Efforts escalate in Cairo for a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, with negotiations focused on releasing hostages and pausing Israeli offensive in Gaza. Hamas delegates express determination for an agreement fulfilling Palestinian demands. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken emphasizes the necessity of ceasefire for Hamas. Key points of contention include the ceasefire's permanency and Israel's reluctance while Hamas remains active. Despite ongoing talks, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu maintains readiness for a ground operation in Gaza. US involvement continues with CIA Director's presence in Cairo. Ceasefire remains elusive amidst complex negotiations.    

An NYPD officer accidentally discharged his firearm while clearing pro-Palestinian protesters from a Columbia University building. No injuries were reported, and the bullet was found in a nearby wall. The incident occurred during a crackdown on demonstrators who had occupied Hamilton Hall. While the NYPD initially did not publicly disclose the discharge, it later confirmed the accidental nature of the shot. The university community reacted with criticism towards both the police response and the decision to involve law enforcement in campus affairs. The incident sparked debate over police conduct and campus activism amidst ongoing protests nationwide.

Amateur archaeologists excavating Hitler's former military base in Poland unearthed five human skeletons, missing hands and feet, inside Luftwaffe commander Hermann Goering's villa. The Latebra Foundation's discovery of three adults, a baby, and an older child raises eerie questions about the site's history. "You'd never expect such things in such a place," said group member Dominik Markiewicz. Speculation abounds about the skeletons' origins, with no clear timeline established. An investigation is underway, shedding light on the secretive and sinister activities that may have occurred in the Wolf's Lair, Hitler's once heavily guarded stronghold.          

Canadian police apprehend alleged hit squad members tied to the murder of Khalistani militant Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, CBC reports. Investigators had monitored the suspects in Canada for months before the arrest. Royal Canadian Mounted Police yet to comment. Prime Minister Trudeau previously linked Indian agents to Nijjar's shooting, but New Delhi dismissed claims. Canada seeks India's cooperation in probe. US reveals thwarting Sikh separatist assassination plot. India has long grappled with Khalistani presence in Canada, branding Nijjar a "terrorist."

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators at Rutgers University in New Jersey demanded the display of flags representing "occupied peoples" on campus, including Kashmiris, during protests against the Gaza war. The university administration agreed to review the demands, following four days of encampment. The protests, part of a broader movement across US campuses, have prompted discussions on balancing free speech with concerns of anti-Semitism. The Ministry of External Affairs in India emphasized the importance of respecting local laws amid protests, denying any Indian students seeking assistance regarding participation.            

UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron affirmed Ukraine's right to defend itself, stating it can decide to use British weapons inside Russia if deemed necessary. The declaration, made during a visit to Kyiv, follows the UK's commitment to provide £3bn annually in military aid to Ukraine. Russia criticized the statement, calling it an escalation of tension. While not explicitly endorsing strikes on Russian territory, Cameron emphasized Ukraine's autonomy in weapon use. The UK's stance aligns with its ongoing support for Ukraine against Russian aggression since 2022.  

Britney Spears addresses concerns over her recent hotel exit accompanied by paramedics, dismissing speculation and attributing the incident to a minor injury. Despite tabloid photos suggesting otherwise, the pop star assures fans that her departure from the Chateau Marmont was due to a twisted ankle, not a medical emergency. Spears shares details on Instagram, including a video of her swollen ankle, humorously recounting how the mishap occurred while attempting a leap in her hotel suite. The incident coincides with her divorce settlement with estranged husband Sam Asghari, marking a new chapter for the pop icon.

Google trimmed its core team by axing 200 positions, with some roles moved abroad to streamline operations. The restructuring aims to enhance efficiency and reduce bureaucracy. The tech giant plans to fill vacancies in India and Mexico while providing support to affected employees. Despite layoffs, Google reported robust growth and announced a $70 billion buyback and its first dividend. The move aligns with Alphabet's ongoing workforce adjustments since 2023, amidst evolving market dynamics.

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was initially denied entry to his local polling station due to a lack of acceptable photo ID. After returning with the required identification, he successfully cast his ballot in South Oxfordshire for a police and crime commissioner. The incident highlights new rules mandating photo ID for voting, implemented under the Elections Act 2022. Despite concerns, government intends to expand acceptable forms of ID, including veterans' cards. Issues like Conservative MP Tom Hunt's dyspraxia-induced passport loss and other voter ID challenges prompted discussions about accessibility and proxy voting options.

In a groundbreaking observation, an orangutan named Rakus has been seen treating a facial wound with a plant known for its pain-relieving and wound-healing properties. Rakus, a male Sumatran orangutan, chewed the leaves of the Akar Kuning plant to create a liquid and applied it to his injury, much like a wound plaster. This is the first documented case of a wild animal using a plant with medical properties to treat a wound. The observation was made at the Suaq Balimbing research site in Indonesia and has been published in the journal Scientific Reports.