A manhunt is underway after conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot dead during an event at Utah Valley University. Police said the gunman fired from a rooftop before fleeing. Two men were detained but later released, with officials saying they had “no current ties” to the case. Authorities have not confirmed any clear leads. Mourners gathered at a memorial with flowers. US President Donald Trump called the killing a “heinous assassination” and a “dark moment for America.” Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA at 18, was considered a close ally of Trump and his family. (PC: BBC)

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to urgently hear a plea seeking cancellation of the India–Pakistan Asia Cup T20 match set for September 14. A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi said, “What is the urgency? It’s a match, let it be.” The petition, filed by four law students, argued that playing Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor was against national interest. They claimed the match dishonored armed forces’ sacrifices. The court, however, dismissed the concerns, stressing that cricket should continue as scheduled. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was named as a respondent. (PC: X)

Confusion followed the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, at Utah Valley University. Authorities first said a suspect was in custody, but later confirmed no one is being held. FBI director Kash Patel said a person was detained for questioning but released. Officials believe the shooter fired a single shot from a rooftop, calling it a “targeted attack.” Kirk was struck while answering a question and later died at a hospital. Utah Governor Spencer Cox called it a “political assassination.” A manhunt is underway, with CCTV showing a suspect in dark clothing. The gunman remains at large. (PC: AFP)

Two Indian nationals contacted The Hindu claiming they're trapped in Ukraine's Selydove, forced to serve with Russian forces alongside 13 other Indians. Sumit Sharma, 22, from Jammu, and Gursevak Singh, 26, from Punjab came to Russia on student visas seeking construction work but were deceived into military service. They report at least four Indians missing, possibly killed in combat. Despite Russia's August 2024 assurance to stop recruiting Indians after PM Modi's intervention, new cases continue emerging. External Affairs Ministry data shows 127 Indians previously served in Russian forces, with 98 discharged through diplomatic efforts. The men desperately seek rescue, having received no embassy response despite multiple appeals. (PC: USA Today & The Guardian)

Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned after over 20 people died in anti-government protests triggered by social media bans. Protesters stormed parliament and burned politicians' homes, prompting nationwide curfew and army deployment. This marks the third violent uprising in India's neighborhood after Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. India faces strategic concerns given Nepal's 1,750km open border with five Indian states and 3.5 million Nepalis living in India. Prime Minister Modi called the violence "heart-rending" and chaired emergency security meetings. The crisis complicates India's regional relationships, with analysts warning against another "Bangladesh-type situation" amid ongoing competition with China for influence in the strategically located Himalayan nation. (PC: X)

A video of US President Donald Trump reacting to Charlie Kirk’s killing has sparked online debate, with some claiming it was AI-generated. The clip, shared by the White House, shows Trump calling Kirk a “martyr for truth” and blaming the “radical left” for political violence. X users flagged “glitches” in the footage, saying Trump’s body and hands barely moved. Others argued it was simply edited with transitions. The video has over 3.4 million views. Trump’s message came after Kirk, 31, a conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder, was shot dead in what officials called a “political assassination.”

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot dead while answering questions at Utah Valley University. His final exchange was with a student who asked, “Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?” Kirk replied, “Counting or not counting gang violence?” Seconds later, a bullet struck his neck, and he collapsed as the crowd screamed and fled. Authorities believe the shot came from a rooftop and have launched a manhunt. President Donald Trump called Kirk “great, and even legendary.” Democrats also condemned the killing, calling it an attack on democracy. (PC: NDTV)

India's External Affairs Ministry demanded Russia cease recruiting Indian nationals as military support staff and release those currently serving in Russian armed forces. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal warned Indian citizens against joining Russian military, calling it "fraught with danger" amid reports of fresh recruitment. India has repeatedly raised concerns with Russian authorities in Delhi and Moscow over past year, urging end to this practice. The government remains in contact with affected families while emphasizing "risks and dangers inherent" in such offers. Indians have been serving as support staff like cooks and helpers with Russian military units. Prime Minister Modi previously raised this issue during his Russia visit, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts. (PC: NZZ & BBC)

The UK will begin mass-producing interceptor drones to support Ukraine against Russian air attacks. The drones were designed by Ukraine with help from British scientists and are said to be highly effective against Moscow’s Shahed drones. Defence Secretary John Healey will announce details at a London trade show. The project is the first under a new UK-Ukraine technology-sharing deal signed earlier this year by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The news came after Russian drones entered Polish airspace, prompting NATO forces to respond. Poland called the incident the most serious threat to its security since World War Two. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has asked the European Union to place 100 percent tariffs on China and India, reports said. The move is aimed at pressuring Russia to end its war in Ukraine. Trump told US and EU officials that Washington would raise tariffs only if Europe joined. He warned of higher duties on China and India, both major buyers of Russian oil. Last month, Trump raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent. He said he would soon speak with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi responded that talks would boost India-US ties and support a stronger partnership. (PC: Mandel Ngan/AFP)