Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin has sharply criticized Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, calling him “Osama bin Laden in a suit” after Munir allegedly threatened that if Pakistan “goes down, it will take half the world down.” The remarks were reportedly made during a meeting with US officials in Tampa, Florida. Rubin condemned Pakistan’s nuclear rhetoric as “completely unacceptable,” likening it to ISIS-style threats and urging the US to reconsider Pakistan’s status as a major non-NATO ally. He proposed declaring Munir persona non grata, stripping US visas, and even deploying SEAL teams to secure Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. Rubin warned Pakistan is behaving like a rogue state, risking global security. (PC: Wikipedia)

China has suspended 24% in additional tariffs on US goods for 90 days starting August 12, following a 90-day extension of the US-China tariff truce announced by President Donald Trump. The move, confirmed by China’s Customs Tariff Commission, retains a 10% ad valorem rate on affected US imports. Trump signed an executive order delaying higher tariffs until November 10, citing ongoing discussions to address trade reciprocity and national security concerns. China also postponed adding US firms to its trade restriction list. The extension provides relief for US retailers ahead of the holiday season, allowing imports of electronics, apparel, and toys at lower tariff rates. (PC: YouTube & The Street)

US President Donald Trump appeared to confuse Alaska with Russia during a press conference on Monday. Speaking about crime in Washington, DC, Trump said, “I’m going to Russia on Friday” when referring to his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The summit will actually take place in Alaska on August 15 to discuss ending the Ukraine war. Critics noted Alaska’s historical ties to Russia before its 1867 purchase by the US. Senator Lisa Murkowski voiced cautious optimism about the talks. The meeting will be Putin’s first visit to the US in a decade, despite an ICC arrest warrant. (PC: AFP)

US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he will visit Russia on August 15 for a high-stakes meeting with President Vladimir Putin to discuss a potential ceasefire in the Ukraine war, now in its fourth year. The leaders were earlier scheduled to meet in Alaska but relocated the talks to Russia. Washington is reportedly pushing for a breakthrough to end the prolonged conflict, which has strained global energy markets and heightened geopolitical tensions. The meeting comes amid growing calls for diplomatic resolution from European allies and increased pressure on Moscow to scale back its military operations in Ukraine. (PC: News18)

Funerals were held in Gaza City for five Al Jazeera journalists killed in what the broadcaster called a “targeted assassination” by Israel. Among them was 28-year-old correspondent Anas al-Sharif, whom Israel accused of leading a Hamas cell, though little evidence was provided. Al Jazeera denied the claim, condemning the attack as a “blatant assault on press freedom.” Three camera operators, another correspondent, and a freelance reporter were also killed. The UN labelled the strike a “grave breach of international humanitarian law.” The Committee to Protect Journalists reports 186 media workers killed since Israel’s Gaza offensive began in October 2023.

Israel launched its heaviest attacks in weeks on Gaza City after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signalled a wider offensive. Airstrikes and shelling hit Sabra, Zeitoun, and Shejaia, forcing hundreds to flee. An airstrike on Al Shifa Hospital killed six journalists, including Al Jazeera’s Anas Al Sharif. Israel claims he was a Hamas member, which his family denies. The military says it targeted Hamas sites and a rocket launch area. Over one million displaced people are sheltering in Gaza City. Since the war began in October 2023, Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 61,000 Palestinians have been killed. (PC: AFP)

Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al Sharif was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City alongside four colleagues, reigniting debate over press freedom and wartime targeting. Israel’s Defence Forces (IDF) claimed Al Sharif was a Hamas operative involved in rocket attacks, citing intelligence documents released in October 2024. Al Jazeera and global media watchdogs rejected the allegations, calling them fabricated and an attempt to silence critical reporting. Al Sharif, born in Jabalia refugee camp, was known for frontline coverage in northern Gaza and had received direct threats from Israeli authorities. His final post described intense bombardment. The incident raises serious concerns about journalist safety and the weaponization of press identities in conflict zones. (PC: Al Jazeera)

The Supreme Court has ordered that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR be picked up within 8 weeks and housed in dedicated shelters, directing municipal bodies, the Delhi government, and the NDMC to coordinate efforts. No dog, once housed, is to be released back onto the streets. Authorities were warned against interference, citing the need to protect children and the elderly from dog bites and rabies. The court acted after reports of frequent attacks. The MCD plans to upgrade animal birth control centres, implant microchips for tracking, and conduct anti-rabies awareness drives, balancing animal welfare with public safety. (PC: HT)

Five Al Jazeera journalists, including prominent reporter Anas al-Sharif, were killed in an Israeli airstrike near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The group, along with other media workers, was in a designated press tent when the strike hit, killing seven people in total. The Israel Defense Forces alleged al-Sharif was a Hamas commander involved in rocket attacks, claims rejected by Al Jazeera and press freedom groups as unsubstantiated. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the attack as part of a pattern of targeting media in Gaza. Since October 2023, 186 journalists have been killed during Israel’s military campaign. (PC: BBC)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced Australia will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, joining the UK, France, and Canada. Albanese said the decision follows commitments from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to demilitarise, hold elections, recognise Israel’s right to exist, and exclude Hamas from any future state. He called a two-state solution “humanity’s best hope” to end the Gaza conflict. Israel criticised the move as “rewarding terrorism,” while the US reaffirmed it will not follow suit. The state of Palestine is recognised by 147 UN members but lacks full voting rights. (PC: BBC)