China condemned US President Donald Trump's announcement of 100% tariffs on all Chinese imports and export controls on critical software starting November 1. Beijing's Commerce Ministry accused Washington of "arbitrary double standards," stating the measures "severely harm China's interests" and damage bilateral trade talks. China declared it "does not want to fight, but is not afraid to fight," vowing countermeasures including special port fees on US-linked vessels. Trump's move follows China's export restrictions on rare earth elements vital for tech manufacturing. The escalation threatens sectors from consumer electronics to electric vehicles and comes weeks before a scheduled Trump-Xi meeting in South Korea, which Trump has threatened to cancel. (PC: OPB)

The Taliban government in Afghanistan claimed to have killed 12 Pakistani soldiers during intense cross-border clashes along the Durand Line near Helmand and Kunar provinces. The Taliban’s defence ministry stated that several Pakistani outposts were captured in response to alleged Pakistani airstrikes on Kabul. Pakistan’s military denied the claims, asserting it retaliated only after Taliban provocation. The incident marks a sharp escalation in hostilities between the two neighbours, already strained over terrorist safe havens, border fencing disputes, and deportation drives against Afghan refugees. Both sides remain on high alert as tensions continue to rise. (PC: AFP)  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated US President Donald Trump on brokering the Gaza peace agreement during a Saturday phone call, expressing hope for similar diplomatic success in ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Zelensky described the conversation as "very positive and productive," stating, "If a war can be stopped in one region, then surely other wars can be stopped as well." He briefed Trump on Russia's recent attacks on Kyiv's energy infrastructure and discussed strategies to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities. The leaders explored "good options and solid ideas" to compel Moscow toward genuine diplomacy through strength. Relations between the leaders have notably improved since their tense February White House exchange. 

At least four people were killed and approximately 12 injured in a shooting Saturday night in Leland, Mississippi, following a high school football homecoming game. Police identified 18-year-old Tylar Jarod Goodloe as the suspect, who remains at large. Mississippi State Senator Derrick Simmons confirmed the incident occurred as people congregated downtown after the game. Four victims were transported to a Greenville hospital before being airlifted to a larger facility in Jackson. The Jasper County Sheriff's Office is seeking information from the public. Senator Simmons condemned the violence, stating, "It's just senseless gun violence. What we are experiencing now is just a proliferation of guns in circulation."

Hamas will boycott the Gaza peace deal signing in Egypt, calling proposals for members' departure from Gaza "absurd." Senior Hamas leader Hossam Badran rejected expulsion suggestions, warning second-phase negotiations will be difficult due to "complexities and difficulties." The group declared disarmament as a key plan requirement & "out of the question" despite potential governmental withdrawal. Trump's Middle East visit is scheduled for the next two days to celebrate hostage releases. Israel's ceasefire began Friday, with troops withdrawing from Gaza areas. Hamas must release 47 remaining Israeli hostages by Monday noon; Israel will exchange 250 prisoners and 1,700 detained Gazans. The conflict killed 67,682 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry. (PC: India Today & NPR)

Hamas has mobilized approximately 7,000 security forces to reassert control over Gaza areas recently vacated by Israeli troops, appointing five new military-background governors. The mobilization, issued via calls and texts, aims to "cleanse Gaza of outlaws and Israeli collaborators." Tensions escalated after two elite Hamas members were killed by Dughmush clan gunmen in Gaza City's Sabra neighborhood. Hamas surrounded 300 Dughmush fighters, killing one and kidnapping 30 others. The deployment raises concerns about Gaza's post-war governance, potentially complicating President Trump's peace plan requiring Hamas disarmament. Experts warn Gaza faces civil war risks due to widespread looted weapons, frustration, and chaos among the exhausted population. (PC: BBC & Reuters)

A pro-Palestine rally in Pakistan turned deadly after Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) claimed police killed 11 supporters during their march toward Islamabad to protest outside the US embassy against Israel's Gaza actions. Violent clashes erupted Saturday when 10,000-15,000 TLP workers resumed marching from Lahore's Azadi Chowk. Authorities reported at least 40 injured policemen. Confrontations intensified between Shahdara and Muridke, with protesters using commandeered government cranes to breach police blockades. TLP chief Saad Rizvi led the "million march," stating 20 others sustained bullet wounds. Punjab Police hasn't confirmed casualty claims. Over 200 TLP supporters were arrested, and mobile internet services were suspended in affected Lahore areas.

Britain deployed two Royal Air Force aircraft on a 12-hour joint mission with US and NATO forces near Russia's border Thursday, responding to recent Russian drone and aircraft incursions into NATO airspace. Defence Minister John Healey called it a "substantial joint mission" sending a "powerful message of NATO unity" to Putin. An RC-135 Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft and P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane flew from the Arctic past Belarus and Ukraine, supported by US Air Force KC-135 refuelling. The operation followed Russian incursions into Poland, Romania, and Estonia's airspaces. Healey emphasized the mission provides valuable intelligence boosting operational awareness. Earlier this month, EU leaders backed plans strengthening defences against Russian drones. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump claimed Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, called him saying she accepted it "in honour" of him because he "really deserved it." Trump said he helped Venezuela during disasters, saving "millions of lives." The president expressed disappointment at not receiving the prize for ending "seven wars," including conflicts in Armenia-Azerbaijan, Kosovo-Serbia, Israel-Iran, Egypt-Ethiopia, and Rwanda-Congo. Israeli PM Netanyahu also endorsed Trump for the Nobel Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded Machado for promoting democratic rights in Venezuela and fighting for peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy, calling her a "brave champion of peace."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged US President Donald Trump to broker a Ukraine peace deal during their "positive and productive" Saturday phone call. Zelenskyy congratulated Trump on the Gaza ceasefire, stating if war can be stopped in one region, "surely" the Russian war can end too. He informed Trump about Russia's recent attacks on Kyiv's energy system and discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defense with concrete agreements underway. Zelenskyy appreciated Trump's willingness to support Ukraine. Relations between the leaders have warmed significantly since their February White House meeting. Trump called Zelenskyy "brave" and praised Ukraine's fight against the Russian invasion ongoing since 2022, maintaining continued support. (PC: ABC News)