At least 36 people have died in a major fire that swept through apartment blocks in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district. Authorities said 279 people are still missing as rescue work continues. More than 800 firefighters are trying to control the level-five blaze at Wang Fuk Court. A baby and an elderly woman were rescued late at night, according to local reports. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the fire is now coming under control. The government also honoured a 37-year-old firefighter who died while fighting the flames. Families are seeking help after losing contact with loved ones.

India has approved a Rs 7,280-crore plan to build its own rare earth permanent magnet (REPM) industry and cut its heavy reliance on China. China controls about 90% of global rare earth magnet production, which is key for EVs, wind turbines, electronics and defence systems. The new scheme will create India’s first full rare earth supply chain, from oxides to metals and finished magnets. The plan will run for seven to ten years with subsidies and incentives to set up 6,000 MTPA capacity. India has large rare earth reserves but makes only 1% of global output today. (PC: India Today)

Mary D’Costa has spoken out as cheating rumours spread around Smriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal’s postponed wedding. She said the chats with Palash took place only from April 29 to May 30. She added, “I never met him and I never got involved with him in any way.” D’Costa also said, “I am not the choreographer, and I am not the person he cheated with.” Screenshots of their chats, first posted on Reddit, went viral online. The wedding was put on hold after Smriti’s father fell ill. Smriti then deleted all wedding posts, adding to speculation. Palash’s cousin asked people not to judge him. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated Safran’s new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for aircraft engines in Hyderabad, highlighting India’s growing civil aviation sector. The facility, designed to service up to 300 LEAP engines annually, will employ over 1,000 skilled Indian technicians by 2035. During the event, Safran Chairman Ross McInnes, born in India, joked he was “Made in India,” referencing the “Make in India” campaign, prompting Modi to burst into laughter. Modi emphasized India’s rapid aviation growth, noting domestic carriers have ordered over 1,500 planes. He assured investors they are “co-creators” in India’s development journey, calling investment in India “the smartest business decision of this decade.”

Kapil Sharma, actor-comedian, addressed repeated shootings at his Kaps Cafe in Surrey, Canada, since its July opening. The cafe was targeted three times on the following dates, July 10, August 7, and October 16 though no injuries occurred and no group claimed responsibility. Sharma suggested Canadian police may lack power under local rules to control such incidents, contrasting it with Mumbai’s efficiency where he never felt unsafe. He noted each attack ironically drew larger crowds to his cafe. The matter escalated to Canada’s federal government and parliament discussions. At his film trailer launch, Sharma expressed faith, saying, “It is all ok if god is with me,” despite the unsettling events.

India strongly rebuked Pakistan’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat hoisting the saffron flag atop Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed Islamabad’s remarks as “contemptible,” stressing Pakistan’s “deeply stained record of bigotry, repression, and systemic mistreatment of minorities.” Pakistan had labeled the November 25 Dhwajarohan ceremony “Islamophobia” and “heritage desecration,” linking it to the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition and alleging discrimination against minorities. India rejected these claims outright, urging Pakistan to “turn its gaze inwards” and address its own human rights failings. The flag-hoisting marked the formal completion of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple, consecrated in January 2024.

Paul Doyle, 54, a former Royal Marine, broke down in court as he admitted driving into crowds during Liverpool FC’s Premier League trophy parade on 26 May. In just seven minutes, Doyle’s Ford Galaxy Titanium struck more than 100 people, including children as young as six months. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, affray, 17 counts of attempted GBH with intent, nine counts of GBH with intent, and three counts of wounding with intent. Victims suffered life-changing injuries, with some thrown from prams. Prosecutors described his actions as “calculated violence.” Judge Andrew Menary KC remanded Doyle, warning a long prison sentence is inevitable. (PC: Reuters)

At least 13 people have been killed and 15 injured in a major fire engulfing apartment blocks in Hong Kong's Tai Po district. More than 700 firefighters are battling the blaze at Wang Fuk Court, which houses approximately 4,600 residents. The fire has been classified as level five, the most serious designation in Hong Kong. Dozens of fire trucks continue arriving at the scene. A 37-year-old firefighter died fighting the blaze, with the government paying tribute to him as "dedicated and gallant." Residents are desperately seeking help from local authorities after losing contact with relatives inside the buildings, according to a local councillor, as emergency response efforts continue.

South Africa created cricket history by whitewashing India 2-0 at home, inflicting a record 408-run defeat in Guwahati's second Test. This marks only the second time India has been whitewashed on home soil, the first occurring in 2000 under Hansie Cronje. South African coach Shukri Conrad's controversial "grovel" remark sparked debate, echoing Tony Greig's 1976 racially-charged comment against West Indies. India's decline began with New Zealand's 3-0 whitewash last year, followed by losses in Australia and England. Team management has rushed transitions, constantly changed squads, produced unpredictable pitches, and selected bits-and-pieces T20 players instead of genuine Test specialists, leading to systemic uncertainty and weakened team structure. (PC: Mint, India Today & TOI)

India confirmed receiving Bangladesh's extradition request for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and is examining it through ongoing judicial and internal legal processes. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated India remains committed to Bangladesh's best interests, including peace, democracy, stability, and inclusion. Bangladesh initially requested extradition in December and again this month after the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina to death for crimes against humanity related to July 2024 demonstrations. Hasina called the tribunal "rigged," claiming it lacks democratic mandate under the unelected interim government. She alleged the death penalty reveals extremist figures' intent to eliminate her and nullify the Awami League, calling the trials a scapegoat tactic distracting from Dr. Mohammad Yunus's government failures. (PC: Wikimedia Commons)