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. 

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)

The United Kingdom government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused a US request to use RAF Fairford, located near Swindon, for possible military strikes on Iran. The request was reportedly linked to plans discussed during Donald Trump’s political engagements. UK officials cited concerns over international law and the risks of escalating tensions in the Middle East. The move may strain UK-US relations and comes amid sensitive geopolitical discussions, including security arrangements involving the Chagos Islands and the broader Western response to Iran. (PC: ET)

Britain’s former royal Prince Andrew was released under investigation hours after his arrest over alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein. Thames Valley Police said the 66-year-old was freed on Thursday evening after being held for about 11 hours. He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Police said, “The arrested man has now been released under investigation.” This means he has not been charged. Searches at his Norfolk home have ended, but officers are still examining a property in Berkshire. King Charles III said in a signed statement, “The law must take its course.” Andrew has denied wrongdoing in past statements. (PC: NDTV)

Teen girls, some just 14, were forced into sex by criminal gangs in London, according to a BBC report. Some victims said they were raped many times to repay unpaid drug debts. Others said they were groomed and given alcohol or gifts before being abused. One survivor said, “I was 15. I was getting passed around different men.” Another said she felt pressured and later realised she was being used. Detective Sergeant John Knox said girls in gangs are “at the lowest rung” and “cannot say no to sex.” Police say about 2,000 child exploitation cases are reported each year in London. (PC: NDTV)

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Police detained him at 08:00 at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. He is now in custody. Thames Valley Police said they are investigating claims that confidential material was shared with Jeffrey Epstein. Officers are searching addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. King Charles said he learned of the arrest “with the deepest concern.” He added that “the law must take its course.” The BBC reported that the King was not told in advance. Andrew, who turned 66 today, has denied wrongdoing linked to Epstein. He has not commented on the latest claims. (PC: BBC)

A small tremor in Central Asia in June 2020 has led to fresh US claims against China. The 2.75-magnitude signal was detected by a monitoring station in Kazakhstan. US officials say it was not an earthquake. They claim it was a secret underground nuclear test at China’s Lop Nur site in Xinjiang. “There is very little possibility that it is anything other than an explosion,” a senior US official said. Another official said China used a method to reduce the seismic signal. He called it a “yield-producing” blast. China denied the charge. It said the US was making political claims. The global test ban treaty has not taken effect. (PC: NDTV)

The United States has moved more fighter jets and warships to the Middle East as tensions with Iran grow. Reports say this is the largest US military build-up in the region since 2003. F-35 and F-22 jets have been deployed. Aircraft carriers USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln are also in position. The Wall Street Journal said the forces could support a weeks-long air campaign if ordered. US officials said President Donald Trump has been briefed on military options. Officials stressed that no final decision has been made. Talks between US and Iranian officials were held in Geneva. The White House said there has been “a little bit of progress” but both sides remain “very far apart.”