Donald Trump ruled out Ukraine's NATO membership, stating it "started the war." He emphasized European responsibility for Ukraine’s security while securing a deal for US access to rare earth resources. Trump claimed US presence in Ukraine would deter threats, but refused formal security guarantees. He insisted Russia was now open to compromise and hinted at a possible peace deal. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Trump to back European security efforts. Zelensky will meet Trump on Friday to finalize agreements.

Thousands of Israelis lined highways, holding flags and orange balloons, as the funeral procession for Shiri Bibas and her sons, Ariel (4) and Kfir (9 months), moved through southern Israel. The hostages, killed in Gaza, were buried in a single casket beside Shiri’s parents, who were murdered on October 7, 2023. The Bibas family criticized Israeli officials for failing to protect them. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed retaliation, further heightening tensions. Hamas’ mistaken handover of remains and the stalled ceasefire negotiations have fueled uncertainty for the 60 remaining hostages’ families. "Our disaster should never happen again," said Ofri Bibas Levy.

The Trump administration is preparing large-scale layoffs as Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, pushes a $1 trillion budget cut. At a cabinet meeting, Trump assured that health and retirement benefits would remain untouched. Over 100,000 federal employees have already accepted buyouts or been dismissed, with deeper cuts expected. Trump also seeks to extend the 2017 tax cuts, despite concerns over adding trillions to the national debt. Musk warned, “If this continues, the country will go de facto bankrupt.” The layoffs are expected to impact career employees beyond probationary workers.

South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson has proposed a $250 bill featuring Donald Trump’s face, making him the first living former president on U.S. currency if approved. Wilson claims the bill is necessary due to "Bidenflation," referencing inflation under President Biden. While inflation has dropped to 3% in 2025, concerns persist, especially with Trump's new tariffs. Critics call the proposal a waste of resources, while supporters argue it’s practical for large transactions. The bill has not yet been introduced to Congress, and no timeline has been set for its approval.

Donald Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will sign a "very big agreement" in the US on Friday. The deal reportedly involves Ukraine sharing its mineral wealth in exchange for past US aid and potential security guarantees. "We've been able to make a deal where we're going to get our money back," Trump stated, adding that Russia must make concessions in a broader peace agreement. Zelensky, however, noted that security guarantees are not yet included. Trump suggested American workers in Ukraine would serve as a deterrent. The agreement's full details remain unclear.

Afghanistan defeated England by 8 runs in Lahore to stay in the Champions Trophy semi-final race. Ibrahim Zadran smashed 177 off 146 balls, setting a record for the highest individual score in the tournament. Azmatullah Omarzai's five-wicket haul sealed England’s fate, despite Joe Root’s 120-run effort. Afghanistan posted 325/7, recovering from 37/3 after Jofra Archer’s early strikes. Mohammad Nabi's 40 off 24 added to the late flourish. Omarzai’s final wicket dismissed Adil Rashid, bowling England out for 317. Afghanistan now aim for a historic semi-final spot.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman warned that the country's sovereignty is at risk due to political turmoil and societal infighting. Speaking at a military event, he said the anarchy is “of our own making” and criticized the inefficiency of law enforcement. He urged national unity to prevent further instability. The crisis follows the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government last August. Meanwhile, student leader Nahid Islam resigned from the interim government ahead of his expected party launch. Bangladesh’s general elections are scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026.

AAP has dismissed speculation that Arvind Kejriwal will enter Rajya Sabha from Punjab. Senior leader Somnath Bharti stated that Kejriwal has a "big responsibility" for AAP's national expansion. Speculation arose after AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora was fielded for the Ludhiana West bypoll. Party spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar also denied the claims, saying media reports were incorrect. BJP’s Amit Malviya suggested Arora’s nomination was meant to clear Kejriwal’s path. Kejriwal recently lost his New Delhi seat to BJP’s Parvesh Verma in the Delhi elections.

A report by Blume Ventures reveals that 1 billion Indians lack discretionary spending power, with the country's consumer class limited to 130-140 million people. The growing wealth disparity has driven "premiumisation," benefiting luxury brands while affordable goods struggle. India's top 10% now hold 57.7% of national income, up from 34% in 1990, while the bottom 50% have seen their share shrink. The middle class faces stagnating wages and declining financial savings. Experts warn that AI-driven job losses and reduced household spending could impact India's economic trajectory, despite temporary boosts from rural demand and tax incentives.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has supported Donald Trump’s proposal for the US, Russia, and China to cut their defense budgets by 50%. Calling it a “good idea,” Putin stated Moscow is open to discussions with Washington. However, China’s President Xi Jinping rejected the proposal, citing national security concerns and the need for military expansion. Trump emphasized that reducing military spending could fund other priorities. Moscow’s stance hints at a possible truce in Ukraine, while Beijing remains committed to increasing its defense budget. China currently has the world’s second-largest military budget after the US.