More than 500 people are feared dead after 2 boats carrying mainly Rohingya refugees reportedly capsized off Myanmar's coast, according to the United Nations. The vessels are believed to have left Myanmar's Rakhine State in late June, with some passengers travelling from refugee camps in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar. One boat carrying about 250 people lost contact soon after departure, while another with around 280 people reportedly sank near Ayeyarwady on July 8. UNHCR and IOM called for urgent search and rescue operations, stronger action against human trafficking networks, and greater international support for displaced Rohingya communities. (PC: The Guardian)

Iran launched fresh attacks on US military bases in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain as the United States carried out a six-hour wave of strikes on military targets across Iran, escalating tensions in the Gulf. US Central Command said the operation targeted command centres, air defence systems and coastal surveillance sites to reduce Iran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said it also targeted US communication systems and fuel facilities in Jordan. The renewed exchange came as negotiations remained stalled, with President Donald Trump warning Tehran of further military action if it refuses to return to talks. (PC: HT)

A satirical art group, The Secret Handshake, installed a 10-foot “participation trophy” on Washington’s National Mall mocking US President Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict. The gold trophy labelled Trump the “#1 participant” praised him for “participating regardless of the final score,” while a nearby plaque invited visitors to add their own trophies. The installation drew public attention as US-Iran tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continued to escalate. Responding to the artwork, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly dismissed the creators as “untalented” and defended Operation Epic Fury, insisting the US military had achieved all its objectives despite criticism surrounding the president’s foreign policy.

Metropolitan Police escorted a lone Argentina supporter to safety after he was surrounded by England fans in central London following England’s 2-1 FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat. Footage circulating on social media showed officers guiding the fan, who was wearing an Argentina shirt, into a police van on Regent Street near Piccadilly Circus as onlookers jeered. Police later cleared a path for the vehicle to leave safely. Authorities routinely separate rival football supporters as a precaution, and there was no suggestion of wrongdoing by either the Argentina fan or the surrounding England supporters. Argentina advanced to Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain after their dramatic comeback victory.

Iran rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Tehran is seeking negotiations with Washington, insisting it currently has “no plans for negotiations” and remains focused on defence. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran no longer considers itself bound by the June 17 memorandum of understanding, accusing the US of violating the agreement through continued strikes on Iranian military facilities near the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran warned it would respond proportionately to any further violations. The remarks came as US Central Command confirmed a fresh wave of strikes targeting Iranian military assets allegedly threatening commercial shipping. Despite renewed hostilities, mediated talks between Washington and Tehran have not been formally cancelled.

Iran has threatened to block more key trade and energy routes in the Gulf after the United States launched fresh strikes on Iranian military targets. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until Washington ends what it called its "acts of aggression" and warned that other oil and gas export routes could also be targeted. The US military said its latest strikes hit Iran's coastal defence systems and cruise missile sites to reduce threats to commercial shipping. The renewed conflict has disrupted tanker traffic and pushed global oil prices higher as regional tensions continue to escalate.

The United States launched a new wave of precision airstrikes on Iranian military targets after President Donald Trump warned that Iran's power plants and bridges would be targeted unless Tehran agreed to a new deal. The strikes focused on military sites, including coastal defence systems and missile facilities near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with attacks on U.S. bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Qatar, while reporting dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries from recent U.S. operations. The escalating conflict has heightened fears of a wider regional war and raised concerns over global energy supplies. 

Iran has threatened to block additional oil and gas trade routes after the United States launched fresh strikes on Iranian military targets. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until Washington ends what it called "acts of aggression" and warned that other regional export routes could also be targeted. The US military said its latest drone, air and naval strikes hit Iran's coastal defences and missile sites to reduce threats to commercial shipping. Meanwhile, Iran claimed it carried out attacks on US-linked targets in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain, with regional allies reporting interceptions of drones and missiles. (PC: BBC)

Tensions remain high in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after 9 people were killed during recent protests, with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) pressing ahead with its planned march to Muzaffarabad. Pakistani authorities have deployed around 4,000 Rangers and tightened security across the region to prevent demonstrators from reaching the capital. Checkpoints have been set up and movement has been restricted in several areas. JAAC has accused the government of suppressing peaceful protests, while officials say the security measures are aimed at maintaining law and order. The planned march is expected to further test the volatile situation. (PC: India Today)

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came into effect on July 15, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling it a "significant milestone" that will deepen economic ties between the 2 countries. Modi said the agreement will create new opportunities for businesses, farmers, MSMEs, workers and professionals while strengthening bilateral trade. The deal provides duty-free access for nearly all Indian exports to the UK and lowers tariffs on several British products entering India in phases. It also expands cooperation in services, investment and government procurement, with both nations expecting stronger trade, economic growth and job creation. (PC: The Indian Express)