The death toll from the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture on Kyushu island has risen to 34, authorities said on Thursday. Rescue teams continue searching for survivors as more than 100 aftershocks keep residents on edge. Around 9,000 people remain in evacuation centres, while over 30,000 households are without electricity. With temperatures expected to reach 39°C, officials have warned of heatstroke risks and sent hundreds of air conditioners to shelters. The quake caused widespread damage, including the partial collapse of a shopping mall and a paper factory. Investigations into a suspected gas explosion at the mall are ongoing. (PC: BBC)

India's campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2026 enters a crucial phase on Day 8, with star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra returning to the competition after an eight-year gap. The Olympic champion will renew his much-anticipated rivalry with Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem in one of the biggest events of the day. Indian decathlete Tejasvin Shankar will also compete across multiple disciplines, while the country's weightlifting team aims to add to its impressive medal tally after winning 6 medals so far. With several medal events scheduled, India will look to strengthen its position in the overall standings in Glasgow. (PC: NDTV)

The United States launched a "heavy wave" of airstrikes on Iran after Tehran allegedly attempted ballistic missile attacks on American forces in Jordan and targeted ships in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command said dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) military sites, including missile, drone and command facilities, were struck. Iranian state media reported that 3 civilians, including a 2-year-old child, were killed on Qeshm Island. The latest escalation follows months of conflict between the US and Iran, raising fresh concerns over regional stability despite recent efforts to restart diplomatic talks. (PC: BBC)

The US and Saudi Arabia launched coordinated airstrikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq after accusing them of carrying out drone attacks on American forces and Saudi energy facilities. US Central Command said the strikes targeted militia logistics and weapons sites linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) said at least 20 fighters were killed and 32 injured, calling the attacks a violation of Iraq's sovereignty. The escalation followed Iran's reported missile attack on US forces and renewed tensions across the Middle East, raising concerns over regional stability and global oil supplies. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump vowed a forceful response after Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles at a US military base in Jordan, calling it an attempted surprise attack despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. Speaking to Fox News, Trump warned Iran would face severe retaliation if American personnel were harmed. The missiles were intercepted, according to the US military. The attack came days after Washington paused planned strikes to allow negotiations with Tehran. Trump said discussions had been progressing but stressed diplomacy would not prevent military action if Iran escalated further. The incident marks a significant setback for de-escalation efforts, heightening concerns over renewed conflict and broader instability across the Middle East. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of a strong retaliation after a missile attack targeted an American military base in Jordan. Trump said the US would respond forcefully if Iran was found responsible for the strike, escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. The attack reportedly caused damage to the facility and raised concerns over wider regional instability. US officials are assessing the incident and possible links to Iran-backed groups. The latest warning comes amid ongoing friction in the Middle East, with fears that further military actions could deepen the conflict across the region. (PC: X)

Iran is expected to receive an initial shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defence missile systems within weeks, according to a Reuters report citing sources familiar with the deal. The portable missile launchers are intended to strengthen Iran's short-range air defence network following recent damage to its military infrastructure during conflict with the United States and Israel. Reports suggest the agreement is worth around $60–70 million and may involve payment through oil shipments. China has denied involvement in the reported transfer, while Pakistan has also rejected claims that it would facilitate transit for the weapons. (PC: ET)

More than 2,000 farmers have reached the outskirts of Bhopal after marching from Narmadapuram, demanding 100% procurement of moong at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the removal of the e-token system. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha-led protest continued after initial talks with the Madhya Pradesh government failed to produce a breakthrough. Farmers say current procurement limits force them to sell much of their crop at lower market prices, causing heavy losses. Several Gen Z supporters joined the protest, while security has been tightened around Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's residence ahead of the planned march on Wednesday. (PC: India Today)

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) are "enemies like India" while defending a security crackdown that reportedly killed at least 14 activists. The violence erupted after security forces opened fire on a protest march led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which was demanding political reforms. The JAAC accused security personnel of "unprovoked fire", while Pakistani authorities claimed protesters were armed and attacked first. India criticised Pakistan's assembly elections in POK as a "cosmetic electoral exercise" and said the region remains an integral part of India despite Islamabad's control. (PC: India Today)

Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said rescue teams are in a "race against time" after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, killing at least 13 people. Emergency crews are searching the collapsed Aeon Mall in Kashima, where 3 people remain missing and 3 deaths have been confirmed. Rescue operations are also continuing at the Nippon Paper factory in Yatsushiro, where several people are believed to be trapped. The powerful quake damaged homes and buildings across the region, with survivors describing terrifying moments as strong tremors shook the area and left widespread destruction. (PC: BBC)