Pakistan has inducted Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir into a high-level committee tasked with addressing the country's rapidly growing population, further expanding the military's role in policymaking. Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed the panel to devise strategies for population management, alongside senior ministers overseeing finance, planning and health. Kamal argued that Pakistan's current resource-sharing formula discourages provinces from reducing population growth and proposed lowering the population-based weight in the National Finance Commission allocation. The government has also removed taxes on contraceptive products to improve access to family planning. Pakistan is projected to become the world's fourth most populous country by 2030. (PC: News18)

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has vowed to avenge the killing of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling retribution "the demand of the nation" in his first public message since assuming office. In a written statement aired on state television, Mojtaba pledged revenge against those responsible for the deaths of his father and others killed during the recent conflict. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28, with Mojtaba succeeding him on March 8. Despite taking office, he has yet to appear publicly. The statement comes as tensions persist between Iran and the US, even as both sides continue diplomatic talks. (PC: India Today)

King Charles and Queen Camilla met Prince Harry, Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet at Highgrove House on Friday. It was the King's first meeting with his grandchildren since 2022. The visit was private, and no photos were shared. Harry was in Britain for charity work and after a court case. He and Meghan have lived in the United States since leaving royal duties. Harry has visited Britain only a few times in recent years. The royal family has faced tensions for several years. The meeting is seen as a small step toward improving family relations. Buckingham Palace did not share more details.

US President Donald Trump has issued one of his strongest warnings to Iran, declaring that the United States would unleash overwhelming military force if Tehran attempts to assassinate him. The statement follows renewed intelligence reports and public threats linked to Iran after the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump claimed he had instructed the US military to respond with devastating strikes, saying hundreds of missiles were ready if such an attack occurred. The remarks further heighten tensions between Washington and Tehran, raising concerns over regional stability and the future of diplomatic efforts. (PC: Reuters)

Fresh satellite images indicate Iran has resumed reconstruction work at key nuclear facilities damaged in previous US and Israeli strikes, raising concerns over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. The activity comes despite a proposed 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States aimed at limiting nuclear escalation. Reports suggest Iran is restoring access roads, repairing infrastructure, and reinforcing underground sites while insisting its nuclear programme remains peaceful. US President Donald Trump has warned of severe consequences if Iran expands its nuclear capabilities, adding further strain to already fragile diplomatic efforts. The developments have intensified global scrutiny over regional security and future negotiations. (PC: X)

Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes have claimed more than 4,100 lives, with over 16,700 people injured and thousands still missing. The 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude quakes, which struck on June 24, caused widespread destruction, particularly in La Guaira, where entire neighborhoods were flattened. Although official rescue operations have ended, families continue searching for loved ones beneath the rubble. The United Nations has appealed for nearly $300 million in emergency aid, estimating damages at $37 billion. Authorities face mounting criticism over the disaster response as the country begins the enormous task of rebuilding amid ongoing economic challenges. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump said he has already left instructions for a massive military response if Iran attempts to assassinate him. Speaking in an interview, Trump said the orders call for strikes at "levels never seen before" if such an attack takes place. His remarks come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran following recent military confrontations in the region. US officials have previously accused Iran of being linked to threats against Trump, while Tehran has repeatedly denied the allegations. The latest comments are expected to further escalate tensions between the two countries. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Indian community in New Zealand for preserving India's rich cultural heritage across generations during a community event in Auckland. He said the diaspora has kept Indian traditions alive while strengthening people-to-people ties between India and New Zealand. Modi appreciated cultural performances featuring Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Carnatic and Hindustani classical music, along with a rendition of Vande Mataram. Calling the event a vibrant celebration of India's diversity, he said the Indian diaspora continues to play a key role in promoting the country's culture across the world and deepening the friendship between India and New Zealand.

Andy Burnham is set to become the United Kingdom's next prime minister after winning the support of 80% of Labour MPs. He secured 322 nominations, far above the 81 needed to enter the party leadership race. Burnham said he was "deeply grateful" for the backing and promised a new approach to politics. He is expected to become Labour leader after nominations close on July 16. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation last month. Burnham has promised to boost economic growth, improve public services and continue Britain's support for NATO, the United States and Ukraine. (PC: Reuters)

At least 12 people have died and 23 are missing after a massive wildfire swept through southern Spain. Officials said four of the victims are believed to be British. The fire broke out near Los Gallardos in the Andalusia region and forced hundreds of people to leave their homes. Emergency teams continued to battle the blaze, which officials described as the region's worst wildfire. "If the wind picks up again, things could get complicated," a local mayor said. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire as search and rescue operations continue in the affected areas.