The Global News Desk 115

BIHAR, India  —    This week, lightning and thunderstorms in the province of Bihar, India, have tragically resulted in no less than 33 fatalities and have inflicted injuries upon numerous people.  The disaster management department noted that the main victims were mostly farmers and workers involved in outdoor tasks. Heavy monsoons and thunderstorms on Wednesday and Thursday caused fatalities in eastern India. More rain and lightning are expected in parts of the state, according to media reports. Bihar's disaster management minister announced that officials in at-risk districts must "raise awareness and take precautions" due to a lightning alert. The provincial government announced a ₹40 lakh compensation for families of those who died from lightning strikes.

Al-Kut, also known as Kut al-Imara, is mainly a Shia Muslim city in Iraq. BAGHDAD, Iraq  —   Police and health officials report that a massive fire in an al-Kut city superstore in eastern Iraq killed at least 60 people, with 11 still missing as of Thursday. Throughout the night, a major fire consumed the five-story self-service store in Al-Kut, while firefighters bravely fought to extinguish it, local media reported. The cause of the fire remains undetermined; however, the governor of the province has announced that preliminary investigation findings will be disclosed within two days.  No other piece of information about the deceased was immediately released by the Iraqi government authorities. Bodies were being taken to a hospital for identification.  "The governor informed the journalists, 'We have initiated legal action against the owner of the general store."

New Delhi, India —  Severe floods and landslides in India's Himalayan regions have caused at least 69 deaths and injured over 112 people. Over the past two weeks, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand states faced severe damage from heavy rainfall. Local officials report that rivers have overflowed, wreaking havoc on roads, homes, and vehicles, and severing access to numerous outlying towns and villages. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a new warning for "heavy to very heavy rainfall" in the Himalayan region. Rescue teams, including the military, are working tirelessly to bring relief supplies to the affected communities. The local authorities recommend that both residents and visitors refrain from accessing the mountainous areas.

At least 39 workers were killed and 34 others injured as a result of Monday's explosion and fire at a pharmaceutical company in southern India.  Telangana's Health Minister, Damodar Raja Narasimha, said 108 workers were inside the plant when the explosion happened. The incident occurred in Telangana province at Sigachi Industries' chemical factory, police reported. On Tuesday, the state's fire services announced that they continue to clear the rubble from the demolished plant to ascertain whether any workers remain trapped. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office announced on Monday that the families of those who died will receive 200,000 rupees each, and those who were injured will get 50,000 rupees each.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan  —  A government source reported Wednesday that flash floods and heavy rain in Pakistan killed 64 people and injured 117 in just one week. The National Disaster Management Authority reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was hit hardest by the floods, resulting in 23 deaths, including 10 children. Local media in Swat reported that a flash flood in KPK's Swat Valley last week swept away 18 picnickers, including women and children of the same family.  The authority reported heavy rain-related flash floods and collapsing houses killed 21 more people, including 11 children, in eastern Punjab.  Additionally, there were five deaths in southwestern Balochistan and 15 in southern Sindh. Until at least Saturday night, there is a considerable chance of intense rain and possible severe flooding, according to the National Weather Service.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan  —  A deadly Saturday assault, planned and orchestrated by terrorists allegedly supported by India, targeted the Security Forces in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan District. A suicide bomber in a vehicle attempted to attack a security forces convoy, but the leading group intervened and stopped him, foiling his plans. However, he somehow drove a car full of explosives straight into the security forces' lead vehicle at the front of the convoy. As a result, 13 brave soldiers lost their lives. In this tragic and brutal incident, three innocent civilians, including two children and a woman, were also seriously injured. The Shuhada are: Subedar Zahid Iqbal (45, from Karak), Havildar Sohrab Khan (39, from Naseerabad), Havildar Mian Yousaf (41, from Buner), Naik Khitab Shah (34, from Lower Dir), Lance Naik Ismail (32, from Naseerabad), Sepoy Rohail (30, from Mirpur Khas), Sepoy Muhammad Ramzan (33, from Dera Ghazi Khan), Sepoy Nawab (30, from Quetta), Sepoy Zu...

Pakistan secures legal triumph in water dispute as court upholds its authority The Government of Pakistan has expressed its appreciation for the recent judicial ruling regarding the Indus Waters matter. The Court of Arbitration in the Hague confirmed its authority to hear the case. It rejected India's request to bypass the Court and just depend on a Neutral Expert.  The Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement that the court confirmed India's actions don't hinder the case's progress. The ruling underscores the court's role in equitably and legally resolving water conflicts between India and Pakistan.  Pakistan anticipates the forthcoming ruling, which will address the core issues of the dispute. The decision will come after hearings in July 2024 at The Hague's Peace Palace. Pakistan thinks the court's decision will help resolve the conflict fairly. It further urges India to adhere to the legal framework and collaborate towards achieving a peaceful resolut...

Quetta, Balochistan  —  In Balochistan, Pakistan, a deadly accident on Tuesday led to the death of 6 people and injuries to 7 passengers. The accident occurred when a passenger bus collided with a three-wheeled Qingqi rickshaw, subsequently igniting a fire, as confirmed by a senior government official. The same source also mentioned that the passenger bus caught fire after hitting the Qingqi, which was reportedly carrying petrol. "The injured are receiving prompt, high-quality medical treatment," the government said, highlighting that 3 injured passengers are currently being treated at the city's Civil Hospital, while 2 others are receiving care at the Bolan Medical Complex.  No other piece of information about the deceased was immediately released by the Balochistan government authorities. Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti expressed deep sorrow about the incident and announced plans to set up a fire brigade station in Sariab to improve emergency response.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan  —  On Tuesday, a high-level Pakistani delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called on the US and OIC envoys at the UN to facilitate a "comprehensive dialogue" between Pakistan and India on the Kashmir dispute.  A delegation of nine parliamentarians, headed by the former Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, arrived in New York on Monday. The former Foreign Minister's tour aimed to clearly express Pakistan's position globally in response to India's recent illegal attacks on Pakistan. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari denied India's claims that Pakistan was involved in the Pahalgam fatal incident.  During the OIC briefing, he said that there has been no complete investigation or clear evidence indicating Pakistan's involvement in the attack.  During  the  news  conference  at the United Nations Headquarters, Bilawal said the cooperation between Pakistani and Indian...

DHAKA, Bangladesh  —  Bangladesh's Election Commission suspended former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, barring it from the next national elections. Bangladesh's Election Commission acted against Sheikh Hasina's Awami League following a request from the interim government. Under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, the government amended a law to allow for the trial of an entire party for certain crimes, rather than just a few members. Last year, a student protest toppled Ms. Hasina's authoritarian government. She escaped to India, but the Awami League continued operating in Bangladesh. Ms. Hasina's party supporters were held accountable for last week's assault on Hasnat Abdullah, a significant figure in the previous year's uprising.  Students were angered by the incident and urged that the Awami League face heavy sanctions.

GOA, India —  A chaotic stampede occurred on Saturday morning at the Lairai Devi Temple in Goa, resulting in the tragic deaths of six devotees and injuring 80 others, as reported by hospital authorities. Thousands of devotees packed the narrow streets leading to a sacred Hindu temple in Shirgao town, causing a stampede.  This town is about 40 kilometers from Panaji, the state capital, as reported by the police. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities launched an inquiry into the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound sadness over the tragic loss of lives and extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. Due to insufficient management, such stampedes are regrettably common in India.  On July 2, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras, where more than 100 individuals, including women and children, lost their lives during a stampede at a 'satsang' (prayer meeting) organized by...

QUETTA, Balochistan —    At least 4 people, including 2 women and a child, were killed and 5 others wounded in a roadside explosion in Kalat district's rural Amiri area on Wednesday, police said.  The same source reported that the blast happened near Kabuto when a vehicle hit an explosive, completely destroying it. The bodies of those who passed away were transported to the Kalat District Headquarters Hospital for necessary procedures and arrangements. Meanwhile, those who sustained injuries were promptly sent to a specialized medical facility in Quetta for further medical care and treatment. The Pakistani province of Balochistan has been frequently targeted by terrorists. On April 23, 2025, in Balochistan’s Mastung district, two security guards protecting a polio vaccination team were tragically shot and killed. This attack highlights the dangerous conditions for those involved in public health efforts, especially in risky areas.  In another attack,...

Kashmiris criticized the Home Minister and Indian security forces for failing to take sufficient preventive measures to prevent the deadly attack in Pahalgam town. Jammu and Kashmir:  At least 26 people were tragically killed in an attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir by a group of armed people, according to Indian police sources. The attack is considered one of the most lethal incidents to have occurred there recently. According to Al Jazeera, law enforcement officials said that on Tuesday, several visitors were shot at Baisaran Meadow, which is around 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Pahalgam, a holiday resort town in the disputed region. The Kashmir Resistance, an obscure organization, asserted responsibility for the attack through a social media post.  The group expressed discontent over the settlement of more than 90,000 "outsiders" in the region, which they claim has led to a "demographic change." The region's top elected official, Chief Minister O...

SINDH, Pakistan —   A high-velocity truck transporting laborers, women, and children plunged into a ravine in the Jamshoro district of Sindh province, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 16 lives and injuring 20 others, police reported on Tuesday.  The SSP of Jamshoro district informed media reporters that the vehicular accident took place overnight in the Jamshoro district of Sindh province. Hospital authorities have disclosed that multiple injured passengers are in critical condition. The source reports that the incident occurred as numerous laborers were on their way back to their homes in Sindh's Badin district after harvesting wheat in Balochistan's southwestern province.  Such road accidents frequently happen in Pakistan, where inadequately maintained vehicles are permitted on main highways and are often operated by drivers lacking sufficient experience.

KABUL, Afghanistan  —  The Ministry of Repatriation and Refugees (MORR) reports that 175 more Afghan citizens returned home on Sunday after being released from Pakistani prisons. According to border authorities in Kandahar's Spin Boldak town, the ministry announced via social media that 175 Afghans were apprehended in various regions of Pakistan, where they subsequently spent periods of detention ranging from one to three days. The refugees who returned were taken back to their home regions after receiving humanitarian assistance, according to the government. Approximately 130 Afghan refugees were released from Pakistani prisons and repatriated on Thursday and Friday.  Over the past year, Pakistan has deported thousands of Afghans who were imprisoned and returned to Afghanistan.

Quetta, Pakistan — A coach transporting police officials in the Mastung district of Balochistan, Pakistan, was targeted by unidentified assailants on Tuesday morning. Authorities reported that 3 police officers were martyred, and at least 16 others sustained injuries following an  improvised explosive device (IED)  blast. The condition of the two constables injured in the attack is critical.  All the wounded victims have been taken to the hospital, and the seriously injured have been transferred to Quetta," the government spokesperson told the media. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have condemned the terrorist attack and conveyed their profound sorrow over the tragic loss of the Balochistan Constabulary cops.  Addressing the law and order situation in Balochistan, President Asif Ali Zardari assured that all possible efforts will be made to eliminate terrorism.  He also reaffirmed his commitment with the slogan "Pakistan Khappy."...

New Delhi, India —  At least 39 pilgrims were killed and 60 more were injured in a stampede at the Kumbh Mela, also called the Maha Kumbh Mela, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday dawn, according to the government.   Between 1:00 and 2:10 a.m. local time, the crowd overrun those who waited to take a holy wash in the river, according to a senior police officer. Hindu holy day of "Mauni Amavasya," around 100,000,000 people came together in Prayagraj town to take a sacred bath at the confluence of three rivers: the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.   As they transported victims from the disaster scene, rescue workers had to navigate through piles of footwear, clothes, and other left items.  Police were spotted carrying stretchers with victims' bodies shrouded in heavy blankets. Cops have identified 25 of the 39 people who succumbed however the identities of the other remains are unclear. Besides expressing "deepest condolences" to the ...

Chinese and local businessmen have agreed with the Sindh government to establish the "Dhabeji Special Economic Zone" in the Thatta district. Special Economic Zones have been formed under CPEC with the cooperation of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to encourage economic development. Apart from providing over 100,000 jobs and garnering $3 billion in investment, the "Dhabeji Special Economic Zone" is projected to provide access to international trade channels because of its ideal location adjacent to Karachi's ports.  This agreement is heralded as a watershed moment in Pakistan-China industrial cooperation to boost the country's economy. It has been believed that the "Dhabeji Special Economic Zone" is a significant location for both local and foreign trade. In the second phase of CPEC, the “Dhabeji Special Economic Zone” would be completed under the public-private partnership system. Chinese companies have been anxious to establish ...

Multan Police said on Monday that a truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas caught fire and blew up yesterday night in an industrial area in Multan, killing 6 people and injuring 38 others. The explosion shattered the windows and roofs of adjacent houses, as well as damaged material inside the dwelling.  Although the on-site situation has been under control, nearby residences have been temporarily evacuated as a precaution.  There was no clear indication of the cause of the purported explosion.  Multan Deputy Commissioner  said the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority had also been brought in for the rescue services.  The fire was effectively put out by rescue teams.  The victim's identity could not be determined immediately. The blaze was contained, and investigators are trying to determine what triggered the gas leak and explosion. More than 12 fire brigades were dispatched to the scene, according to government officials.  Ambulance ferried the inju...

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan   — Ali Amin Gandapur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's chief minister, has been ousted as president of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's KPK region as part of an important change in the party,  PTI press secretary said Saturday.  A senior PTI  leader and member of the National Assembly (MNA) Junaid Akbar, has been elected as PTI president of the KPK position on the recommendation of imprisoned PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. During a meeting in Adiala Jail, PTI founder and Pakistani former P.M. Imran Khan, Atif Khan, Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, and Mian Farhat Abbas decided to remove Ali Amin Gandapur from his post as president of KPK. Ali Amin Gandapur decided to leave his position, according to the PTI source, who added that there was pressure to balance the roles of PTI KP President and Chief Minister. Imran Khan underlined the significance of keeping the responsibilities of a Chief Minister and a party president separate, accord...