British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned Israel’s decision to take control of Gaza City, calling it “wrong” and urging immediate reconsideration. The move, approved by Israel’s security cabinet under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal, aims to dismantle Hamas and establish a security perimeter before handing governance to unspecified Arab forces. Starmer warned the action would escalate violence, worsen the humanitarian crisis, and hinder hostage negotiations. He emphasized the need for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and a diplomatic solution based on a two-state framework. The UK has pledged to recognize a Palestinian state by September unless Israel takes substantive steps toward peace. (PC: Vox & India Today)

The planet experienced its third-warmest July on record in 2025, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. While cooler than July 2023 and 2024, the global average temperature was still 1.25°C above pre-industrial levels. Turkey hit a record 50.5°C, battling wildfires. Experts warn climate change hasn’t paused—greenhouse gas emissions must fall to avoid worsening extremes. The 12-month period ending July 2025 exceeded the 1.5°C warming threshold set in the Paris Agreement. Europe is warming at twice the global rate. Scientists say extreme weather will persist unless fossil fuel use, deforestation, and emissions are curbed immediately. (PC: NDTV)

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called Indian PM Narendra Modi to express support against US President Donald Trump’s 50% “unilateral” tariffs on Indian and Brazilian goods. Lula said both nations are “most affected” and must defend multilateralism. The leaders discussed strengthening ties, increasing bilateral trade to over $20 billion by 2030, and integrating digital platforms like India’s UPI and Brazil’s PIX. Lula confirmed a state visit to India in 2026, with Vice-President Alckmin visiting in October. Lula also slammed Trump, stating Brazil won’t “take orders from a gringo,” and vowed to regulate US tech companies operating in Brazil. (PC: HT)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel plans to take full control of Gaza. In an interview, he said Israel does not want to rule Gaza but wants to create a security zone. Netanyahu said Arab forces should run Gaza without threats to Israel. His comments came as Israel’s security cabinet met to approve the plan. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization said nearly 12,000 children in Gaza are now suffering from malnutrition. Aid is still not enough. Photos also showed aid being dropped into Gaza by air. The situation remains tense as leaders discuss the next steps. (PC: Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India later this year, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval confirmed during talks with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Moscow. Doval said India is “excited and delighted” about the visit, calling past India-Russia summits “watershed moments.” This will be Putin’s first visit to India since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022. The visit comes amid US-India trade tensions over New Delhi’s continued Russian oil imports. Last year, PM Modi met Putin twice—once in Moscow and again at the BRICS Summit in Kazan. The Kremlin also confirmed Putin may soon meet Donald Trump. (PC: India Today)

Jai Bhagwan, a hotel owner in Dharali, Uttarakhand, narrowly survived Tuesday’s flash flood caused by a cloudburst. While he was at a nearby temple for a local festival, a massive mudslide swept through the area, destroying his 40-room hotel. “My hotel flowed away like a leaf,” he said, describing the video he later saw. Fortunately, his hotel was empty due to low tourist presence during the monsoon. Rescue operations, now in their third day, have saved 190 people, including 11 army personnel. Over 50 remain missing. NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, and Army teams are conducting joint rescue efforts despite communication issues. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in the coming days, the Kremlin confirmed. Trump hinted at a potential three-way summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine, with Friday marking his deadline for Russia to agree or face harsher sanctions. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said a meeting location has been finalized, though details remain under wraps. Zelensky expressed support, urging clarity on agenda and timing. Despite recent US envoy visits, including Steve Witkoff’s latest Moscow trip, skepticism remains high as Russia continues its attacks. Meanwhile, the US announced $200M more aid to Ukraine. (PC: BBC)

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has alleged massive election fraud in the Karnataka Assembly polls, claiming over 1 lakh “stolen votes” in the Mahadevapura seat. Pointing to discrepancies between Lok Sabha and Assembly results, he accused the Election Commission of manipulating voter rolls and said the agency evaded accountability by not sharing digital data. Gandhi cited fake addresses, duplicate voters, and bulk entries as proof. The poll body responded by challenging him to submit a sworn declaration. BJP leaders, including Ravi Shankar Prasad, dismissed the claims as baseless. Gandhi insists irregularities flipped key results against the INDIA bloc in Maharashtra and beyond. (PC: NDTV)

U.S. President Donald Trump said there's a "very good prospect" of an upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss ending the Ukraine war. After "productive" talks between his envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin in Moscow, Trump hinted at a three-way meeting possibly as early as next week. The Kremlin confirmed “constructive” exchanges but no firm details. Trump warned Russia of severe sanctions if no ceasefire is agreed by Friday. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported more deadly Russian attacks and received $200 million in U.S. military aid. Zelensky remains cautious, urging global pressure on Moscow. (PC: BBC)

A military Z‑9 helicopter crashed in Ghana’s Ashanti region, killing all eight people aboard—including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Vice-Chair of the ruling party Samuel Sarpong, and Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, along with four crew members . The aircraft, en route from Accra to Obuasi to address illegal mining, went off radar before the crash . The government declared the incident a national tragedy, with national mourning and officials expressing deep condolences. (PC: AP)