Virginia Giuffre, once dubbed a “Cinderella” figure, became one of the most prominent survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking network, publicly accusing influential figures of abusing their power. Giuffre claimed she was trafficked by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell and forced into sexual encounters as a teenager — including with then-Prince Andrew — allegations he has consistently denied. Her 2021 civil lawsuit against Andrew led to an out-of-court settlement in 2022 and helped fuel global scrutiny of Epstein’s network. Giuffre later advocated for trafficking survivors before dying by suicide in April 2025, leaving behind a powerful legacy that reverberates amid renewed legal action against Epstein associates. (PC: X)

The United States has significantly reinforced its military presence across the Middle East, deploying large forces — including two aircraft carrier strike groups and advanced air and naval assets — amid rising tensions with Iran. President Donald Trump says negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear programme could be resolved within about 10 days, but also warns “bad things” will happen if Iran continues to threaten regional stability. Experts note the scale of forces now in place could support sustained air operations, though the strategic goal beyond deterrence remains unclear. Tehran has vowed retaliation if attacked, while global concerns grow over potential wider conflict. (PC: AP)

Jeffrey Epstein survivor Rina Oh has shared harrowing details of psychological abuse and manipulation by the disgraced financier, saying he exploited her vulnerabilities and once threatened her to keep silent, according to NDTV. Oh — targeted at age 21 — described a turning point during a trip to Florida when Epstein revealed disturbing secrets and made her feel trapped. She praised the recent arrest of former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in connection with the Epstein files but said the U.S. government is not doing enough and called for full transparency and accountability for all powerful figures named in the documents. 

U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated at a Board of Peace event that he forced an end to the 2025 India-Pakistan military clash by threatening to impose 200 % tariffs on both nations if they continued fighting, saying “nothing is like money.” He also claimed that 11 jets were shot down in the hostilities and that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif credited him with saving millions of lives. Trump said he personally phoned both leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to press for a ceasefire. However, India has repeatedly denied any third-party mediation in the conflict, insisting the de-escalation was achieved bilaterally between the two countries’ military commanders. (PC: ANI)

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived in Assam for a two-day trip focused on ramping up preparations for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, underscoring organisational strategy and candidate selection efforts. She chaired marathon screening meetings with party leaders and grassroots workers in Guwahati and offered prayers at the Kamakhya Temple before proceeding to intensive internal deliberations. During the visit, she released a 20-point “people’s chargesheet” accusing the ruling BJP government of corruption, economic mismanagement and alleged syndicate raj, positioning Congress for a tougher electoral challenge. The visit reflects the party’s heightened focus on strengthening its base and contest strategy in the poll-bound state. (PC: PTI)

India has formally joined the US-led Pax Silica strategic alliance by signing the declaration at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, deepening cooperation on artificial intelligence, semiconductors and critical minerals supply chains. The initiative aims to build a resilient global tech ecosystem, reduce dependence on adversarial nations, and secure access to key minerals essential for chipmaking and AI infrastructure. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and US Under Secretary Jacob Helberg led the signing ceremony. Washington described India’s participation as “strategic and essential,” aligning with New Delhi’s push for technology self-reliance and global leadership in advanced innovation sectors.

U.S. President Donald Trump praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great man” and claimed his own intervention helped halt last year’s India-Pakistan hostilities following Operation Sindoor. Speaking at a peace event, Trump said he personally called both Modi and Pakistan’s leadership, threatening steep 200 % tariffs to pressure the sides into a ceasefire, asserting this averted further escalation and saved lives. He reiterated controversial claims that multiple jets were shot down and that economic leverage forced peace. India, however, has consistently rejected any third-party mediation, saying the truce was achieved through direct military-to-military dialogue. (PC: ANI)

Social media users erupted in memes and skepticism after U.S. President Donald Trump said he will direct government agencies to identify and release files on aliens, UFOs and unidentified aerial phenomena, citing “tremendous interest.” Trump made the announcement on social media, prompting speculation online that the move was a distraction from public demand for the Epstein files—a massive archive of documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal case and powerful figures. Many users mocked the timing and questioned whether any groundbreaking evidence on extraterrestrial life will emerge, while some defended the disclosure push. (PC: X)

A six-year-old girl lost her life after a speeding car rammed into an e-rickshaw in West Delhi’s Janakpuri while she was on her way to school with her grandmother. The impact overturned the vehicle, throwing both onto the road. The grandmother said she desperately pleaded with the driver and passersby to help rush the injured child to hospital, but immediate assistance did not come. The girl later succumbed to her injuries during treatment. Police have arrested the accused driver and seized the car. A case of rash and negligent driving has been registered, and further investigation is underway. (PC: NDTV)

India participated as an observer nation in the inaugural meeting of Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” convened in Washington, D.C., aimed at overseeing reconstruction and peace efforts in the Gaza Strip following the Israel-Hamas conflict. Represented by Namgya C. Khampa, Charge d’Affaires at India’s embassy, New Delhi chose not to formally join the board but attended the session at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace. During the meeting, Trump announced a US $10 billion commitment to the initiative alongside pledges from other countries, while the board’s role and potential implications for global institutions such as the United Nations continue to draw discussion. (PC: AP)