Following a shooting near the White House that critically injured two National Guard soldiers, the United States has indefinitely suspended all immigration processing for Afghan nationals. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said the halt will remain until a full review of security and vetting protocols is completed. President Donald Trump condemned the attack as “an act of terror” and demanded a re-examination of all Afghan immigrants admitted under the 2021 Operation Allies Welcome. (PC: X)

India’s disappointing 0-2 Test series loss to South Africa has reignited criticism of coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill, as their “stubborn insistence” on all-rounders and omission of domestic stars like Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran draws ire. Analyst suggest that Ajit Agarkar, chairman of selectors, is “tied down” despite mounting pressure and public blame, because Gambhir and Gill hold decision-making power. With India underperforming, names like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar and Rinku Singh are now being floated for a comeback. A former BCCI selector warns that only Gambhir truly controls the future of the squad. (PC: AFP)

A woman in her 20s was killed and a man critically injured in a shark attack at Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay, New South Wales. The man was airlifted to Newcastle hospital after a bystander applied a makeshift tourniquet, likely saving his life. Authorities said a large bull shark, one of the few dangerous shark species, was involved. The beach is closed, and “smart” drumlines and drone patrols have been deployed. Surf Life Saving NSW urged locals to stay out of the water. This marks the fifth fatal shark attack in Australia this year. (PC: BBC)

India’s long home dominance in Test cricket has crashed in the past year. Once unbeatable under Virat Kohli, the team has now lost two home series in a single year for the first time in four decades. New Zealand beat India 0–3 last year, and South Africa have now won 2–0. Many key players retired or left Tests, and Gautam Gambhir’s new team has struggled with unstable plans and frequent changes. Senior players say there is no clear path for transition. India have lost five of their last seven home Tests, raising major concerns about direction and leadership. (PC: India Today)

Rumours about the death of Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan spread online after Afghan media claimed he was killed in Adiala Jail. The report said Khan died from mistreatment, but Pakistan’s government strongly denied the claims. His three sisters said they were assaulted while trying to meet him and had not seen him for over three weeks. PTI supporters held a sit-in outside the jail but ended their protest after police agreed to allow family visits. Khan has been in jail since August 2023 on corruption charges. His family says he is being kept in a “death cell”. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump called for a full review of all Afghan nationals who entered the country under the Biden administration. His statement came after two National Guard members were shot near the White House. The suspect, an Afghan man who arrived in 2021, is in custody. Both soldiers were shot in the head and are in critical condition. The FBI is treating the attack as a possible act of terror. The White House was briefly locked down. US immigration officials have stopped processing Afghan cases. Trump also ordered 500 more Guard members to Washington. Joe Biden said he was “heartbroken”. (PC: Sky News)

Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir took charge as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces after a major constitutional change. The new post gives him control of the army, navy and air force. It also puts him in charge of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. The 27th Amendment removed the old Joint Chiefs role and extended Munir’s tenure until at least 2030. He now has legal protection similar to the president. Analysts say Munir is now Pakistan’s most powerful man. Critics warn that politicians have given too much power to the military. Supporters say the move will bring stability. (PC: NDTV)

Grief and shock spread across Hong Kong’s Tai Po district after a huge fire tore through the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, killing more than 50 people. Nearly 300 residents are still missing. Many families searched shelters and online lists through the night, hoping for any news. Survivors said smoke filled corridors within minutes, turning escape routes into deadly traps. Police blamed a construction firm for “gross negligence”, saying the fire started from bamboo scaffolding used for repair work. Many long-time residents lost all their belongings. The blaze is now Hong Kong’s deadliest since 1948. (PC: HT)

A new storm is forming in the Bay of Bengal, and it may soon become Cyclone Ditwah. The India Meteorological Department said a depression near Sri Lanka has strengthened into a deep depression and could turn into a cyclone within 12 hours. Heavy rain, strong winds of up to 90 kmph, and rough seas are expected later this week in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh. A pre-cyclone alert is in place. The system is likely to move north-northwest and gain strength. Meanwhile, Cyclone Senyar is weakening but will still bring heavy rain to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the government will soon allow private companies to enter India’s nuclear energy sector. This marks a major change, as the sector has always been controlled by the government. Modi said the move will help develop small modular reactors, advanced reactors, and new nuclear technology. He spoke while virtually opening Skyroot’s new Infinity Campus in Hyderabad. The Prime Minister praised private players for boosting India’s space progress in recent years. He said Skyroot’s growth shows the strength of India’s young talent and added that India can become a global leader in satellite launches.