The UK's unemployment rate has climbed to 4.7% in the three months to May, reaching its highest level since 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figure rose from 4.6% in the previous three months. Wage growth, excluding bonuses, also slowed to 5%, marking the lowest level in nearly three years. ONS said payroll numbers fell again, although revised tax data suggests the decline was less severe than earlier thought. The data comes as the Bank of England signals potential larger interest rate cuts if the labour market shows further signs of weakness. (PC: Itv news)

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa stunned world number one Magnus Carlsen at the Freestyle Grand Slam Chess in Las Vegas, knocking the Norwegian out of the tournament. Playing with white pieces, the teenage chess prodigy dominated Carlsen to secure his spot in the quarterfinals, while Carlsen finished fifth in his group after further losses. Pragg’s win follows earlier victories over Vincent Keymer and WGM Bibisara Assaubayeva. Fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi also advanced from the Black Group, while Vidit Gujrathi was eliminated. Hikaru Nakamura and Hans Niemann lead the field as the favourites heading into the next round. (PC: X)

Syria’s government and Druze leaders have announced a new ceasefire after deadly clashes in Sweida left over 300 people dead, including civilians and soldiers. Israeli forces, citing threats from militants, continued rare airstrikes in central Damascus, hitting the Defense Ministry and sites near the presidential palace. Israel’s Defense Minister vowed to escalate until Syrian forces withdraw. The violence follows sectarian tensions and Israeli concerns over militants near its Golan Heights border. Druze communities in Israel protested, while Syrian civilians reported killings, kidnappings, and atrocities. The U.S. expressed concern and is working to de-escalate the crisis through diplomatic channels. (PC: NDTV)

British actor Emma Watson has been banned from driving for six months after multiple speeding offences. A UK court fined the Harry Potter star £1,044 for driving 38mph in a 30mph zone in Oxford last year. At the time, Watson already had nine points on her license. The 35-year-old actor, currently studying at Oxford University since 2023, did not appear in court; her representatives attended on her behalf. Her lawyer confirmed she will pay the fine. Watson, who is known for her environmental activism, recently returned to Cannes after a 12-year break to focus on her academic pursuits. (PC: HT)

Bangladesh’s cultural heritage faces growing threats following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, with iconic sites linked to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Rabindranath Tagore, and Satyajit Ray either demolished or vandalised. The latest is Ray’s ancestral home in Mymensingh, being torn down despite India offering restoration help. Dhaka’s new leadership under Muhammad Yunus is accused of erasing links to India and shedding shared cultural history. India has protested, citing the significance of these sites to Bengal’s heritage. Meanwhile, rising concerns about attacks on minorities and growing Islamist influence deepen India-Bangladesh tensions, marking a sharp shift from decades of cultural and diplomatic cooperation. (PC: NDTV)

The US says it has agreed on "specific steps" to end escalating violence in Syria, following Israeli airstrikes on Damascus targeting the Syrian defence ministry. Over 350 people have died in sectarian clashes in Suweida province since Sunday. Israel claims the strikes aimed to protect the Druze community. The Syrian military began withdrawing from Suweida as part of a deal with local leaders. Syria accused Israel of inflaming tensions and killing civilians. The US, Israel, and Arab states reportedly coordinated ceasefire efforts. Israel vows further strikes if Syrian forces remain in Suweida, highlighting the region’s fragile security situation. (PC: India Today)

In a dramatic incident on July 16, 2025, Israeli airstrikes struck multiple locations in Damascus, Syria, including military command centers and the Syrian State TV building. During a live news broadcast, an anchor was seen abruptly fleeing mid-telecast as explosions shook the studio. The attack, part of a broader Israeli military operation, also hit areas near the Defence Ministry headquarters and army command centers. Israeli officials stated the strikes aimed to counter threats and protect Syria's Druze minority amid escalating tensions. The incident highlights rising instability and media vulnerability in the region.  

The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, expressed deep concern (July 16, 2025) over Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian government positions in Damascus and Sweida, following violent clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes . The Trump administration urged Israel to pause operations and pursue diplomatic talks with Damascus . Israel defended its strikes as necessary to protect Syria’s Druze minority and to neutralise threats near its border . Meanwhile, a new ceasefire was attempted in Sweida, but violence continues to destabilise the region amid rising international alarm. (PC: Mint)  

A Syrian state TV anchor in Damascus fled live on air as Israeli strikes hit Suwayda’s military targets, sparking viral footage online. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz shared the clip, warning of further “painful blows” until Syrian forces withdraw from the Druze-majority region. Katz reassured Israel’s Druze community of IDF protection for their Syrian counterparts. The strikes targeted Syrian defence ministry sites after violent clashes erupted between Druze fighters, government forces, and Bedouin groups in southern Syria. Reports say dozens have died. Israel insists its actions are to protect the Druze amid rising regional tensions. 

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his parliamentary majority after key ally Shas quit his coalition over a proposed law altering military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews. Shas’ exit leaves Netanyahu with just 50 seats, below the 61-seat majority. Another party, United Torah Judaism, also withdrew earlier this week. Despite leaving, Shas says it won’t push for the government’s collapse. The development complicates Netanyahu’s governance but doesn’t immediately threaten Gaza ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. Analysts warn Netanyahu may now face more pressure from far-right partners opposing any deal while Hamas remains operational in Gaza. (PC: HT)