Geopolitical, cultural, and historical region in South Asia
Kirandeep Kaur, originally from India, has been killed at her Hayes home. A man has been charged with her murder. Family members remember a bright, hardworking sister who moved to the UK for study and work, leaving loved ones behind in Punjab.
The Khalra case in Punjab remains a touchstone for human rights accountability after Paramjit Kaur Khalra and Sikh activists were subjected to disappearances, torture, and killings tied to state actions during the 1980s. Recent films and international attention rekindle debates over state accountability and freedom of expression.
England has thrived in a commanding opening three days of the Rothesay Test, with Joe Root restoring captaincy, Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson excelling with ball, and Jofra Archer contributing both bat and ball as Pakistan crumble for 135 in the second innings after a 409-run first-innings lead.
Kent County Council has awarded an honorary civic honour to the Grenadier Gurkha units for 216 years of service in the UK. The award is ceremonial and does not confer privileges. The decision, proposed by the council leader, is celebrated by campaigners and local officials who emphasise the troops’ sacrifice and ties to Kent communities.
Kabul reports civilian casualties as airstrikes near the border feed cross-border tensions. Islamabad says militants were targeted inside Afghanistan, while Afghan authorities warn of retaliation. Several incidents have intensified a long-running border dispute amid regional mediation efforts.
In a five-over first official, India has defeated Japan by two runs after a controversial wide was overturned by umpires in the final over. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel have led India with key contributions, while Japan's chase ends at 30-3.
Three cases from Independent and BBC Business highlight road-rage in Gurugram, India and a fatal shooting in Sacramento, California. A Gurugram driver is charged with attempt-to-murder after colliding with bikers; a 38-year-old woman is shot dead in Sacramento amid stalking concerns; and a separate Gurugram incident sees authorities detain the driver with competing accounts.
Jagtar Singh Johal has been released on bail after nine years in detention in India. He faces eight federal terrorism charges; prosecutors say he has knowledge of a conspiracy linked to the Khalistan Liberation Force. Supporters argue the case rests on questionable evidence and abuse allegations. The court ordered release with bail conditions, but a full trial has yet to come.
Pakistan has imposed emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, suspending the provincial PTI government and placing the province under a federally appointed governor and advisory council. Authorities have deployed security forces, restricted internet and closed schools; the federal government says the step responds to rising militant attacks while PTI calls it a political takeover ahead of planned protests for Imran Khan’s release.