At least 12 people were killed and nine others injured after gunmen opened fire at the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg, South African police said. Authorities have launched a manhunt for more than 10 suspects believed to have carried out the attack.   According to police, the attackers arrived in a white Toyota Quantum, entered the settlement through two access points and fired at multiple locations before fleeing. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and an investigation is underway. South Africa continues to struggle with one of the world's highest violent crime rates. (PC: HT)

Pakistan has rapidly expanded its space-based surveillance network, launching six Earth-observation satellites in just 16 months with significant Chinese assistance. The new constellation includes optical imaging, hyperspectral and remote-sensing satellites capable of high-resolution monitoring, change detection and repeated observation of strategic locations. Analysts say the system could improve Pakistan’s ability to track military deployments, infrastructure projects and other activities across India. Satellites such as HS-1, PRSC-EO2 and PRSC-EO3 reportedly feature advanced imaging and AI-assisted data processing capabilities. Experts note that China’s role extends beyond launch services to technology cooperation and possible data-sharing arrangements. The development highlights the growing importance of space-based intelligence in South Asia’s evolving strategic competition. (PC: CMSA & India Today)

The United States carried out military strikes on Iran after President Donald Trump accused Tehran of being responsible for the downing of a US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command described the attacks as a “proportional response” to Iranian aggression, while Iranian officials vowed retaliation. According to a US official, the helicopter crashed after colliding with an Iranian drone during a patrol mission near Oman, though investigators have not determined whether the collision was intentional. The incident further strained a fragile two-month ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Iranian state media reported explosions on Qeshm Island following the American strikes and condemned the action.

Indian government bonds slipped as escalating US-Iran tensions pushed crude oil prices higher, overshadowing optimism generated by the Reserve Bank of India’s recent policy measures. The benchmark 6.48% 2035 government bond yield stood at 6.9758%, little changed from the previous close after an earlier policy-driven rally. Brent crude surged about 4.5% to nearly $97 per barrel amid concerns over renewed conflict and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy shipping route. Higher oil prices pose risks to India’s inflation outlook and current account deficit. Market participants said geopolitical risks were having a stronger influence on bond sentiment than recent RBI initiatives aimed at attracting foreign investment. (PC: X)

A man was reportedly shot during protests in Kenya's Nanyuki town against a planned US Ebola quarantine centre. Witnesses said the demonstrator was shot as protesters clashed with police. Authorities have not yet commented on the incident.   The protesters oppose a US-backed plan to build a treatment facility for American citizens near a military base. Many residents have raised concerns about possible health risks and a lack of transparency.   Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. The protests come days after two people were killed during similar demonstrations. A court had earlier ordered a halt to the project's construction. (PC: Reuters)

Israeli air strikes hit southern Lebanon on Tuesday, killing at least 8 people in the city of Tyre, according to Lebanese health officials. The attacks came despite Iran warning Israel not to continue military operations in Lebanon.   The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for parts of Tyre, including its Christian quarter for the first time. Thousands of residents fled the area.   Israel said it would continue targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed it launched rockets and drones at Israeli forces.   The latest violence has increased tensions in the region and raised concerns over the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran. (PC: AFP)

US President Donald Trump claimed that Iranian forces shot down a US Apache helicopter during a patrol over the Strait of Hormuz. He said both pilots were rescued by a US naval drone vessel and were safe and uninjured.   Trump called the incident an attack that required a response from the United States. The US military said the cause of the crash is still under investigation.   The incident comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran despite recent efforts to maintain a fragile truce. Iranian officials have also warned Washington against violating agreements and said they are prepared to respond if needed.  

US President Donald Trump said Iran shot down an American AH-64 Apache helicopter during a patrol over the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had been informed by the US military that the helicopter was brought down by Iranian forces. He added that the two crew members aboard were safe and uninjured after being rescued. Earlier, US Central Command confirmed that two soldiers were recovered after their helicopter went down while patrolling regional waters near Oman, noting that the cause remained under investigation. Trump subsequently stated that the United States “must respond” to the alleged attack.

Violence erupted in Pakistan-administered Kashmir after authorities banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a movement protesting inflation, electricity tariffs, taxation policies and alleged political marginalisation. According to local reports and activist groups, at least 30 people were killed and more than 200 injured after security forces opened fire on protesters. Authorities defended the crackdown, saying around 90 people were arrested in Mirpur Division and weapons were recovered during operations aimed at maintaining law and order. Protesters and civil society groups rejected those claims, alleging excessive force against largely unarmed demonstrators. Rights activists have called for an independent investigation as tensions continue to rise across the region.

More than 30 people were killed and around 200 injured after violent clashes erupted between security forces and protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The unrest followed the banning of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society group protesting political and economic issues in the region.   Authorities said the violence began after JAAC supporters gathered following the death of a trader allegedly shot during a confrontation with police. Officials claimed protesters used weapons and petrol bombs, while local residents disputed the official version and alleged higher civilian casualties. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the violence and urged authorities to protect the right to peaceful protest and begin inclusive dialogue.