Senior Iranian adviser Javad Larijani ominously stated on state TV that former U.S. President Donald Trump “can no longer sunbathe in Mar‑a‑Lago,” warning that “a small drone might hit him in the navel” while he relaxes at his Florida estate . The comment escalates the ongoing tension following fatwas labeling Trump a “muharib” under Shia law and calls for his killing . This warning comes amid reports of Iran raising a $40 million bounty through “Blood Pact” to target those it deems enemies of Supreme Leader Khamenei . U.S. officials have previously thwarted several Iran-linked assassination plots against Trump and other top figures. (PC: Reuters)

Starting in 2026, the US will charge a $250 Visa Integrity Fee for most non-immigrant visas. This includes student, tourist, work, and exchange visas. The fee, part of a new law signed by President Trump, acts like a security deposit. It may be refunded if visitors leave the US on time or get permanent residency. Extra charges like the $24 I-94 fee and $13 ESTA fee will also apply. The fees will change every year based on inflation. Critics say the new costs may stop genuine visitors, especially from developing countries, and affect cultural exchange and education. (PC: India Today)

At least 3 people, including 2 children, died in flash floods in Ruidoso, New Mexico, after 8.8cm of rain caused the Ruidoso River to surge to historic levels. Search and rescue teams conducted over 50 swift water rescues, while damage assessment continues. Emergency crews remain active, with a hotline for missing persons. The floods follow deadly flooding in Texas, where 111 people have died and 161 remain missing, especially in Kerr County. Burn scars from wildfires in 2024 increased the flood risk in Ruidoso, where residents were previously evacuated due to massive fires that destroyed thousands of hectares of land.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Taliban Supreme Leader Haibatullah Akhunzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani for alleged gender-based persecution in Afghanistan. Judges said the Taliban severely deprived women and girls of education, freedom of movement, expression, and other rights since seizing power on August 15, 2021. The court also cited persecution based on gender identity. The Taliban dismissed the charges as “baseless rhetoric” and rejected ICC jurisdiction. Rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch welcomed the move, calling it a crucial step toward accountability for widespread, systematic abuses against Afghan women and LGBTQ+ communities. (PC: Al Jazeera)

Ukraine suffered its largest aerial assault since the war began, with 728 drones and 13 missiles hitting multiple cities, including Kyiv, Lviv, and Lutsk. The overnight attack followed Donald Trump’s vow to resume U.S. weapons supplies to Kyiv, reversing a suspension he claimed he was unaware of. Trump criticised Vladimir Putin, saying, "He just wants to keep killing people." The Kremlin downplayed his remarks, calling Trump's tone “harsh.” Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the strikes, accusing Russia of rejecting peace efforts. The city of Lutsk, near the Polish border, was heavily targeted. Talks of a ceasefire remain stalled amid ongoing Russian offensives. (PC: BBC)

Leaked audio verified by BBC Eye and forensic experts suggests former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina directly authorised lethal force against student protesters in July 2024. In the recording, Hasina says security forces should "shoot wherever they find [them]." Up to 1,400 people were killed, the UN reported. The audio is now key evidence in her trial for crimes against humanity, held in absentia. Hasina fled to India; her party denies wrongdoing. The massacre at Jatrabari, where 52 were killed, is under special tribunal review. Bangladesh is now led by interim PM Muhammad Yunus, with national elections on the horizon. (PC: BBC)

At least 109 people have died and 161 remain missing in Kerr County, Texas, four days after catastrophic flash floods hit the state. Most victims were from Camp Mystic and nearby areas along the Guadalupe River. Governor Greg Abbott confirmed the ongoing search using helicopters, drones, and over 250 emergency personnel. Volunteers described the devastation as “a nightmare,” while questions mount over early flood warnings. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania will visit affected areas Friday. Meanwhile, New Mexico faces its own emergency, with houses in Ruidoso washed away and swift water rescues underway following a 15-foot flood wave. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump has warned Indian-origin Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani to "behave" if he wins the New York mayoral race, after Mamdani vowed to arrest Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city. Citing the ICC warrant against Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza, Mamdani's pledge sparked backlash. Trump labeled Mamdani a "communist" and accused him of "anti-Jewish" rhetoric. "He better behave… or he’s going to have big problems," Trump said before a private dinner with Netanyahu. The Israeli PM dismissed the threat, calling it “silly” and said he planned to visit New York with Trump. (PC: NDTV)

Goldman Sachs has hired former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as a senior adviser. Sunak will guide the bank’s global clients on economic and political issues. He was UK Prime Minister from October 2022 to July 2024 and also served as finance minister. Before politics, Sunak worked at Goldman Sachs as an intern in 2000 and later as an analyst. He also co-founded an investment firm. Although he led the Conservative Party to a major election loss, Sunak still serves as a Member of Parliament. Goldman Sachs said Sunak brings valuable experience and insights to the company’s global work. (PC: Bloomberg)

US President Donald Trump has strongly criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin over Ukraine peace talks. During a cabinet meeting, Trump said Putin talks “a lot of bullsh*t” and often makes false promises. He added that while Putin acts friendly, his words “mean nothing.” Trump also said he is seriously considering a Senate bill that proposes new sanctions on Russia. The US president confirmed he had allowed sending defensive weapons to Ukraine. Trump’s comments show rising tension between the two leaders, as the US looks for ways to help end the war in Ukraine and hold Russia accountable. (PC: AFP)