Donald Trump has reversed his Ukraine stance, pledging $10 billion in Western-funded U.S. weapons for Ukraine and threatening 100% tariffs on Russia and its buyers—especially China and India—if no ceasefire occurs in 50 days . The proposed Graham‑Blumenthal bill could hike tariffs to 500% on Russian energy importers, directly impacting India, a major Russian oil buyer . NATO chief Rutte warned Delhi, Beijing and Brasilia to “brace up” for consequences . India may face a dilemma: risk U.S. sanctions or pivot toward Western trade and defence integration . With European leaders uneasy about footing the bill, New Delhi must balance securing a U.S. trade deal, deepening defence cooperation, and safeguarding national interests amid shrinking geopolitical space. (PC: Reuters)

President Donald Trump has ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek court approval to release grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein, following a Wall Street Journal report alleging Trump sent Epstein a sexually suggestive birthday letter in 2003. Trump denies authorship, calling the letter “fake” and threatening to sue the Journal, NewsCorp, and Rupert Murdoch. The Justice Department recently stated Epstein died by suicide and dismissed claims of a “client list.” Trump’s move comes amid mounting pressure from supporters demanding transparency. The letter, reportedly featuring a nude sketch and cryptic message, has reignited controversy over Trump’s past ties to Epstein and the administration’s handling of related files. (PC: Vanity Fair)

Actor Vijay Deverakonda has been hospitalised after being diagnosed with dengue, just weeks ahead of the release of his much-anticipated film Kingdom on July 31. The actor is currently receiving treatment and is expected to be discharged within a couple of days. Sources close to the actor confirmed that his condition is stable and he is recovering well. Fans expressed concern on social media, wishing him a speedy recovery. Deverakonda has been busy promoting Kingdom, which is set for a nationwide release. His team assured fans that he will resume engagements once his health improves. (PC: India Today)

The UK government has announced plans to lower the voting age to 16 for all elections, fulfilling a Labour manifesto promise. Deputy PM Angela Rayner said the move aims to boost youth participation and break down barriers to democracy. If passed, it will align the UK with Scotland and Wales, where 16-year-olds already vote in devolved polls. The reforms come amid record-low voter turnout of 59.7% in 2024. The government also unveiled measures to prevent foreign influence, including tighter donation rules, higher fines, and stricter checks on donor companies’ legitimacy to safeguard election integrity. (PC: X)

Connie Francis, the iconic singer behind the viral hit “Pretty Little Baby,” has died at 87, her copyright manager Ron Roberts confirmed. Known for topping the Billboard Hot 100 as the first solo female artist, Francis’ popularity soared in the late 1950s with hits like “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool.” Recently, her 1961 track “Pretty Little Baby” gained viral fame on TikTok and Instagram. Francis had been hospitalised earlier this month for hip treatment and tests for severe pain. Tributes are pouring in for the late singer, remembered as a trailblazer in American pop music history. (PC: HT)

At least 60 people died after a fire broke out in a newly opened shopping centre in Kut, Iraq. The blaze tore through the five-storey Corniche Hypermarket on Wednesday night, with many victims trapped inside. Officials say most of the deceased suffocated in bathrooms, and 14 bodies remain unidentified. Firefighters rescued 45 people, but others are still missing. Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has ordered an urgent investigation and pledged stricter safety measures. Survivors blamed the lack of fire safety systems. Three days of mourning have been declared in Kut as families search for missing loved ones. (PC: BBC)

Prince Harry has retraced Princess Diana’s footsteps by visiting a landmine site in Angola, echoing her 1997 humanitarian efforts. Supporting the Halo Trust, Harry highlighted the continuing threat landmines pose to civilians, especially children. “Children should never have to live in fear of playing outside or walking to school,” he said. Diana’s iconic 1997 walk in protective gear brought global attention to Angola’s hidden dangers from war. Harry’s visit reinforces the royal family’s commitment to humanitarian causes and landmine clearance. The Duke’s efforts aim to spotlight ongoing global challenges and honour his mother’s impactful legacy in Angola. (PC: BBC)

The UK's unemployment rate has climbed to 4.7% in the three months to May, reaching its highest level since 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figure rose from 4.6% in the previous three months. Wage growth, excluding bonuses, also slowed to 5%, marking the lowest level in nearly three years. ONS said payroll numbers fell again, although revised tax data suggests the decline was less severe than earlier thought. The data comes as the Bank of England signals potential larger interest rate cuts if the labour market shows further signs of weakness. (PC: Itv news)

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa stunned world number one Magnus Carlsen at the Freestyle Grand Slam Chess in Las Vegas, knocking the Norwegian out of the tournament. Playing with white pieces, the teenage chess prodigy dominated Carlsen to secure his spot in the quarterfinals, while Carlsen finished fifth in his group after further losses. Pragg’s win follows earlier victories over Vincent Keymer and WGM Bibisara Assaubayeva. Fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi also advanced from the Black Group, while Vidit Gujrathi was eliminated. Hikaru Nakamura and Hans Niemann lead the field as the favourites heading into the next round. (PC: X)

Syria’s government and Druze leaders have announced a new ceasefire after deadly clashes in Sweida left over 300 people dead, including civilians and soldiers. Israeli forces, citing threats from militants, continued rare airstrikes in central Damascus, hitting the Defense Ministry and sites near the presidential palace. Israel’s Defense Minister vowed to escalate until Syrian forces withdraw. The violence follows sectarian tensions and Israeli concerns over militants near its Golan Heights border. Druze communities in Israel protested, while Syrian civilians reported killings, kidnappings, and atrocities. The U.S. expressed concern and is working to de-escalate the crisis through diplomatic channels. (PC: NDTV)