The UK and 27 other nations have condemned Israel for the “inhumane killing” of Gaza civilians seeking aid, calling for an immediate end to the war. In a joint statement, they criticized Israel’s “dangerous” aid delivery model and highlighted over 800 deaths near aid sites. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Israel’s actions are harming its global standing. Gaza’s health ministry reported rising deaths from hunger and malnutrition, with hospitals running out of food. Israel rejected the criticism, blaming Hamas for obstructing aid. The UN warned Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is worsening, with 90,000 women and children needing urgent treatment. (PC: BBC)

Maurizio Cattelan’s famed banana artwork “Comedian” has been eaten again, this time at France’s Centre-Pompidou Metz on July 12, 2025. A visitor consumed the taped banana, prompting swift action by museum staff who quickly replaced it, per Cattelan’s instructions. The Italian artist was reportedly disappointed, clarifying the banana is replaceable and the artwork symbolizes absurdity in financial speculation. The banana has been eaten several times before — in Miami (2019), Seoul (2023), and by Chinese collector Justin Sun in 2024. The artwork last sold for $6.24 million and remains a global symbol of art market satire. (PC: CNN)

A Bangladesh Air Force training jet crashed into a school compound in Dhaka, killing 19 people, including 11 children, in the country's deadliest air accident since 1984. The F-7 aircraft malfunctioned during routine training and exploded upon impact with the school. The pilot attempted ejection but did not survive. The school was closed for summer vacation, but students and staff were present for a special program. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed condolences and called for a thorough investigation. Authorities have grounded similar aircraft pending review. This tragedy has triggered widespread mourning, raising serious concerns over military flight operations in densely populated urban areas. (PC: Mint & Hindustan Times)

At least 20 people, mostly students, were killed and over 170 injured after a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training jet crashed into Milestone College in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday. The aircraft took off at 13:06 local time before slamming into the campus, triggering a massive fire. Visuals showed heavy damage and panicked crowds. Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus vowed a full investigation and assistance for victims. This tragedy comes weeks after India’s deadliest aviation crash in a decade. Firefighters and army officials continued recovery efforts late into the evening as grief engulfed the campus. (PC: HT)

India is close to finalising a ‘mini deal’ with the United States on free trade, likely by September or October, sources told NDTV. Talks aim to avoid fresh US tariffs on Indian exports like steel, aluminium, and automotive parts, set to take effect from August 1 under President Donald Trump’s deadline. A US team will visit India in August for further discussions. India is also seeking tariff relief for textiles and resisting US demands on dairy. Meanwhile, India-UK’s free trade pact is expected to be signed during Prime Minister Modi’s UK visit on July 23-24, sources confirmed. (PC: NDTV)

An Air India flight bound for Kolkata with 160 passengers aborted take-off at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Monday evening due to a technical snag. Flight AI2403, an Airbus 321, was on the runway preparing for take-off when the pilots detected the issue and returned to the taxiing bay following standard procedures. The airline said the flight was rescheduled for later the same evening. All passengers safely disembarked, and ground staff provided assistance. “Safety remains our top priority,” said an Air India spokesperson, apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the unforeseen disruption. (PC: HT)

Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera, 54, was found dead in his Gettysburg hotel room on July 13, following a ghost tour featuring the infamous Annabelle doll. Authorities confirmed no signs of foul play, but the “haunted” doll was missing from the room. Autopsy results are awaited. Rivera had led the “Devils on the Run” tour at the Soldiers National Orphanage before his death. The Annabelle doll, linked to paranormal legends since the 1970s and popularised by The Conjuring films, has sparked conspiracy theories following the incident. The New England Society for Psychic Research will continue their tours in Rivera’s memory. (PC: NDTV)

Israel launched its first combined ground and air assault on Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, with tanks entering the city and airstrikes targeting key locations. Thick smoke rose as thousands of displaced Palestinians fled towards what they hoped were safer areas. Deir al-Balah reportedly holds Israeli hostages. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry said over 59,000 people have died since October 2023, with 19 more deaths from starvation in the past 24 hours. Over 1.5 million face severe malnutrition. Israeli airstrikes continue across Gaza, with foreign media, including the BBC, still barred from reporting freely inside the enclave. (PC: BBC)

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Iran’s Supreme Leader’s aide in Moscow to discuss Tehran’s nuclear programme and rising tensions with Israel. This follows his June 23 meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, where Putin assured support in de-escalating the Israel-Iran conflict after US strikes. Kremlin sources said Moscow reaffirmed its commitment to diplomatic solutions and stability in the Middle East. The meeting signals continued Russia-Iran cooperation amid global scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Both sides emphasised the need to prevent further escalation. The US has warned against deepening Russia-Iran ties in military and nuclear sectors. (PC: India Today)

A 61-year-old man in New York died after being sucked into an MRI machine while wearing a 9kg metallic chain. The incident occurred at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, Long Island, when the man entered the MRI room during an ongoing scan. The powerful magnetic field pulled him in, causing fatal injuries. His wife, present during the accident, said the staff failed to act quickly. He died after multiple heart attacks in hospital. Authorities reminded the public of MRI safety protocols. Police investigations are ongoing. MRI machines are generally safe if proper precautions are followed. (PC: ABC News)