The Baloch Liberation Army hijacked a passenger train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, detonating an explosive to halt the train and taking passengers hostage. Pakistani security forces managed to rescue 155 passengers, while 27 militants were killed in the ensuing standoff. The situation remains critical as insurgents still hold hostages.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath urged people to stop glorifying foreign invaders, stressing the importance of preserving religious sites like Sambhal. Speaking in Lucknow, he emphasized the need to respect places of worship and criticized those who forcibly occupy them. He also highlighted the significance of the Maha Kumbh and criticized previous administrations for mismanagement.

India and Mauritius on Wednesday elevated their ties to an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’ and inked eight pacts to boost cooperation in several sectors including trade and maritime security even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled an ambitious vision for the development of the Global South.