Thailand has reversed its 2022 cannabis decriminalisation policy, banning sales without medical prescriptions. Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin signed an order reclassifying cannabis buds as a controlled herb, amid rising addiction and child access concerns. The move follows a surge in cannabis-related smuggling and a sharp rise in addiction cases. The Pheu Thai-led government blamed under-regulation and vowed stricter controls. However, cannabis advocates plan to protest next month, calling the move politically driven. The influential Bhumjaithai Party, which supported decriminalisation, quit the coalition last week after political tensions. The order takes effect once published in the Royal Gazette.

 U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to make a second state visit to the UK in September 2025, following a formal hand-signed invitation from King Charles III. The invitation was hand-delivered to the White House by UK embassy officials in Washington. Although an initial private meeting was proposed, scheduling issues prevented it. Buckingham Palace confirmed that all preparations are in line with government advice, and the Palace and government remain fully coordinated. Aides say King Charles looks forward to hosting Trump and the First Lady. Official confirmation of the visit dates will be made in the coming weeks.

The UK will buy at least 12 US-made F-35A fighter jets that can carry nuclear bombs. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the move at the Nato summit in The Hague. He said it was a response to a “growing nuclear threat.” The jets will join Nato’s nuclear mission and be based at RAF Marham in Norfolk. They can also carry regular weapons. The US will control the nuclear bombs. Defence Secretary John Healey said this step will boost UK jobs and security. The jets have a longer range and can carry more weapons than current RAF planes. (PC: Getty Images)

CIA Director John Ratcliffe said US airstrikes caused severe damage to Iran’s nuclear sites, setting the programme back by years. He said key facilities must now be rebuilt. This differs from a leaked Pentagon report that claimed only minor setbacks. President Trump insisted the strikes “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities and criticised the media for “lying.” The attack targeted three sites: Natanz, Fordo, and Esfahan. Iran confirmed the sites were damaged but didn’t give details. Some US and Israeli officials said the damage was major. Talks between the US and Iran may take place next week, though Iran has not confirmed this. (PC: BBC)

At least 12 people died and 20 were injured after gunmen opened fire during a street celebration in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico. The attack happened late Wednesday while locals were dancing and drinking at a St. John the Baptist event. A video showed people enjoying music just before the shooting began. Authorities are investigating the incident. President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the attack and called it “very unfortunate.” Guanajuato has seen rising violence due to organised crime. In the first five months of 2025, the state recorded over 1,400 murders. This shooting follows another deadly attack at a church event last month. (PC: Reuters)

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Israel to immediately cancel or pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, describing it as a politically motivated “witch hunt” . Speaking on Truth Social on June 25, 2025, Trump praised Netanyahu as a “great hero” and “wartime prime minister,” asserting that the United States would “save Bibi Netanyahu” as it did Israel . The trial, stemming from 2019 bribery, fraud, and breach-of-trust charges, began in 2020 and entered cross-examination on June 3, expected to last a year . Israeli President Herzog has stated that no pardon request has been made. (PC: X)

Zohran Mamdani, a 33‑year‑old self‑described democratic socialist, has pulled off a major upset by defeating establishment favorite Andrew Cuomo in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary on June 24, 2025. Mamdani, who campaigned on affordability and progressive reforms like rent freezes, free transit, and city‑run services, energized grassroots and younger voters . His victory provoked broader Democratic Party discord: progressives celebrate, moderates warn of alienating swing constituencies, while Republicans label him the “radical face” of the Democrats—potentially influencing fall elections . If elected, Mamdani would become New York’s youngest mayor, and the city’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor. (PC: AFP)

Indian-American progressive Zohran Mamdani declared victory in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary, calling it a "historic" moment. The 32-year-old State Assemblymember from Queens is the first South Asian to win a major-party NYC mayoral primary. A democratic socialist backed by grassroots movements, Mamdani now prepares for a high-stakes general election on 4 November against Republican Frank T. Donovan, a former police commissioner. Mamdani’s campaign pledged universal rent control, fare-free public transport, and NYPD budget reforms. While progressives cheer the primary win, analysts say the real challenge lies ahead—uniting moderate voters in a city long dominated by Democratic politics. 

Iran has officially acknowledged significant damage to its nuclear sites from recent US airstrikes for the first time. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said, “Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that’s for sure.” The US used B-2 bombers and bunker-buster bombs to target Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. While President Trump claimed the strikes “obliterated” Iran’s program, the Pentagon suggested only a temporary setback. Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA, calling the strikes an “act of aggression.” IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warned Iran retains the technical capacity to restart its nuclear efforts despite the damage. (PC: News18)

US President Donald Trump announced that American and Iranian officials may hold talks next week as the ceasefire between Israel and Iran enters its second day. Speaking at a NATO summit, Trump claimed US strikes had "destroyed" Iran’s nuclear program. Iran, however, rejected the claim and moved to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Iranian officials also questioned US credibility following recent attacks. Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israel confirmed 7 soldiers were killed in Khan Younis, a day after Israeli forces reportedly fired on Palestinian civilians awaiting aid, leaving 44 dead, according to hospital sources and eyewitnesses. (PC: AP)