Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has officially indicted ex‑Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, alongside former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and ex‑IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al‑Mamun, on five charges of crimes against humanity linked to the brutal suppression of a 2024 student-led uprising. The indicting bench, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, accepted the prosecution's assertion of a coordinated, systemic attack involving security forces and party-affiliated cadres. Mamun has pleaded guilty and offered to testify, while Hasina and Khan face trial in absentia after fleeing to India in August 2024. Proceedings are due to commence on August 3. The move deepens ongoing political turmoil and regional implications. (PC: AP)

At least 3 crew members were killed and several remain missing after Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked and sank the cargo ship Eternity C in the Red Sea. The Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated vessel was struck by rocket-propelled grenades, leaving it disabled. Ten crew members, mostly Filipinos, have been rescued; others were reportedly kidnapped. It’s the second Houthi attack this week—Magic Seas was sunk days earlier. The U.S. condemned the attacks, calling them threats to maritime security. The Houthis claim to be targeting ships linked to Israel. The IMO urged diplomatic efforts to stop further violations of international maritime law. (PC: BBC)

Britain is set to lose the equivalent of one pub a day in 2024, warns the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), citing unsustainable tax burdens. Over 21,000 UK pubs have closed since 2000, including 500 in 2023 alone. The BBPA is urging the new Labour government to reduce beer duty and business rates, which they say disproportionately impact pubs compared to supermarkets. The group argues that targeted tax relief could help revitalize the struggling industry, which supports nearly 940,000 jobs and contributes £28 billion annually to the economy. Without urgent action, historic and community-centric venues risk vanishing at an alarming pace. (PC: Financial Times & iStock)

The UK and Japan have formalised a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to boost UK investment into Japan and strengthen bilateral economic ties. Signed on 9 July 2025 at the British Embassy in Tokyo by Baroness Poppy Gustafsson and Japan’s Seto Takakazu, the agreement supports Japan’s aim to double FDI to ¥120 trillion (~£600 billion) by 2030. It targets key sectors: clean energy, digital transformation, biotech, healthcare, professional and financial services, and builds on frameworks such as CEPA, CPTPP, and the Hiroshima Accord. The MoC launches “Expand in Japan”, a UK Embassy initiative to guide UK investors. Nearly 1,000 Japanese firms already operate in the UK, investing £87 billion. (PC: X)

At least 2 people were killed and 13 injured after a massive Russian drone attack hit Kyiv early Thursday, with fires reported in six districts. A residential building in Shevchenkivskyi was struck, and a primary healthcare centre in Podilsky was “almost completely destroyed,” said Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko. Ukraine's air force warned of possible ballistic missile strikes. Authorities urged residents to shelter and avoid smoke. On Wednesday, 3 more were killed in Kostiantynivka. The U.S. resumed weapons deliveries to Ukraine as Donald Trump expressed frustration with Putin, calling Russian behavior “bullshit.” Lavrov and Rubio are expected to meet in Malaysia today. (PC BBC)

US President Donald Trump expressed strong optimism, “a very good chance” that a 60‑day Gaza ceasefire could be agreed this week or next, following two Oval Office meetings with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. The talks focused on freeing hostages, with Hamas reportedly agreeing to release ten captives amid ongoing, “tough” negotiations mediated by Qatar. While Israel continues military operations killing dozens in Gaza, its military chief says conditions now favor a truce. Outstanding issues include ensuring sustained aid flow, drawing Israeli withdrawal lines, and formal guarantees of a lasting ceasefire. (PC: X/@WhiteHouse & ABC News)

US President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on seven more countries, including Iraq, Algeria, and Sri Lanka. The new duties, up to 30%, start from August 1. Trump said these steps are needed to fix trade gaps. He also warned BRICS nations, including India, of a 10% tariff, accusing them of trying to harm the US dollar. “They will pay if they try to destroy the dollar,” he said. Trump added that countries moving production to the US could avoid tariffs. The move could raise global tensions ahead of the 2025 election. (PC: India Today)

New audio from 2024 fundraisers reveals Donald Trump claimed he warned Russia and China with bombing threats. He said he told Putin, “If you go into Ukraine, I’ll bomb Moscow.” Trump also claimed he told Xi Jinping the US would bomb Beijing if China attacked Taiwan. He said both leaders thought he was “crazy,” but backed off. Trump also talked about deporting student protesters and said “welfare people” always vote Democrat. He urged rich donors to give more, bragging that one gave $25 million. The Trump campaign has not commented on the leaked tapes. (PC: CNN)

6 crew members were rescued after the cargo ship Eternity C was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. 3 sailors were killed, and 19 are still missing. The ship was hit by missiles and an unmanned boat. The Houthis said the ship was heading to Israel and claimed the attack was in support of Gaza. The damaged ship later sank near Hodeidah. This marks a fresh wave of Houthi attacks after months of calm. The U.S. and EU blame the Houthis, calling it a threat to global trade and maritime safety. The ship carried a crew of 25.

At the Southport attack inquiry, a mother recalled seeing CCTV footage of her seven-year-old daughter, referred to as C1, being dragged back inside by attacker Axel Rudakubana after initially escaping. “That is how she became known in this nightmare — the girl that was dragged back in,” she said. Rudakubana stabbed the child 33 times, including 20 times after pulling her back. The mother said no adults helped during either attack. The July 2024 stabbing spree killed three girls. The inquiry is investigating if authorities could have prevented the tragedy, given Rudakubana’s past with police and anti-extremism programmes. (PC: PA)