Good afternoon,

Today’s news: Globally, updates from Ukraine, Venezuela, and Bangladesh. Plus, the US pushes the Gaza proposal. Locally, judicial quake as two SC judges resign over the newly passed 27th amendment, and security forces kill 22 militants in Bajaur.

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Around The World

Power down. Four people have died and dozens more have been wounded in a wave of Russian drone and missile strikes on Kyiv. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy also said that 430 drones and 18 missiles had been launched, and dozens of buildings were damaged in the attack. Kyiv's energy infrastructure was severely damaged, resulting in widespread power outages. 

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s energy and justice ministers have resigned amid widespread outrage over their alleged involvement in a massive energy corruption scheme, with investigators alleging that a key ally of Zelenskyy orchestrated a $100 million kickback scheme to siphon off funds. The scandal has triggered outcry among Ukrainians, who are suffering frequent heating and electricity outages from the Russian bombings.

Across the table. The US has called on the UN Security Council to officially back its draft plan aimed at supporting Trump’s Gaza peace plan, warning that Palestinians could suffer “grave consequences” if it does not. The call came as Russia presented the council with its own counter-proposal on Gaza, challenging Washington’s draft. 

The US proposal is facing opposition from Russia, China, and some Arab countries, which have expressed unease about a yet-to-be-established board that would temporarily govern the territory and the lack of any transitional role for the Palestinian Authority. China and Russia, the two veto-wielding members of the UNSC, have called for the “Board of Peace” under Trump’s ceasefire plan to be removed from the resolution entirely.

I ship it. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth formally announced the launch of a US military operation to target “narco-terrorists” as Washington’s large-scale build-up of troops, warships, and fighter jets continues in Latin America. Earlier this week, the US military carried out its 20th attack on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing four people.  The most advanced US aircraft carrier is also expected to reach the waters off Venezuela in days, a flex of American military power not seen in Latin America for generations, possibly to bomb targets inside Venezuela and further pressure authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro to step down.

Back in action. A wave of violence has hit Bangladesh before a court verdict due against the toppled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with her party calling for a nationwide lockdown to protest the case. Authorities recorded 32 crude bomb explosions on Wednesday, with dozens of buses set on fire across the country. Hasina, who fled to India last year during deadly anti-government protests, is being tried in absentia for crimes against humanity.

Pakistan

Gavel’s gone wild. Two Supreme Court judges, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah, have resigned hours after the 27th constitutional amendment was signed into law, calling it a “grave assault” on Pakistan’s constitution. The amendment restructured the military by elevating COAS Asim Munir to Chief of Defense Forces, placing the navy and air force under his command, and abolishing the Chairman Joint Chiefs post. 

It also creates a government-appointed Federal Constitutional Court to hear constitutional cases instead of the Supreme Court, which critics say undermines judicial independence. In their resignation letters, both judges warned that the amendment dismantles the Supreme Court’s authority, subjugates the judiciary to executive control, and fundamentally distorts the constitutional order.

For quick video explainers on the Amendment and its impact, check out our Instagram here. 

Additionally, Justice Aminuddin Khan was sworn in on Friday as the first chief justice of Pakistan’s newly created Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), established under the 27th Constitutional Amendment. The preparations are also underway for the oath-taking of six additional FCC judges. The FCC, empowered to decide key constitutional matters, including federal–provincial disputes, will have binding authority over all courts, including the Supreme Court, and its judges will serve until age 68, with the chief justice holding a three-year term.

Deep breath in. Pakistan’s National Assembly and Senate passed resolutions thanking the Sri Lankan government and its cricket board for deciding not to recall their team amid security concerns following a deadly suicide attack in Islamabad. Despite initial plans to return home, Sri Lankan players agreed to continue the tour after assurances from Pakistani authorities and intervention by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

Terrorists killed. Pakistani security forces killed 22 terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in Bajaur’s Gadar village, with officials calling it a major success amid a surge in militant attacks. The operation follows multiple recent actions in KP and Balochistan, including the killing of TTP’s second-in-command and several “India-backed” militants, according to the ISPR.

What Else Is Happening?

🩸The southern Indian state of Karnataka, home to some of the world's biggest IT firms, has become the first in the country to offer one paid menstrual leave per month to all working women in formal jobs.

🧬Researchers have verified and sequenced Hitler’s DNA, which reveals that he had Jewish ancestry and a genetic marker for a rare disorder that can delay puberty.

👷Anthropic announced a massive $50B investment in U.S. AI infrastructure, building its first custom data centers in Texas and New York starting in 2026.