U.S. President Donald Trump said his administration will notify trading partners of new tariff rates if they fail to reach trade agreements before the July deadline. He indicated that countries imposing digital services taxes on American technology firms could face retaliatory measures. The administration is pushing for bilateral trade deals while warning that higher tariffs will apply where negotiations stall. Trump's remarks have heightened uncertainty in global markets, with businesses monitoring the outcome of ongoing talks. The evolving trade strategy could significantly affect international commerce, technology companies, and supply chains as the deadline approaches and negotiations continue. (PC: X)

Chinese authorities sealed off roads and deployed a heavy police presence around Beijing's 108-storey CITIC Tower after a small aircraft crashed into the city's tallest skyscraper. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud impact before spotting damage to two glass panels high on the building. Police restricted access, discouraged filming, and reportedly asked some bystanders to delete recorded footage. Authorities had not issued an official statement on the cause of the crash or possible casualties at the time of reporting. The incident has drawn widespread attention due to the building's prominence and the unusual nature of the crash in Beijing's tightly controlled airspace.

The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela has climbed to 920, with 2,980 people injured and more than 50,000 reported missing, authorities said on Friday. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced the militarisation of La Guaira, the worst-hit province, as rescue operations intensified. Foreign search-and-rescue teams, including contingents from countries that had long maintained strained relations with Venezuela, have begun arriving to assist recovery efforts. Officials warned that hundreds of people are still believed trapped beneath collapsed buildings. A government portal created to trace missing people had received over 50,000 reports, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian crisis following the powerful back-to-back earthquakes. (PC: X)

The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has climbed to 589 as international rescue operations intensified across the devastated country. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes, among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century, have left thousands injured and caused widespread destruction. Rescue teams from Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, the United States and other countries have joined search efforts alongside United Nations humanitarian agencies. Authorities said damaged hospitals, power outages and destroyed transport infrastructure, including the main international airport, are hampering relief operations and delaying aid deliveries. Rescuers continue searching collapsed buildings for survivors as emergency assistance pours into the country.

US President Donald Trump accused Iran of violating the recently brokered ceasefire by launching four one-way attack drones at commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Trump claimed one drone struck the upper deck of a cargo vessel while US forces intercepted the remaining three, calling the attack a “foolish violation” of the agreement. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards denied the allegations, dismissing reports of a direct confrontation with the United States as “a complete lie.” The reported incident follows an earlier attack on a Singapore-flagged cargo ship near Oman, raising fresh concerns over maritime security and threatening the fragile truce aimed at restoring safe navigation through the strategic waterway.

Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir has approved a 25% salary hike for soldiers and officers following India's Operation Sindoor, according to intelligence sources cited by India Today. The revised package includes a 25% increase in ad hoc relief allowance, a threefold rise in disturbance allowance, and doubled benefits under cash-in-lieu, uniform and batman allowances. The move is reportedly aimed at boosting troop morale, welfare and operational readiness after internal military reviews following the conflict. Despite Pakistan's economic challenges, the enhanced pay structure has been implemented with immediate effect. Pakistan has publicly portrayed the conflict as a strategic success, while General Munir was later promoted to the rank of Field Marshal. (PC: Startup Pakistan)

Pakistan's military has reportedly approved a 25% salary increase for its personnel, with reports suggesting the move is intended to boost troop morale following the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. The pay hike is expected to benefit officers and soldiers across the armed forces as part of broader welfare measures. While officials have presented the increase as support for military personnel amid economic challenges, reports indicate morale concerns influenced the decision. The development comes as Pakistan continues to grapple with financial pressures, raising questions about the fiscal impact of increased defence spending alongside the country's ongoing economic recovery efforts. (PC: X)

Denmark's government has proposed a nationwide ban on broadcasting the Islamic azaan through loudspeakers, arguing that public spaces should remain free from religious calls amplified over sound systems. The proposal has sparked intense political and public debate over religious freedom, integration, and national identity. Supporters say the measure promotes social cohesion and equal treatment of all religions, while critics argue it unfairly targets Muslims and restricts religious expression. The debate follows comments from some politicians expressing concerns about demographic and cultural changes. If approved, the legislation would prohibit amplified azaan broadcasts across Denmark while allowing prayers to continue inside mosques. (PC: X)

Iran has proposed a new transit fee system for commercial ships passing through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, aiming to generate up to $40 billion annually. Tehran is seeking support from China and Gulf nations, arguing the charges would fund maritime security, safety, and environmental services. The proposal follows the reopening of the waterway under a ceasefire agreement and includes discussions on a regional management framework. However, the plan faces resistance from the United States and several Gulf countries, which argue that international maritime law does not permit such transit tolls on the globally significant shipping route. 

A pet cat in British Columbia, Canada, has gone viral after fearlessly chasing a black bear out of its family's backyard. Security camera footage captured the surprising moment as the cat boldly confronted the much larger animal, forcing the startled bear to retreat over a fence. The unusual encounter amazed residents and wildlife experts, who cautioned that such outcomes are rare and should not encourage people to let pets confront wild animals. Authorities reminded the public to secure garbage, remove attractants and maintain a safe distance from bears, as wildlife sightings increase during warmer months across British Columbia.