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.

Iranian state media has claimed that Tehran and Washington are discussing a draft framework agreement that could reopen commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and reduce US military presence near Iran. The reported proposal includes lifting the US naval blockade and restoring trade routes within a month if both sides agree on final terms. However, the White House dismissed the reports as a “complete fabrication,” saying no such agreement exists. The developments come amid ongoing regional tensions, recent US-Iran clashes, and fears of disruption to global oil supplies, with oil prices falling sharply after the reports emerged. (PC: Reuters)

Israel carried out more than 120 airstrikes across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, marking one of the heaviest bombardments since fighting with Hezbollah reignited in March. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the offensive would intensify to expand Israel’s security buffer zone near the border. Lebanese officials reported at least 22 civilian deaths, including women and children, while thousands fled affected areas after evacuation warnings. Hezbollah responded with rocket and drone attacks targeting northern Israel. The escalation threatens a fragile US-brokered ceasefire and complicates ongoing Iran-US diplomatic talks amid growing fears of a wider regional war. (PC: AFP)

The White House has dismissed Iranian state media reports claiming a draft US-Iran peace framework proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and withdrawing American troops from nearby regions. Calling the report a “complete fabrication,” the Trump administration denied any such memorandum of understanding existed. Iranian media had claimed the alleged deal included restoring commercial shipping through Hormuz within a month, lifting a naval blockade and coordinating ship traffic with Oman, while excluding military vessels. The framework reportedly omitted Iran’s nuclear programme. Meanwhile, negotiations remain tense despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said talks could continue for days, while President Trump warned military strikes could resume if diplomacy fails. (PC: X)

Lashkar-e-Taiba deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri has reportedly issued a public warning to Pakistan’s Army chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif against recognising Israel. Kasuri allegedly threatened that any Pakistani leader pursuing diplomatic ties with Israel would be “assassinated, destroyed and ruined.” The remarks have triggered major political controversy and renewed scrutiny over the influence of extremist organisations within Pakistan’s political and security landscape. The incident has also intensified debate around Islamabad’s foreign policy direction and the pressure militant groups may exert on the country’s leadership regarding relations with Israel and broader Middle East diplomacy.

A French court sentenced former bank manager Guillaume Bucci to 25 years in prison after convicting him of raping, torturing and exploiting his former partner, Laetitia R, over seven years. Prosecutors said Bucci manipulated her through psychological control, threats and violence, forcing her into prostitution with hundreds of men. The survivor testified that she “stopped counting at 487 men” and described living in constant fear. Evidence included threatening messages and recordings. The case has shocked France and drawn comparisons to the Gisèle Pelicot abuse trial, highlighting growing concerns over violence against women and coercive sexual exploitation. (PC: AFP)