Pakistan launched overnight air strikes in eastern Afghanistan. The Taliban said at least 18 people, including women and children, were killed.   Islamabad said the strikes hit seven militant camps near the border. It called them “intelligence based selective targeting” after recent suicide attacks in Pakistan.   Afghan officials said homes and a religious school were hit in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. A local resident said 18 members of one family died in Nangarhar.   Pakistan blamed the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and said Kabul failed to act against militants. The Taliban called the strikes a “blatant violation” and warned of a response. (PC: BBC)

Students at several universities in Iran held anti-government protests on Saturday. It is the first large action since last month’s deadly crackdown. Videos verified by the BBC show hundreds marching at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran. They chanted “death to the dictator,” referring to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Scuffles broke out between protesters and pro-government supporters. Peaceful sit-ins were also seen at Shahid Beheshti University and Amirkabir University of Technology. In Mashhad, students shouted “Freedom, freedom” and called for rights. The protests honour thousands killed in January. The US is also weighing possible military action against Iran.

After the US Supreme Court struck down his broad tariff powers, President Donald Trump insisted that the India-US interim trade deal remains unchanged and bilateral cooperation continues. Trump told reporters that “nothing changes” in the agreement and that India will continue paying tariffs while the United States will not, calling the arrangement fair and praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The comments came amid legal and political debate over Trump’s authority to impose global import duties, and follow his announcement of new tariff measures under alternate trade laws. India said it is studying the implications of the court judgment for its economy and exporters. 

US President Donald Trump announced that he will increase his newly imposed global tariff rate to 15% on imports from all countries, after the US Supreme Court struck down his previous tariff framework as exceeding presidential authority. Trump said the higher levy, rising from an initial 10% rate, is “fully allowed and legally tested” under a lesser-used trade law and will take effect immediately, aiming to protect American industries and address trade imbalances. The move signals continued trade tension with global partners and is likely to face legal and political challenges, with implications for global markets and US consumers. (PC: EPA)

Microsoft appointed Asha Sharma as the new CEO of its Xbox and Microsoft Gaming division, succeeding longtime chief Phil Spencer, who retired after nearly four decades. Sharma, an Indian-origin executive with a strong background in AI and consumer products, previously led Microsoft’s CoreAI division and held senior roles at Instacart and Meta. The leadership change aims to steer Xbox through industry shifts as gaming expands across consoles, cloud, and AI. However, the announcement sparked widespread online backlash, with critics on social media questioning her lack of direct gaming experience and accusing the company of “Indian nepotism,” while supporters defended her credentials. (PC: X)

Sarah Ferguson, widely known as “Fergie” and ex-wife of Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, has seen her public standing crumble after newly released U.S. government documents revealed a close relationship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Reuters reports. Despite divorcing Andrew in 1996, the pair remained close and lived together until recently. The documents show emotionally and financially intimate communications, including Ferguson calling Epstein the “brother I always wished for,” prompting several charities to cut ties. The revelations compound the broader royal scandal tied to Epstein that has already led to Andrew’s arrest and loss of titles. Ferguson is now keeping a low profile amid fallout. (PC: Reuters)

Afghanistan has strongly condemned Pakistani airstrikes along the border, alleging that innocent civilians were killed in the attacks. Kabul officials said dozens died when Pakistani forces targeted areas inside Afghan territory, calling the strikes a violation of sovereignty. Afghanistan warned of a firm “response” and accused Islamabad of escalating regional tensions. Pakistan, however, maintains that the operation targeted Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant camps, claiming it acted on “conclusive evidence” linking the groups to recent deadly attacks inside Pakistan. The incident has further strained already fragile ties between the two neighbors, raising fears of wider cross-border escalation.

The US Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by using emergency powers law (IEEPA) to impose broad import tariffs, asserting that only Congress can levy tariffs. In swift response, Trump invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 and first imposed a 10% global tariff on all imports before raising it to the maximum 15% rate for up to 150 days. Trump condemned the court’s decision and vowed alternative tariff measures. The ruling creates uncertainty over tariff revenue refunds and impacts global trade relations. (PC: AP)

Pakistan’s military launched intelligence-based strikes on seven militant camps and hideouts along the Afghanistan border, targeting groups it blames for recent deadly suicide attacks and bombings inside Pakistan. The strikes, described as a “retributive response,” follow a surge of violence attributed to Afghanistan-based factions of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State affiliates and were confirmed by Pakistan’s Information Minister. Islamabad accuses the Afghan Taliban authorities of failing to prevent militants from using Afghan territory to launch attacks, further straining ties between the neighboring countries. Afghanistan reported dozens of deaths and civilian casualties amid the operation. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has increased the temporary global tariff from 10% to 15%, hours after the Supreme Court struck down his earlier import duties. He used Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days. “I… will be effective immediately, raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff… to the fully allowed… 15% level,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He said many countries had been “ripping” off the US for decades. The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that Trump had exceeded his powers under a 1977 emergency law. Trump said new “legally permissible” tariffs will be introduced during the 150-day period. (PC: India Today)