Twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela within 39 seconds, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 700. The powerful tremors caused widespread destruction in the capital, Caracas, and the coastal state of La Guaira, collapsing buildings, damaging roads, and forcing thousands to flee into the streets. Rescue teams continued searching through the rubble overnight as aftershocks rattled the region. Authorities declared a state of emergency, while the US Geological Survey warned the final death toll could rise significantly. Survivors described the devastation as "like a horror movie" as families waited anxiously for missing loved ones. (PC: India Today)

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within minutes on Wednesday evening, triggering panic and visible destruction across parts of the country. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the first quake measured 7.2 magnitude and was centred west of Morón, about 168 km from Caracas, at a depth of 13 km. Just one minute later, a stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit the same region at a depth of 10 km. Social media videos showed residents fleeing swaying buildings, collapsed walls, debris-covered streets and dust clouds rising over neighbourhoods. Some structures suffered severe damage, exposing building interiors. The earthquakes rank among the strongest recorded in Venezuela in more than a century.

Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck western Venezuela within seconds on June 24, triggering widespread panic, structural collapses and emergency rescue operations. The epicentres were located near Morón, about 160 kilometres west of Caracas. Authorities reported damage to residential buildings, roads and airport infrastructure, while hospitals were placed on alert. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency, identified six worst-hit regions and appointed General Juan Ernesto Sulbarán Quintero to lead the military response. Venezuela’s main international airport was temporarily closed due to serious damage. At least 20 aftershocks followed, while the USGS warned of potentially significant casualties and economic losses.

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) is facing severe shortages of food, fuel and medicines amid escalating anti-government protests and a region-wide shutdown led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Residents, opposition groups and local reports allege Pakistani authorities are restricting the movement of essential supplies into the territory to suppress dissent, a claim Islamabad denies. The unrest centres on disputed legislative assembly seats reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir, with protesters accusing Islamabad of political interference. Clashes have reportedly left 58 people dead. Residents across Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Rawalakot, Bagh and Neelum Valley report worsening shortages, while some allege police blocked vehicles carrying food, medicines and fuel into POK. (PC: PTI)                           

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has strengthened his influence within the Democratic Party after three candidates he endorsed won key congressional primaries in New York. Brad Lander and community activist Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated incumbent Democratic lawmakers, while state assemblywoman Claire Valdez beat an establishment-backed rival. Mamdani, a democratic socialist who shocked political observers by winning New York City's mayoral race last year, campaigned for all three candidates. Their victories highlight growing support among some Democratic voters for progressive policies such as affordable housing, government-funded healthcare and higher taxes on the wealthy. The results are expected to intensify debate over the future direction of the Democratic Party ahead of November's midterm elections. (PC: BBC)  

Downing Street has confirmed that Keir Starmer will remain a Member of Parliament after stepping down as UK prime minister. The announcement came as political attention shifted toward potential successor Andy Burnham. During Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer defended his government's record while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch continued her criticism. Meanwhile, Labour minister Darren Jones ruled out running for the party leadership. Starmer also attended a meeting of European leaders in Berlin, where he discussed defence and support for Ukraine. Labour MP Tulip Siddiq said Starmer wants to continue serving the voters who elected him more than a decade ago. (PC: PA)

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told a US congressional panel that Jeffrey Epstein may have tried to pressure him using information about his personal life. Gates admitted having three affairs and said Epstein knew about two of them. He told lawmakers that the relationships had no connection to his meetings with Epstein. Gates said Epstein never blackmailed him, but some emails suggested he may have considered doing so. Gates also denied claims that he had a sexually transmitted disease. He said he met Epstein around 12 to 14 times for discussions related to philanthropy and potential donor connections.

US President Donald Trump said ongoing negotiations with Iran could collapse if Tehran’s assurances about not imposing tolls or charges in the strategic Strait of Hormuz prove false. Trump stated that Iran had informed Washington that ships would continue to pass through the vital waterway without fees, aiming to ease concerns over global energy supplies and trade routes. He also defended plans involving the release of frozen Iranian funds, saying the money would be subject to strict oversight and used for approved purposes. The remarks come amid delicate US-Iran talks focused on regional stability, maritime security, and nuclear-related issues. (PC: Reuters)

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has emerged as a powerful force in the Democratic Party after candidates he endorsed secured major victories in congressional primaries. The wins strengthened Mamdani’s influence and highlighted a growing shift toward progressive politics in New York. However, his rising power has also sparked tensions with several Democratic leaders, including members of Congress and local officials, who accuse him of sidelining longtime allies and deepening divisions within the party. Supporters say Mamdani is building a movement focused on working-class voters, while critics argue his approach risks weakening party unity ahead of key national elections.  

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has acknowledged having affairs with three women, including Russian nuclear physicist Karima Nigmatulina, during closed-door testimony before a US congressional committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein. Gates also identified Russian bridge player Mila Antonova and medical entrepreneur Dr. Alice Jacobs Nesselrodt. According to testimony transcripts, Gates said Epstein became aware of some of the relationships and appeared to consider using the information as leverage. Gates, however, maintained that he was never blackmailed and denied any involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities. He described his association with Epstein as a mistake and said he witnessed no illegal conduct. (PC: WION)