Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte, 79, has been extradited to The Hague to face ICC charges of murder as a crime against humanity. His bloody war on drugs allegedly killed thousands, mostly urban poor. While Duterte defends his actions, rights groups highlight police abuses. His arrest, a first for an Asian ex-leader, signals a rare ICC success in holding the powerful accountable. However, questions remain about political motivations, with Duterte’s allies alleging a Marcos-driven agenda. The trial will test the ICC’s credibility, especially after its unenforced warrants for Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu. Duterte, now in ICC detention, awaits his first court appearance, marking a pivotal moment in international justice.

Baloch Liberation Army militants hijacked a train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, killing 21 hostages. Security forces later rescued all other passengers and killed all 33 attackers. The train was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar when the militants blew up the tracks, stopping the engine. They forced passengers out, checked identity cards, and shot some. Women and elderly people were spared. Security forces launched an operation and eliminated the militants. The government praised the military for preventing further loss of life. The rescued passengers, including injured ones, were taken to safety.

Balochistan's quest for independence is deeply rooted in historical grievances stemming from perceived betrayals by both Pakistan and colonial powers. The province, rich in resources yet underdeveloped, has long felt marginalized. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), seeking autonomy and greater control over resources, has intensified insurgent activities, including a recent train hijacking resulting in significant casualties. Human rights violations, such as enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, have fueled local resentment. Activists like Dr. Mahrang Baloch advocate for peaceful resistance, organizing rallies to demand justice for victims of state violence. The ongoing conflict poses challenges to regional stability and foreign investments, notably China's Belt and Road Initiative projects.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged international partners to ensure Russia's genuine commitment to a proposed 30-day ceasefire, cautioning against potential deception. Following productive discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, Kyiv agreed to the ceasefire plan. Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of vigilance, noting ongoing Russian strikes. U.S. President Trump acknowledged positive signals from Moscow but warned of severe economic repercussions if Russia undermines the agreement. European defense ministers, convening in Paris, echoed this sentiment, with UK Defence Secretary John Healey challenging President Putin to demonstrate sincerity by accepting the ceasefire. Concurrently, Putin visited Kursk, where Russian forces are reportedly advancing, urging his troops to fully reclaim the region.

Washington is sending officials to Moscow for ceasefire talks after Ukraine agreed to a 30-day truce in a Saudi-hosted meeting. President Donald Trump confirmed the move but did not specify attendees. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the White House urges Russia to accept the deal, calling it the closest step toward peace. Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin visited Russia’s Kursk region, which has seen recent fighting. Trump warned financial pressure on Russia is possible but emphasized his goal is peace. Ukrainian military leader Oleksandr Syrsky acknowledged troop withdrawals from Kursk, signaling shifting battle lines.

Russia has presented the United States with a list of demands aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and improving bilateral relations. Key stipulations include preventing Ukraine's NATO membership, prohibiting foreign troops on Ukrainian soil, and recognizing Crimea and four other provinces as Russian territory. Concurrently, U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a 30-day ceasefire, warning of severe financial sanctions against Russia should it decline. However, Russia firmly opposes the deployment of NATO peacekeepers in Ukraine, criticizing its exclusion from related discussions. While U.S. arms deliveries to Ukraine have resumed, the success of these diplomatic efforts hinges on Russia's response to the ceasefire proposal.

In a daring rescue operation in Balochistan, Pakistani security forces successfully stormed the hijacked Jaffar Express, neutralizing all 33 Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militants and rescuing hundreds of passengers. The crisis began when militants blew up the railway track and fired rockets at the train, which was carrying 440 passengers from Quetta to Peshawar. The assailants, some wearing suicide vests, demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners and threatened to execute hostages. The ensuing standoff resulted in the tragic loss of 21 passengers and four security personnel. The BLA, seeking greater autonomy and resource control in the region, has intensified attacks recently, highlighting ongoing unrest in Balochistan.

The Pakistan Army ended the Jaffar Express hostage crisis, freeing 346 passengers after an intense operation against Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militants. The train, carrying 400 passengers from Quetta to Peshawar, was derailed and hijacked near Gudalar using explosives. The military confirmed the deaths of 33 militants, 21 passengers, and 4 paramilitary soldiers. Some attackers wore suicide vests, complicating the rescue. The army transported empty coffins to the site in preparation. "All terrorists have been eliminated, and hostages rescued," said army spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif. The BLA has claimed responsibility for the attack.

A Carnegie-YouGov survey reveals that while 47% of Indian Americans believe India is on the right track, many fear strained US-India ties under Donald Trump. Most Democrats prefer Biden or Kamala Harris over Trump, with 66% of Indian-American Republicans backing him. The alleged Indian assassination plot in the US remains largely unnoticed, with only half aware of it. Despite political divides, Indian Americans remain culturally connected to India. The survey highlights shifting attitudes, with Democratic support declining from 56% in 2020 to 47% in 2024, signaling evolving political preferences within the community.

Pakistan's military killed all 33 Baloch insurgents who hijacked a train in Balochistan, ending a day-long standoff. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) had taken 212 passengers hostage, demanding prisoner releases. The military launched an aerial and ground assault, rescuing over 300 passengers. However, 21 civilians and 4 paramilitary soldiers were killed. Officials said insurgents used women and children as human shields. This marks the first time Baloch militants have attacked a passenger train. The attack follows intensified calls for Baloch independence from Pakistan and China’s influence. Security remains heightened in the volatile region.