At least 80 people were killed after Baloch insurgents launched coordinated attacks at 12 locations across Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province from Friday night into Saturday, officials said. The violence, described as one of the most widespread assaults in recent years, targeted security forces, police posts and civilians in areas including Quetta, Gwadar, Makran, Hub, Chaman and Naseerabad. Authorities reported 70 militants and 10 security personnel killed, while bomb disposal teams defused explosives on a railway track. Civilian deaths were also reported in Gwadar. Clearance operations are ongoing as the army and law enforcement respond. (PC: India Today)

Thousands of protesters rallied in Minneapolis and across the United States on January 30 after two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by federal immigration agents, sparking national outrage and calls to end aggressive ICE operations. Students and teachers staged walkouts from California to New York, demanding that federal immigration agents leave Minnesota and an end to what they call harsh tactics under Operation Metro Surge. Demonstrations included families, activists, and solidarity actions in major cities under the slogan “No work. No school. No shopping. Stop funding ICE.” President Trump defended the crackdown amid mixed de-escalation signals. (PC: Reuters)

The U.S. Justice Department has released over 3 million pages of Epstein-related documents, including emails, images and videos, under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The files mention high-profile figures such as Prince Andrew, Elon Musk, and Lord Peter Mandelson, showing continued contact or financial links with Epstein after his 2008 conviction. Images purportedly depict Andrew over a woman. Emails suggest Musk discussed possible visits to Epstein’s island, and Epstein sent money to Mandelson’s husband. Victims’ lawyers and lawmakers condemned extensive redactions and incomplete disclosure, raising transparency concerns. (PC: The Guardian)

An explosion struck an eight-storey building in the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas on January 31, 2026, damaging two floors, vehicles and nearby shops. Iranian state media say rescue and firefighting teams responded and multiple people were injured and taken to hospital, while officials investigate the cause. Authorities have not confirmed what triggered the blast, and rumours of an attack on a military commander were denied by Iranian sources. The incident occurred amid broader regional tensions and follows other recent explosions reported across Iran. (PC: The Hindu)

The US Department of Justice released over 3 million pages of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein files, sparking fresh controversy due to sensational allegations involving Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Among draft emails attributed to Epstein are unverified claims that Gates contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD) after encounters with “Russian girls” and allegedly sought antibiotics to secretly give to his then-wife, Melinda Gates. Gates’ spokesperson strongly denied the assertions, calling them “absurd and completely false.” Experts note the claims remain unsubstantiated and based on disputed draft communications within the larger tranche of records. (PC: NDTV)

Suspected separatist fighters killed at least 10 Pakistani policemen in a series of coordinated attacks across Balochistan, targeting police stations and security posts. Pakistan has been battling a decades-long separatist insurgency in the resource-rich province, where armed groups frequently attack state forces, foreign nationals, and non-local residents. Authorities said the attackers used gunfire and explosives, triggering a large security operation. Transport and internet services were disrupted in several areas as forces searched for the assailants. The violence highlights ongoing security challenges in the volatile region. (PC: AFP)

Fresh documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation include an FBI report citing a “credible” confidential source who claimed US President Donald Trump was “compromised by Israel.” The report also alleged that Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner held outsized influence during Trump’s first term. The source raised concerns about Kushner’s business dealings, including undisclosed foreign links and Russian money flows. The report also referenced past real estate transactions involving Trump and made claims about Epstein’s legal and political networks. The US Justice Department said the material was released after review and reflects claims, not findings. Trump has denied wrongdoing and said he had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. (PC: X)

New files related to Jeffrey Epstein released by the US Justice Department include photographs that appear to show Prince Andrew kneeling on all fours over an unidentified woman lying on the floor. In some images, he is seen touching her stomach. The woman is fully clothed and her face is blacked out. Officials have not said when or where the photos were taken. The release also includes emails suggesting Jeffrey Epstein invited Andrew to meet a 26-year-old Russian woman in 2010. The documents do not accuse Andrew of a crime. He has denied all wrongdoing linked to Epstein. US authorities earlier said he was “not presently a target” of the investigation. Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial.

Bangladesh and Pakistan have resumed direct passenger flights after a 14-year gap, signalling warmer ties between the two countries. A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight landed in Karachi on Thursday and was given a water salute. The flights will operate twice a week under a temporary licence until March 30. The move comes as both sides hold high-level talks on defence cooperation, including Pakistan’s offer of JF-17 fighter jets to Bangladesh. The shift follows political change in Dhaka after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024. Officials in Pakistan called the flights the start of a new phase in bilateral relations. (PC: HT)

The US Justice Department on Friday released a new batch of documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The files include draft emails attributed to Epstein that make allegations involving Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. The emails claim Gates sought help after sexual encounters and tried to prevent the matter from reaching his then wife, Melinda French Gates. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said over three million pages, along with videos and images, were released after review to protect victims. The documents also revive earlier reports of Epstein pressuring Gates over a charity fund. Gates’ spokesperson denied all allegations, calling them false. Epstein died in jail in 2019. (PC: NDTV)