PC: NDTV)

Suspected separatist fighters killed at least 10 Pakistani policemen in a series of coordinated attacks across Balochistan, targeting police stations and security posts. Pakistan has been battling a decades-long separatist insurgency in the resource-rich province, where armed groups frequently attack state forces, foreign nationals, and non-local residents. Authorities said the attackers used gunfire and explosives, triggering a large security operation. Transport and internet services were disrupted in several areas as forces searched for the assailants. The violence highlights ongoing security challenges in the volatile region. (PC: AFP)

Fresh documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation include an FBI report citing a “credible” confidential source who claimed US President Donald Trump was “compromised by Israel.” The report also alleged that Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner held outsized influence during Trump’s first term. The source raised concerns about Kushner’s business dealings, including undisclosed foreign links and Russian money flows. The report also referenced past real estate transactions involving Trump and made claims about Epstein’s legal and political networks. The US Justice Department said the material was released after review and reflects claims, not findings. Trump has denied wrongdoing and said he had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. (PC: X)

New files related to Jeffrey Epstein released by the US Justice Department include photographs that appear to show Prince Andrew kneeling on all fours over an unidentified woman lying on the floor. In some images, he is seen touching her stomach. The woman is fully clothed and her face is blacked out. Officials have not said when or where the photos were taken. The release also includes emails suggesting Jeffrey Epstein invited Andrew to meet a 26-year-old Russian woman in 2010. The documents do not accuse Andrew of a crime. He has denied all wrongdoing linked to Epstein. US authorities earlier said he was “not presently a target” of the investigation. Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial.

Bangladesh and Pakistan have resumed direct passenger flights after a 14-year gap, signalling warmer ties between the two countries. A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight landed in Karachi on Thursday and was given a water salute. The flights will operate twice a week under a temporary licence until March 30. The move comes as both sides hold high-level talks on defence cooperation, including Pakistan’s offer of JF-17 fighter jets to Bangladesh. The shift follows political change in Dhaka after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024. Officials in Pakistan called the flights the start of a new phase in bilateral relations. (PC: HT)

The US Justice Department on Friday released a new batch of documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The files include draft emails attributed to Epstein that make allegations involving Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. The emails claim Gates sought help after sexual encounters and tried to prevent the matter from reaching his then wife, Melinda French Gates. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said over three million pages, along with videos and images, were released after review to protect victims. The documents also revive earlier reports of Epstein pressuring Gates over a charity fund. Gates’ spokesperson denied all allegations, calling them false. Epstein died in jail in 2019. (PC: NDTV)

The United States government entered a partial shutdown on Saturday after Congress failed to pass the 2026 budget on time. Talks collapsed after political disagreements stalled negotiations. Lawmakers said the shutdown may not last long, as the House is expected to approve a Senate-backed funding deal next week. Several non-essential government services have stopped for now. President Donald Trump remains in office during the shutdown. Some departments, including agriculture and veterans’ services, will continue working. However, agencies like defence, homeland security and health have begun formal shutdown procedures. (PC: AP)

The United States Department of Justice has begun releasing more than three million pages linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The release follows a law passed by Congress that ordered full disclosure of the files. The documents include emails, photos, and records involving many high-profile figures. Being named does not mean wrongdoing. Former US President Donald Trump is mentioned in earlier files and has denied any misconduct. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse said the release is only the beginning and called for full accountability. More documents are still expected to be made public. (PC: New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services)

A US court has ruled that Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty if convicted. Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed federal firearms charges that allowed capital punishment. Mangione, 27, is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York in December 2024. He has pleaded not guilty. The judge said the ruling only removes the death penalty option. Mangione still faces stalking charges and state charges, including murder, which could lead to life in prison. Prosecutors have 30 days to challenge the decision. (PC: Reuters)