A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has officially taken effect in Gaza, leading to the start of a phased Israeli troop withdrawal from the conflict zone. The agreement comes after days of heavy airstrikes and cross-border attacks that caused significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Humanitarian corridors are being opened to allow aid into Gaza, while both sides have been urged to respect the truce. International mediators continue to push for dialogue aimed at a longer-term resolution to prevent further escalation in the region.

A new video released by Israel has given hope to the family of Bipin Joshi, the only Hindu held by Hamas. The 23-year-old Nepali student was kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in southern Israel. The video, believed to be filmed weeks after his capture, shows Joshi introducing himself under Hamas’s direction. Joshi was part of a farm study programme when he was taken. His quick action during the attack saved several Israelis. The recent Gaza peace deal between Israel and Hamas has revived hopes that Joshi may soon be freed. His family remains hopeful. (PC: India Today)

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to restore democracy and human rights in Venezuela. The Nobel Committee praised her “tireless struggle for peaceful change.” Former US President Donald Trump, who had publicly campaigned for the award, was not selected. Committee chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes said their decision was based on “courage and integrity,” not politics. Experts said Trump’s recent Gaza peace deal came too late for this year’s prize. They added that the committee showed independence, choosing a cause the US itself has long supported. (PC: X)

Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has labeled Afghanistan as an "enemy country," intensifying bilateral tensions. His remarks come as Pakistan escalates its deportation of Afghan refugees, aiming to expel up to 3 million individuals by the end of 2025. Asif criticized opponents of the deportation policy, calling them "enemies of Pakistan" and accusing Afghan migrants of disrespecting Pakistan's sovereignty. The deportation drive has faced criticism from various quarters, including Afghan officials and human rights organizations, who argue that it violates international law and puts vulnerable populations at risk. This development marks a significant deterioration in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, with both nations accusing each other of harboring militants and undermining regional stability.

The White House criticized the Nobel Committee after Venezuelan activist Maria Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize instead of Donald Trump. Spokesperson Steven Cheung claimed the committee "place politics over peace," while Trump remained silent, though an angry response is anticipated. The 58-year-old opposition leader, who spent months hiding from death threats, was honored as a unifying figure against Venezuela's brutal authoritarian state. Committee chair Jorgen Watne Frydnes emphasized past winners' "courage and integrity" when addressing Trump's omission. Trump had falsely claimed settling India-Pakistan conflicts and brokering peace deals, though Russia's Ukraine war continues and India firmly rejected his involvement in Operation Sindoor's aftermath.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on Friday, bringing a temporary halt to months of conflict. Israeli troops began pulling back from parts of Gaza as thousands of displaced Palestinians started returning to their homes. However, Israel warned citizens against entering dangerous zones such as Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahiya, and Rafah. The truce includes a prisoner-exchange deal — Hamas will release hostages within 72 hours in return for Palestinian detainees. Humanitarian aid is also expected to reach Gaza soon. Despite the ceasefire, sporadic shelling and tensions continue. (PC: AFP)

Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi warned Pakistan against testing "Afghan courage" during his maiden India visit, condemning cross-border strikes targeting TTP camps in Kabul. Meeting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Muttaqi assured Afghanistan won't allow its territory against any country, adding historical lessons from Soviets, Americans, and NATO should remind Pakistan. Jaishankar announced reopening India's Kabul embassy, upgrading the technical mission, and providing humanitarian aid including ambulances, MRI/CT machines, vaccines, and cancer medicines. Both nations discussed security cooperation and combating cross-border terrorism. The high-level engagement marks India's strategic recalibration with Taliban, leveraging Islamabad's strained Kabul relations while maintaining India's $3 billion Afghanistan reconstruction investment.

Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless struggle to defend democratic rights and lead a peaceful transition from dictatorship in Venezuela. Despite facing political bans, repression, and secrecy, she persevered as a unifying voice for the opposition. The Norwegian Nobel Committee lauded her as a “brave and committed champion of peace,” whose efforts keep democratic hope alive under perilous conditions. (PC: X)

Pakistan's military killed 30 militants in Orakzai following a Taliban ambush that left 11 soldiers dead. The army labeled them "Indian-sponsored Khwarij" linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), vowing continued elimination of insurgents. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned of zero leniency, urging Afghanistan's Taliban to prevent Afghan territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan. The retaliatory strikes underscore Pakistan's escalating conflict with TTP and deepening tensions with Kabul. The operations follow Wednesday's deadly convoy ambush near the Afghan border in northwestern Kurram districts, where roadside bombs and gunfire killed nine soldiers and two officers, prompting Islamabad's forceful military response and diplomatic warnings. (PC: X)

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has joined Microsoft Corp. and Anthropic AI as a senior adviser while remaining MP for Richmond and Northallerton. Sunak will guide both firms on global strategy, macroeconomics, and geopolitical trends, avoiding UK-specific policy per ACOBA rules. He cannot lobby UK officials or use privileged government information for two years. Sunak stated the roles align with his belief in technology’s transformative power and pledged all earnings to The Richmond Project, a charity he co-founded with wife Akshata Murty. This follows his July advisory return to Goldman Sachs, marking a shift from public office to strategic roles in global tech and finance. (PC: Biography)