Rescue teams continued overnight operations after a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto region on Kyushu island, leaving several people missing. Authorities said people remain unaccounted for at an Aeon shopping mall, where part of the second floor collapsed, and at a factory after a chimney fell. Firefighters are searching through debris as emergency crews respond across the affected area. The quake damaged roads, buildings and Kumamoto Castle, while more than 150 schools, tourist attractions and public facilities were closed. The tremor was also felt in neighbouring South Korea, officials said. (PC: BBC)

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has defended the killing of protesters in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), comparing the situation to how "enemies like India" allegedly deal with unrest. His remarks came after security forces opened fire during demonstrations, leading to multiple deaths and injuries. The comments have triggered widespread criticism from opposition leaders, rights activists, and social media users, who accused the government of justifying excessive force against civilians. The incident has intensified concerns over human rights, freedom of protest, and the government's handling of dissent in PoK, drawing renewed international attention to the region.

US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran's nuclear facilities, including the heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain site, could face fresh military strikes if Tehran continues activities perceived as threatening. Speaking amid rising tensions, Trump said the United States would not hesitate to act against any nuclear developments that endanger regional or global security. His remarks come as concerns grow over Iran's expanding nuclear programme and the possibility of renewed conflict in the Middle East. Iranian officials have condemned the warning, while analysts caution that such statements could further escalate already fragile regional tensions and diplomatic challenges. (PC: X)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, with additional Patriot missile support expected to be a key topic of discussion. Zelensky is visiting Washington before attending the funeral of late Senator Lindsey Graham, a strong supporter of Ukraine and Israel. Later in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House. Their talks are expected to focus on the ongoing conflict with Iran and regional security. The back-to-back meetings highlight Washington's continued engagement with two of its key allies. (PC: BBC)

Violence broke out in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir during the first phase of assembly elections on Monday. The banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) claimed that 14 of its supporters were killed after security forces opened fire on a protest march near Rawalakot. Authorities denied the claim, saying they could not verify the deaths because no bodies had reached hospitals. Police said protesters fired first and injured two officers. The JAAC rejected the accusation and said the march was peaceful. The group has been protesting since June over the region's election system and has called for a boycott of the polls.

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday, causing heavy damage across the region. The quake triggered an explosion at Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima Town. Part of the mall's second floor collapsed, trapping several people inside. Customers were safely evacuated, but officials fear some people may have died. Rescue teams are searching for survivors. The earthquake also caused power cuts, transport delays, and mobile network problems. Kumamoto Airport closed its runway after the quake. Authorities said there were no problems at nearby nuclear plants. Officials continue to assess the damage and help those affected. (PC: Reuters)

Punch, a Japanese macaque abandoned by his mother shortly after birth, celebrated his first birthday with around 2,500 greeting cards sent from across the world. The cards are being displayed at the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden in Japan, where zookeepers raised the orphaned monkey. As an infant, Punch was given an orangutan plush toy to help him develop essential gripping skills after his mother rejected him. Images of Punch hugging the toy went viral, winning hearts globally. His journey from an abandoned newborn to a beloved zoo resident has inspired thousands of animal lovers. (PC: The Wasington Post)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed authorities to release all minors and students without criminal records who were arrested or detained during nationwide protests over exam paper leaks. The court also ordered that no coercive action be taken in cases linked to FIRs filed against students involved in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests in Delhi and other states. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said the protection would not apply to those with criminal antecedents. The court also ordered preservation of protest-related evidence and indicated it may order an independent probe into alleged police excesses. (PC: India Today)

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has offered up to $5.5 billion to settle about 76,000 lawsuits in the US alleging its talc-based baby powder and other products caused ovarian cancer. The healthcare giant continues to deny the allegations, saying scientific studies show its talc products are safe, asbestos-free and do not cause cancer. The proposed settlement requires approval from legal firms representing 95% of the remaining ovarian cancer claims before it can take effect. J&J said the agreement would help end years of litigation. The company stopped selling talc-based baby powder globally in 2022, switching to a cornstarch-based formula. (PC: BBC)

French police arrested a man after he allegedly attacked three women with knives in Paris, leaving the victims injured. According to investigators, the suspect claimed during questioning that he acted because "Allah commanded" him to carry out the assault. Emergency responders treated the victims, whose injuries were reported as non-life-threatening. Authorities have launched a terrorism-related investigation to determine the motive, the suspect's background, and whether he acted alone. Security measures have been reinforced as officials continue examining the incident. The attack has renewed concerns over public safety and extremist-inspired violence in France.