Japan has warned that the Indo-Pacific could face a Ukraine-like security crisis as military cooperation among China, Russia and North Korea deepens. In its 2026 Defence White Paper, Tokyo described the regional security environment as the most severe since World War II, identifying China as its greatest strategic challenge due to expanding military capabilities and increased activity around Taiwan and the East China Sea. The report also highlighted growing China-Russia joint bomber patrols and naval exercises near Japan, alongside North Korea's rapid advances in missile technology. Japan said the trilateral alignment is raising regional tensions and poses a serious threat to the post-war security order in East Asia. (PC: Wikipedia)

Iran's worsening economic crisis is forcing families to adopt a "survival economy" as inflation and the ongoing war with the US erode household incomes. According to Iranian media, people are selling natural hair, used perfume bottles, second-hand clothing and other personal belongings, while many are renting laptops instead of buying them to reduce costs. Annual inflation reportedly reached 66%, with year-on-year inflation nearing 88%, driving families to cut spending, delay purchases and rely on instalment payments for healthcare. The hardship comes as diplomatic uncertainty continues, with US President Donald Trump claiming peace talks are underway while Tehran insists no direct negotiations with Washington are taking place. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is witnessing escalating unrest as weeks of protests, violent clashes and internet shutdowns deepen tensions with authorities. According to a BBC report, dozens of people have been killed over the past two months, though protesters and officials dispute the circumstances surrounding the deaths. In Rawalakot, makeshift clinics have emerged to treat injured demonstrators, highlighting the strain on local healthcare. Protesters insist they are ordinary civilians demanding their rights and reject allegations linking them to terrorism. The unrest, coupled with staggered elections and communication restrictions, has become one of the most significant challenges to Islamabad's control over the region, with tensions showing little sign of easing. (PC: ANI)

Ukraine launched fresh overnight drone strikes on sites linked to Russian online retailer Wildberries, while an attack near Moscow killed at least 5 people and injured 10 others. Russian officials confirmed Wildberries facilities were hit in the St Petersburg and Tver regions. Officials said a warehouse at an industrial site near Moscow caught fire, but did not confirm it belonged to the company. Ukraine says the depots are used to supply the Russian military, a claim Moscow denies. Russia said it destroyed 320 Ukrainian drones overnight. Russian strikes on Ukraine also killed at least 4 people, according to Ukrainian emergency officials. (PC: BBC)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for stronger border security and greater cooperation after tens of thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta. Spain said about 69,500 migrants have returned to Morocco, while the death toll stands at 72 on the Spanish side and 11 in Morocco. EU interior ministers are set to hold emergency talks on the crisis. Von der Leyen urged a united European response, including stronger external borders, action against migrant smuggling networks, improved early warning systems and closer cooperation with partner countries to curb irregular migration. (PC: BBC)

A coalition of 25 Democratic-led US states has challenged President Donald Trump's Section 301 tariffs, including the 10% duty on Indian imports, in the US Court of International Trade. The lawsuit argues the tariffs were imposed without following legal procedures and have little connection to the administration's stated goal of combating forced labour. The states say the measures will increase costs for American consumers and businesses. India currently faces a 10% tariff after revising its Foreign Trade Policy, while a separate US investigation could result in additional duties on Indian exports. (PC: HT)

Russia said 7 people, including 3 children, were killed and 40 others injured after a Ukrainian drone crashed onto a crowded beach near Arkhipo-Osipovka in the Krasnodar region. Moscow accused Ukraine of carrying out a deliberate attack on civilians, while Kyiv has not commented on the incident. Ukrainian Telegram channels claimed the drone may have fallen after electronic jamming disrupted its flight. The strike comes as both countries continue exchanging long-range attacks. Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly denied deliberately targeting civilians during the ongoing war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. (PC: BBC)

Pakistan has reportedly blocked access to Al Jazeera after the Qatar-based broadcaster aired reports on anti-government protests and the election situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). While the government has not officially announced a ban, many users in Pakistan said they could not access the broadcaster's English website. Pakistan's Information Ministry accused Al Jazeera of "yellow journalism" and claimed its reporting misrepresented the electoral process. Meanwhile, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) criticised Pakistan over press freedom concerns, citing internet shutdowns, restrictions on reporting, and the reported detention and disappearance of journalists covering developments in the region. (PC: NDTV)

A Ukrainian drone struck a crowded beach in Russia's Krasnodar region, killing seven people, including three children, and injuring 40 others, according to Russian authorities. The explosion occurred near the Black Sea resort village of Arkhipo-Osipovka, where tourists were on the beach. Regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev accused Ukraine of deliberately targeting civilians, while Kyiv has not commented. The intended target remains unclear, with some Ukrainian Telegram channels claiming the drone crashed after electronic jamming. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire before the blast, suggesting Russian air defences may have engaged the drone. Both Russia and Ukraine deny deliberately targeting civilians during the war.

A coalition of 25 Democratic-led US states has sued to block President Donald Trump's new tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, including India, arguing the administration exceeded its legal authority. Filed in the US Court of International Trade in New York, the lawsuit challenges 10% to 12.5% duties imposed last month under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The White House says the tariffs target countries that have failed to curb exports of goods made with forced labour. The case marks the latest legal challenge to Trump's trade strategy, which has faced repeated court scrutiny despite surviving earlier judicial setbacks over similar tariff measures. (PC: India Today)