A British-born Sikh woman in her twenties was raped and beaten in Oldbury, UK, in what police called a “racially aggravated attack.” Two white men assaulted her, with one making racist remarks during the crime. Police described the suspects and said investigations with CCTV and forensic evidence are underway. Chief Superintendent Kim Madill assured extra patrols and community support. The Sikh Federation (UK) said attackers told the woman, “You don’t belong in this country.” Community leaders held a meeting at a local gurdwara, warning of rising hate crimes targeting minorities. Police urged anyone with information to come forward. (PC: Sky News)

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar spoke on the controversy over the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match in Dubai. He said the Indian team is simply following the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and government directives. “At the end of the day, it’s the government that makes the call,” Gavaskar told India Today. The fixture has faced boycott calls after recent tensions, with ticket sales slower than usual. Despite protests, both teams remain focused on their performance. India began strongly against the UAE, while Pakistan defeated Oman. Sunday’s clash is expected to be intense. (PC: India Today)

A horrific murder shocked Dallas, Texas, after Cuban national Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, 37, beheaded Indian worker Chandra Nagamallaiah, 50, at a motel. The two argued over a broken washing machine before Cobos-Martinez attacked with a machete. Witnesses said Nagamallaiah ran toward the office where his wife and son were present, but the accused struck him repeatedly until decapitation. Police confirmed Cobos-Martinez kicked the victim’s head into the parking lot before placing it in a bin. US authorities revealed he had a criminal past and was previously released by the Biden administration because Cuba refused to accept his deportation. (PC: India Today)

Israel has intensified its bombardment of Gaza City with heavy air strikes, forcing thousands of families to flee. Entire buildings were destroyed, including schools and shelters. The Israeli military said 250,000 people have already left the city, calling Gaza Hamas’s last stronghold. Residents described escaping in darkness. “We escaped certain death,” said one mother, mourning her brother’s death. The UN warned the offensive would worsen famine and push civilians into deeper catastrophe. Meanwhile, Qatar condemned Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu after a strike in Doha killed Hamas members and a Qatari officer. Gaza’s health ministry reported 47 deaths in one day. (PC: BBC)

India faced a scare ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 clash against Pakistan as Shubman Gill was struck on his hand during training. The 26-year-old vice-captain looked in pain and walked off after the team physio rushed to check him. Captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir spoke with Gill, while teammate Abhishek Sharma stayed close to support him. Reports say Gill resumed training minutes later, easing concerns. Gill had scored 20 runs from nine balls in India’s first game against the UAE, his first T20I in over a year. India play Pakistan in Dubai tomorrow. (PC: BCCI)

China has rejected US President Donald Trump’s call for 100% tariffs on Beijing over Russian oil trade. During a visit to Slovenia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China “does not plot or join wars” and argued that war never solves problems. His remarks came hours after Trump urged NATO nations to stop buying Russian oil and punish China with heavy sanctions. Washington has already imposed tariffs on India for importing Russian oil but avoided direct action on Beijing. The US continues to push G7 countries to cut Moscow’s revenue streams to weaken its war effort. (PC: X)

Kalpana, wife of slain Maoist commander Kishenji, surrendered before Telangana Police on Saturday. She was known by names Padmavati, Sujata, and Kalpana. Police had been searching for her since 1982, with a reward of ₹1 crore on her head. She was a CPI (Maoist) central committee member and South Regional Secretary. Kalpana was born in a poor farmer’s family in Jogulamba Gadwal district. Kishenji was killed in West Bengal in 2011. Police said her surrender is a “moral victory.” Telangana DGP urged other Maoist leaders to lay down arms and join development. Over 400 Maoists surrendered this year. (PC: Anandabazar)

The Indian cricket team has spoken on calls to boycott Pakistan at the 2025 Asia Cup after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Fielding coach Ryan ten Doeschate said the team is following instructions from the government and the BCCI. “Players feel the emotion and sentiments of the public. But we are here to play cricket,” he said. Ten Doeschate added that head coach Gautam Gambhir’s message is clear: “Focus on the game and not on matters beyond control.” India will face Pakistan on Sunday in Dubai. The government earlier said bilateral games remain suspended. (PC: News18)

US President Donald Trump has called on NATO countries to stop buying oil from Russia, saying the purchases weaken the alliance’s stance in the Russia-Ukraine war. In a letter to NATO members, Trump said the bloc’s commitment to ending the war is “far less than 100%.” He urged members to impose heavy tariffs, up to 100%, on China for its Russian oil imports, arguing this would pressure Moscow. Trump said he is ready to push major sanctions only if all NATO nations act together. His remarks come after Russian drones entered Polish airspace, raising tensions with NATO allies. (PC: Reuters)

A 33-year-old IT professional was attacked with a billhook outside his fiancée’s office in Vimannagar, Pune, around 3 am on Thursday. Police said two men assaulted him, mistaking him for another employee after being told by a cab driver to target someone suspected of a love affair. The victim suffered a fractured arm and head injuries but is now out of danger. The attackers, identified as Balaji Shivaji Munde and Siddharth Ishwar Daliya, both 19, were arrested within six hours. Police seized their two-wheeler and confirmed Munde has a criminal record. Locals have demanded stronger security and patrolling. (PC: TOI)