Israel launched air strikes on the southern Lebanese city of Tyre on Tuesday, hours after ordering residents to evacuate parts of the area. Lebanese media reported that at least three people were killed in attacks across southern Lebanon, although the Israeli military had not officially confirmed the strikes.   The escalation comes a day after Iran said it would halt further attacks on Israel if Israeli operations against Lebanon stopped. Israel has accused the Iran-backed Hezbollah group of violating the ceasefire and says its military actions are aimed at preventing attacks on northern Israeli communities. The latest developments have heightened fears of a wider regional conflict. (PC: BBC)

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remained tense on Tuesday after deadly clashes in Rawalakot left at least 11 people dead and more than 70 injured, according to official reports. Authorities have tightened security and suspended mobile internet services ahead of a planned protest march by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).   The unrest follows a crackdown on the banned group, with officials alleging that some protesters used firearms and petrol bombs during the violence. JAAC supporters, however, have accused security forces of using excessive force. The region has witnessed repeated protests over rising prices, governance issues and political representation, with fresh unrest adding to instability in the area. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against escalating military action against Iran, cautioning that Israel could become increasingly isolated if it resumed large-scale strikes. The warning followed Israeli attacks on Hezbollah-linked targets in Beirut and subsequent Iranian missile launches against Israel, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Trump reportedly pressed Netanyahu to avoid further retaliation, arguing that negotiations with Iran were close to a breakthrough. While Israel conducted limited strikes and Iran responded with additional missile fire, both sides later appeared to step back. The episode highlighted growing differences between Washington’s diplomatic approach and Israel’s security strategy. (PC: X)

A U.S. federal judge has struck down President Donald Trump's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, ruling that the measure amounted to an unlawful tax not authorised by Congress. Leo Sorokin of the U.S. District Court in Boston issued the decision in a lawsuit brought by 20 Democratic state attorneys general. The fee, announced in September, had dramatically increased the cost of obtaining H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers. The ruling represents a significant setback for the administration’s immigration policy and could provide relief to employers, technology firms and international professionals who rely on the H-1B visa programme. (PC: Reuters)

Two significant earthquakes struck within hours of each other, rattling parts of the Caribbean and the Middle East. A magnitude 6.1 earthquake hit waters off Cuba’s northwestern coast on Monday at a depth of 10 kilometres, shaking buildings in Havana and sending tremors across Florida, Mexico and parts of the Caribbean. Residents reported moving furniture and swaying buildings, though no immediate casualties or major damage were reported. Hours later, a magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck Iran’s southern Hormozgan province. Authorities also reported no significant damage or injuries. The back-to-back seismic events came shortly after a deadly 7.8-magnitude earthquake in the Philippines that killed at least 35 people.

Iran and Israel have announced a halt to attacks after exchanging fire for the first time since an April ceasefire. Iran launched around 30 missiles at Israel in response to an Israeli strike in Beirut, while Israel carried out air strikes on military targets in Iran. Iran said it had delivered a "painful response" and warned of stronger action if Israel attacks Lebanon again. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is holding fire for now but will respond to any future attacks. The pause came after US President Donald Trump urged both sides to stop fighting immediately. (PC: Reuters)

US federal court has ruled that the $100,000 fee imposed on new H-1B visa applications by President Donald Trump was unlawful. US District Judge Leo Sorokin made the decision in a case brought by 20 Democratic state attorneys general. The fee was introduced in September as part of efforts to reduce the hiring of foreign workers. The H-1B visa programme allows US companies to employ skilled foreign professionals, many of whom are from India. The court's ruling means the fee must be invalidated. The decision is expected to benefit employers and skilled workers seeking H-1B visas. (PC: Bloomberg)

At least 32 people were killed and more than 100 injured after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. Authorities reported widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings, landslides and damaged infrastructure, while nearly two dozen people remain missing. Around 10,000 residents were evacuated as tsunami alerts were issued across the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan and Australia, though several warnings were later lifted. General Santos City and Sarangani province were among the hardest-hit areas. More than 130 aftershocks followed the main quake. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered an emergency response and suspended classes in affected regions as rescue operations continued.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran remains committed to both diplomacy and national defense after halting its latest military operation against Israel. His remarks followed the first direct exchange of fire between Iran and Israel since a fragile April ceasefire. Iran’s military described its missile barrage as a “painful response” and warned of harsher action if attacks continue, particularly in southern Lebanon. The escalation began after Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs reportedly killed two people and injured 20. Israel responded by targeting Iranian military infrastructure. Despite the exchange involving dozens of missiles, officials reported no casualties in either Iran or Israel as tensions remained high.

Iran has announced that it will stop carrying out strikes on Israel after the two countries exchanged fire over the weekend. However, Iran's top military command warned that it would launch a stronger response if Israel continues attacks in southern Lebanon. The development came after US President Donald Trump urged both sides to stop fighting and work towards an immediate ceasefire. Reports suggest Israel may halt attacks on Iran at Trump's request, though there has been no official confirmation. Despite signs of de-escalation, tensions remain high across the Middle East as concerns over regional security continue.