They say the 25 books propagate “false narratives” and “secessionism” in the disputed region, where strict controls on the media have escalated in recent years. Police said Thursday that officers raided bookstores and searched roadside book vendors to confiscate the banned literature. Kashmir has been a disputed region with ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. Many Kashmiris support independence or joining Pakistan. 

The Israeli Security Cabinet is set to discuss a possible expansion of military operations in the Gaza Strip. That would draw fierce opposition internationally and from many in Israel, including the families of hostages held by Hamas. An Israeli official said the Security Cabinet is expected to hold a lengthy debate Thursday evening and approve an expanded military plan to conquer all or parts of Gaza not yet under Israeli control. The official said that whatever is approved would be implemented gradually to increase pressure on Hamas. Local hospitals in Gaza said at least 42 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes and shootings on Thursday.

U.S. trade partners such as Switzerland, Brazil, and India were still scrambling to get a better deal on Thursday as the president’s higher tariff rates on imports from dozens of countries kicked in, raising the average U.S. import duty to its highest in a century. The Customs and Border Protection agency began collecting the higher tariffs of 10% to 50% at 12:01 a.m. EDT after weeks of suspense over Mr. Trump’s final tariff rates.

Steve Witkoff met with the Russian president for talks ahead of the White House’s deadline for Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine. Otherwise, Mr. Trump says Russia could potentially face severe economic penalties that could also hit countries buying its oil. Earlier talks between Russia and Ukraine, and Russian and U.S. officials, made no progress on ending the three-year war following Russia’s invasion of its neighbor.