US President Donald Trump asked Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy if Kyiv could strike Moscow using US weapons, a new report says. The question came during a phone call on July 4, just one day after Trump spoke with Russian President Putin. Trump was said to be unhappy with Putin's response and later pushed Ukraine to act. He also talked about sending long-range missiles and Patriot systems to Ukraine. Trump warned Russia of strong tariffs if no peace deal is reached in 50 days. He said billions in US weapons will soon go to NATO allies and some may head to Ukraine. (PC: India Today)

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow would “cope with new sanctions” after Donald Trump threatened 100% tariffs if Russia fails to agree to a Ukraine peace deal within 50 days. Lavrov questioned Trump’s motives during a press conference in China, saying, “We want to understand what the US President is moved by.” Earlier, Russian officials called Trump’s ultimatum “unacceptable.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Trump’s remarks “personally concern” President Vladimir Putin. Trump warned of “very severe” secondary tariffs, accusing Russia of prolonging the war. Russia said it needs time to analyze Washington’s latest threats. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump has announced a major arms deal for Ukraine, pledging billions in weapons including Patriot air defence systems, funded by NATO allies. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump warned Russia of “very severe tariffs” within 50 days if President Putin refuses to sign a peace deal. Trump expressed frustration over Putin’s evasiveness, citing ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities. Rutte praised the move, calling it a game-changer for Ukraine’s defence. The Kremlin responded coolly, while Russian society expressed disappointment over Trump’s shift. Ukrainians cautiously welcomed the support, hoping it signals stronger US commitment amid relentless missile and drone strikes. (PC: BBC & KESQ)

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and the Axiom-4 crew are set to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off California at 3:01 pm IST today. Their SpaceX Dragon capsule undocked from the ISS on Monday at 4:45 pm IST. Axiom Space confirmed live coverage of the splashdown will begin at 2 pm IST. Shukla completed seven microgravity experiments during the mission, marking a milestone for India. His parents expressed hope for a safe landing. Union minister Jitendra Singh said India eagerly awaits his return. The mission launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on June 25 and conducted over 60 studies. (PC: HT)

The UK will resume processing Syrian asylum claims, ending a 7-month pause imposed after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Asylum Minister Dame Angela Eagle said the Home Office had updated guidance and would now assess claims case-by-case. More than 7,000 Syrians have been in limbo during this period. Ministers hope forced returns could begin this year. Campaigners warn Syria remains unsafe for many. The UK’s updated policy says security risks alone don’t justify asylum. The move follows Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to Syria, the first by a UK minister since the 2011 uprising began. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump warned Russia on July 14 to announce a Ukraine ceasefire within 50 days or face 100% tariffs. Speaking alongside Dutch PM Mark Rutte, Trump said trade is a tool to “settle wars.” He expressed frustration with Russian President Putin’s actions despite peace talks and confirmed the US will send Patriot missiles to Ukraine. Trump’s envoy met Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy to discuss defence cooperation. Meanwhile, Russia claimed fresh gains in eastern Ukraine. Trump, once soft on Putin, has toughened his stance amid Moscow’s continued aggression. Ukraine expects further NATO and US military support soon. (PC: News18)

Two women were killed and two men injured after a gunman opened fire at Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. The attack followed a car chase that began when the suspect, Guy House, 47, shot a state trooper during a traffic stop. House later carjacked a vehicle and drove to the church, where he opened fire on parishioners before being fatally shot by law enforcement. Victims Beverly Gum, 72, and Christina Combs, 32, died at the scene. Authorities believe the gunman had ties to individuals at the church. Kentucky State Police are leading the investigation. (PC: BBC)

The Election Commission of India has removed 35.6 lakh names from Bihar’s voter list during its Special Intensive Revision ahead of the assembly elections. The exclusions include 12.55 lakh deceased voters, 17.37 lakh who shifted permanently, and 5.76 lakh duplicate entries. So far, 83.66% of Bihar’s 7.9 crore electors have submitted enumeration forms. The EC said efforts through door-to-door visits and tech tools like the ECINet app are ongoing to ensure inclusion of eligible voters. The draft voter list will be released on August 1. Opposition parties have criticized the process as controversial and politically motivated. (PC: News18)

India’s aviation regulator DGCA on July 15 directed airlines to inspect the fuel switch locking systems on Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft by July 21. The move follows a probe into last month’s Air India 787 crash in Ahmedabad, which killed 260 people. Investigators found fuel supply was cut within a second to both engines. Air India operates 787s, while Air India Express and SpiceJet operate 737s. IndiGo’s leased 787s are exempt. Though flagged by the FAA in 2018, no prior directive was issued. DGCA said global airlines are also undertaking similar inspections. (PC: The Hindu)

US President Donald Trump warned Russia of "very severe tariffs" if Vladimir Putin fails to end the Ukraine war within 50 days. Speaking at the White House alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said tariffs could reach 100 percent. Trump criticised Putin for promising peace but continuing missile strikes on Ukraine. "I'm very disappointed with President Putin," Trump said. The US plans to send Patriot missile systems to NATO allies supporting Ukraine. Rutte backed Trump’s warning, urging Putin to take negotiations seriously. Trump hinted further sanctions could follow if Russia ignores his ultimatum for a ceasefire with Ukraine. (PC: India Today)