A man in his 40s was arrested in London after allegedly threatening passengers and a bus driver with an unknown substance, leading to a three-hour standoff with police. The incident occurred on the 109 bus in Brixton, prompting police intervention in Thornton Heath. Police, dressed in chemical suits, surrounded the bus as passengers evacuated. The substance was later determined to be non-corrosive, and the man was arrested after being tasered. He was subsequently taken to hospital, with police suspecting drug use. No hostages were reported, and the man faces charges of affray. His condition is deemed non-life-threatening.

As Pakistan grapples with its post-election landscape, talks between traditional powerhouses PML-N and PPP have emerged to form a coalition, sidelining PTI-backed independents despite winning the most seats. Imran Khan's PTI, whose candidates secured 95 seats, faces challenges as Khan remains jailed and the party was barred from direct contesting. Election integrity concerns linger, with internet blackouts and vote count delays fueling suspicion. Analysts predict PTI may form a robust opposition instead. Amid uncertainty, analyst Ayesha Jalal warns of a tricky post-election political crisis, emphasizing the challenges of managing coalitions and their impact on economic reforms.          

Despite tacit army support, Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) faces defeat in Pakistan's general elections, as reported by Al Jazeera. Sharif's party, once favored for victory, secures only 75 seats in the national assembly, trailing PTI-backed independents by 20 seats. Sharif, aiming for coalition partners, acknowledges the need for support to form a government. Analysts attribute PMLN's decline to the fallout from their alliance with PPP under the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), economic challenges, and failure to adapt to shifting public opinion. The election outcome exacerbates Pakistan's political and economic turmoil, prompting calls for Sharif to gracefully concede and engage with PTI for stability.

Israel successfully conducts a rescue operation in Rafah, Gaza, freeing two Israeli-Argentine hostages, Fernando Simon Marman and Louis Har, amid intense air strikes. The hostages, from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, were found in good medical condition and taken to Sheba Medical Center. The operation involved heavy exchanges of fire, with Israeli forces engaging multiple locations simultaneously. Conflicting reports on Palestinian casualties emerged, with estimates ranging from 50 to 100 people killed. The rescue follows warnings from the international community against Israel's planned offensive in Rafah, where 1.5 million seek refuge. Despite calls for caution, Israel plans to proceed with its operation, sparking concerns about civilian safety and potential casualties.

Yemen's Houthis reportedly targeted a cargo ship in the Red Sea bound for Iran, said analysts. The vessel, identified as the Star Iris, was allegedly attacked while transporting corn from Brazil to Iran. While a US defence official stated the ship was likely targeted but not hit, maritime specialists suggested damage occurred with no casualties. The Houthis' action is seen as an independent move, signaling their control, analysts noted. Previous attacks on international shipping prompted route diversions, with warplanes conducting retaliatory strikes. Iranian officials haven't commented, and the ship is now proceeding to its destination.

NATO issued a strong rebuke against former US President Donald Trump, criticizing remarks made at a South Carolina rally where he suggested letting Russia act freely against NATO members failing to meet defense payment obligations. Trump's stance, decried by the White House as "appalling and unhinged," prompted concerns about potential US military withdrawal support for Ukraine if he is re-elected. President Joe Biden, seeking to reassure NATO allies, recently signed a defense bill to prevent unilateral withdrawal. NATO emphasized its commitment to defending all allies, while Trump's comments continue to stir uncertainty about the alliance's future.

Britain's King Charles appeared in public for the first time since his cancer diagnosis, attending church with wife Camilla. Wearing a brown overcoat, the king waved to well-wishers at St Mary Magdalene church in Sandringham. He expressed gratitude to supporters and plans to continue private duties during treatment. The unspecified cancer was discovered during a hospital stay for a benign prostate procedure. While some public engagements are postponed, King Charles remains committed to monarch responsibilities. Diagnosed less than 18 months into his reign, details of the cancer remain undisclosed.

Police detained Imran Khan's PTI party supporters protesting alleged election rigging in Lahore. As PTI-backed candidates flood Pakistan's courts with challenges, the Election Commission shows PTI winning 101 seats, short of a majority. Meanwhile, PTI claims a supporter was arrested in Lahore for waving the party flag. President Alvi praises voter turnout, and PTI condemns attempts to create a 'PDM-2'. Imran Khan's party plans protests in the US against 'election fraud.' Election results and protests intensify post-election uncertainty in Pakistan.

Former President Donald Trump, eyeing a 2024 comeback, stated at a South Carolina rally that he would "encourage" Russia to attack NATO allies not meeting financial commitments. The White House labeled the remarks "appalling and unhinged." Trump claimed he wouldn't defend delinquent countries during a NATO meeting, emphasizing the need to pay bills. Critics express concern over potential risks to global stability. Amid Trump's strong polling against Biden, he faces over 90 criminal charges, including subverting the 2020 election results. Trump pleads not guilty to charges, including alleged hush-money payments and retention of government secrets.

Baby girl lost her life when her mother, 26-year-old Mariah Thomas, mistakenly placed her in an oven instead of a crib in Kansas City, US. Responding to a distress call, officers found extensive burns on the infant, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Mariah Thomas has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, facing a Class A felony. The circumstances surrounding this tragic event remain under investigation, with authorities expressing condolences and placing trust in the legal process to address the situation appropriately.