Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, during his 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala, confirmed he will have a successor, ending speculation over the future of the 600-year-old institution. In a video message, he stated only the Gaden Phodrang Trust has the authority to appoint his successor. Reiterating that the successor must be born outside China, he dismissed Beijing’s claims of control over the process. China responded, asserting any reincarnation must be approved by its government. Thousands of followers and dignitaries, including actor Richard Gere, attended the event. Experts say China may attempt to impose its own Dalai Lama, likely to face rejection. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump launched a fierce attack on New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, calling him a "communist lunatic" and threatening to arrest him if he interferes with federal immigration operations. Trump vowed to cut federal funds to NYC if Mamdani "doesn’t do the right thing," accusing him of planning to "destroy New York." Mamdani, who could become NYC's first South Asian Muslim mayor, responded defiantly, saying Trump aims to "terrorise" those resisting ICE raids. Born in Uganda and a US citizen since 2018, Mamdani dismissed Trump’s threats as intimidation against outspoken immigrant communities. (PC: News18)

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, announced he will have a successor, affirming the continuation of the 600‑year‑old Dalai Lama institution. He entrusted his Gaden Phodrang Trust—established in 2015—with sole authority to identify and recognize his reincarnation, in consultation with senior lamas and Dharma protectors . Making the announcement ahead of his 90th birthday, he stated the next Dalai Lama may be born outside China, countering Beijing’s claim over the process . China responded by asserting that any recommenced reincarnation must follow its traditional “golden urn” lottery and gain central government approval. (PC: NDTV)

Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced in absentia to six months in jail by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for contempt of court. The verdict stems from a leaked audio recording in which Hasina allegedly claimed she held a “license to kill” and made derogatory remarks about the tribunal’s authority. The ICT deemed her comments as a direct challenge to judicial integrity. This marks Hasina’s first conviction since being ousted amid mass protests in 2024. Co-accused Bulbul Shakil Akand was also sentenced to two months in jail. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump announced that Israel has agreed to conditions for a proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the US will work with all sides to end the war. Hamas responded positively, saying it’s ready if the deal ensures a complete end to the conflict. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said there's majority support for a hostage-release framework. Netanyahu’s stance remains uncertain, though Trump hinted a deal could be finalised next week. Over 56,000 have died in Gaza since Israel’s offensive began. Aid groups continue to condemn civilian deaths near aid zones. (PC: Reuters)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to six months in jail for contempt of court by the International Crimes Tribunal. A three-judge panel gave the verdict in Dhaka. Hasina, who fled to India 11 months ago, was tried in absentia. Her party, the banned Awami League, called the trial a “show trial.” She also faces five charges linked to crimes against humanity. The UN says up to 1,400 people died during her government’s crackdown on protests in 2024. Hasina is accused of failing to stop the violence. Two other top officials are also facing trial with her. (PC: AP)

Germany and the UK are set to sign a defence treaty on July 17, 2025, introducing a mutual assistance clause that says, any strategic threat to one is considered a threat to both, Reuters reports. This pact builds upon an August declaration by British PM Keir Starmer and former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, deepening cooperation on trade, security and now formalizing defence. It marks a shift under Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz toward stronger European defence collaboration and reduced reliance on the U.S., particularly amid concerns over U.S. unpredictability under President Trump. The agreement, final text close to completion, reaffirms NATO allegiance while emphasizing Europe’s emerging defence autonomy. German government offices have yet to comment. (PC: Reuters)

Zohran Mamdani, a 33‑year‑old Indian‑origin, Ugandan-born U.S. citizen and Democratic Socialist, has responded defiantly to former President Donald Trump’s threats to arrest, strip his citizenship, place him in a detention camp, and deport him if he obstructs ICE raids in New York City. Trump labelled him a “communist” and questioned his legal status despite Mamdani naturalizing in 2018. Clinched after defeating Andrew Cuomo in the June primary, Mamdani leads polls in the upcoming November mayoral race. He vowed, “We will not accept this intimidation,” and emphasised his campaign’s focus on working‑class and immigrant communities, not fear. (PC: History & New York City)

Zohran Mamdani, New York’s Democratic mayoral nominee, said he won’t back down after US President Donald Trump threatened to arrest and deport him. “We will not accept this intimidation,” Mamdani posted on X. Trump attacked Mamdani for promising to block ICE raids, calling him a “communist” and questioning his citizenship. Mamdani responded, “The President… threatened to have me arrested… not because I broke any law, but because I refuse to let ICE terrorise our city.” The White House said it may review his immigration history. Mamdani, born in Uganda, moved to the US in 1998 and became a citizen later. (PC: AFP)

France’s government has enacted sweeping new anti-smoking regulations that ban smoking in most outdoor spaces where children are present—such as parks, beaches, school zones, bus shelters, pools, and libraries—supplanting France’s long-standing image of the “smoking Parisian.” A penalty of €135 (up to €700) will be imposed on violators, though an initial grace period is expected . With around 30% of French adults still smoking and 15% of 17‑year‑olds lighting up, health officials aim to “denormalize” tobacco use and reduce France’s 75,000 annual smoking-related deaths . Restaurants and cafés, already smoke-free since 2007–08, still allow smoking on outdoor terraces, a symbol of French social life—a concession lobbyists defended as essential to France’s café culture. (PC: AFP)