Hamas signaled readiness to agree on a ceasefire but rejected parts of the U.S.-backed proposal unveiled by President Trump, insisting any deal must permanently end the Gaza war and include full Israeli withdrawal. Trump’s 60-day ceasefire plan—which Israel reportedly accepted—calls for phased hostage releases and a partial troop pullout . Hamas official Taher al-Nunu described the group as “ready and serious,” but negotiations remain stymied by conflicting conditions: Israel demands Hamas disarm and surrender, while Hamas demands a permanent cessation of hostilities . Mediated talks via Egypt and Qatar continue in Cairo amid rising humanitarian concerns in Gaza. (PC: Reuters)    

Nila Patel, a 56-Year-Old Indian-Origin Woman, Died In A UK Hospital After Suffering A Fatal Head Injury In An Assault On June 24 In Leicester. Leicestershire Police Said A Post-Mortem Confirmed The Cause Of Death. The Accused, 23-Year-Old Michael Chuwuemeka, Has Been Charged With Murder, Drug Offences, Dangerous Driving, And Assaulting A Police Officer. Patel’s Children, Jaidan And Danika, Paid Tribute To Their “Devoted” Mother, Calling Her A Warm, Selfless Woman Who Touched Many Lives. The Police Have Launched An Online Portal For Information. Patel’s Family Urged The Public To Honour Her Memory And Share Her Story. (PC: NDTV)

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, during his 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala, confirmed he will have a successor, ending speculation over the future of the 600-year-old institution. In a video message, he stated only the Gaden Phodrang Trust has the authority to appoint his successor. Reiterating that the successor must be born outside China, he dismissed Beijing’s claims of control over the process. China responded, asserting any reincarnation must be approved by its government. Thousands of followers and dignitaries, including actor Richard Gere, attended the event. Experts say China may attempt to impose its own Dalai Lama, likely to face rejection. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump launched a fierce attack on New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, calling him a "communist lunatic" and threatening to arrest him if he interferes with federal immigration operations. Trump vowed to cut federal funds to NYC if Mamdani "doesn’t do the right thing," accusing him of planning to "destroy New York." Mamdani, who could become NYC's first South Asian Muslim mayor, responded defiantly, saying Trump aims to "terrorise" those resisting ICE raids. Born in Uganda and a US citizen since 2018, Mamdani dismissed Trump’s threats as intimidation against outspoken immigrant communities. (PC: News18)

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, announced he will have a successor, affirming the continuation of the 600‑year‑old Dalai Lama institution. He entrusted his Gaden Phodrang Trust—established in 2015—with sole authority to identify and recognize his reincarnation, in consultation with senior lamas and Dharma protectors . Making the announcement ahead of his 90th birthday, he stated the next Dalai Lama may be born outside China, countering Beijing’s claim over the process . China responded by asserting that any recommenced reincarnation must follow its traditional “golden urn” lottery and gain central government approval. (PC: NDTV)

Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced in absentia to six months in jail by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for contempt of court. The verdict stems from a leaked audio recording in which Hasina allegedly claimed she held a “license to kill” and made derogatory remarks about the tribunal’s authority. The ICT deemed her comments as a direct challenge to judicial integrity. This marks Hasina’s first conviction since being ousted amid mass protests in 2024. Co-accused Bulbul Shakil Akand was also sentenced to two months in jail. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump announced that Israel has agreed to conditions for a proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the US will work with all sides to end the war. Hamas responded positively, saying it’s ready if the deal ensures a complete end to the conflict. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said there's majority support for a hostage-release framework. Netanyahu’s stance remains uncertain, though Trump hinted a deal could be finalised next week. Over 56,000 have died in Gaza since Israel’s offensive began. Aid groups continue to condemn civilian deaths near aid zones. (PC: Reuters)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to six months in jail for contempt of court by the International Crimes Tribunal. A three-judge panel gave the verdict in Dhaka. Hasina, who fled to India 11 months ago, was tried in absentia. Her party, the banned Awami League, called the trial a “show trial.” She also faces five charges linked to crimes against humanity. The UN says up to 1,400 people died during her government’s crackdown on protests in 2024. Hasina is accused of failing to stop the violence. Two other top officials are also facing trial with her. (PC: AP)

Germany and the UK are set to sign a defence treaty on July 17, 2025, introducing a mutual assistance clause that says, any strategic threat to one is considered a threat to both, Reuters reports. This pact builds upon an August declaration by British PM Keir Starmer and former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, deepening cooperation on trade, security and now formalizing defence. It marks a shift under Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz toward stronger European defence collaboration and reduced reliance on the U.S., particularly amid concerns over U.S. unpredictability under President Trump. The agreement, final text close to completion, reaffirms NATO allegiance while emphasizing Europe’s emerging defence autonomy. German government offices have yet to comment. (PC: Reuters)

Zohran Mamdani, a 33‑year‑old Indian‑origin, Ugandan-born U.S. citizen and Democratic Socialist, has responded defiantly to former President Donald Trump’s threats to arrest, strip his citizenship, place him in a detention camp, and deport him if he obstructs ICE raids in New York City. Trump labelled him a “communist” and questioned his legal status despite Mamdani naturalizing in 2018. Clinched after defeating Andrew Cuomo in the June primary, Mamdani leads polls in the upcoming November mayoral race. He vowed, “We will not accept this intimidation,” and emphasised his campaign’s focus on working‑class and immigrant communities, not fear. (PC: History & New York City)