Zohran Mamdani, New York’s Democratic mayoral nominee, said he won’t back down after US President Donald Trump threatened to arrest and deport him. “We will not accept this intimidation,” Mamdani posted on X. Trump attacked Mamdani for promising to block ICE raids, calling him a “communist” and questioning his citizenship. Mamdani responded, “The President… threatened to have me arrested… not because I broke any law, but because I refuse to let ICE terrorise our city.” The White House said it may review his immigration history. Mamdani, born in Uganda, moved to the US in 1998 and became a citizen later. (PC: AFP)

France’s government has enacted sweeping new anti-smoking regulations that ban smoking in most outdoor spaces where children are present—such as parks, beaches, school zones, bus shelters, pools, and libraries—supplanting France’s long-standing image of the “smoking Parisian.” A penalty of €135 (up to €700) will be imposed on violators, though an initial grace period is expected . With around 30% of French adults still smoking and 15% of 17‑year‑olds lighting up, health officials aim to “denormalize” tobacco use and reduce France’s 75,000 annual smoking-related deaths . Restaurants and cafés, already smoke-free since 2007–08, still allow smoking on outdoor terraces, a symbol of French social life—a concession lobbyists defended as essential to France’s café culture. (PC: AFP)    

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that Israel has agreed to a U.S.-backed 60-day ceasefire plan in Gaza, urging Hamas to immediately accept the proposal. The deal, mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, includes a temporary pause in hostilities in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages and some Palestinian prisoners. Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating that “it will not get better—it will only get worse” if the deal is rejected. The ceasefire aims to ease ongoing humanitarian suffering and revive peace negotiations amid the prolonged Middle East conflict. (PC: AP)

Tesla CEO Elon Musk reacted sharply after US President Donald Trump said he might consider deporting him. Trump made the comment amid a growing feud over spending policies. Musk, a US citizen since 2002, posted on X, “So tempting to escalate this. But I will refrain for now.” Trump also hinted at using DOGE, a government cost-cutting unit Musk once led, to investigate him. The clash began after Musk criticised Trump’s tax and spending bill. Trump accused Musk of anger over losing EV subsidies and warned he “could lose a lot more.” (PC: AP)

West Bengal minister Manas Bhunia sparked outrage after allegedly calling the Kolkata law student gang-rape a "small incident." The BJP slammed his remarks, accusing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of normalizing rape and shielding the accused, who is linked to TMC’s student wing. BJP’s Amit Malviya shared the video and demanded accountability, calling it a sign of institutionalized misogyny. Bhunia later clarified his comments were misrepresented, condemned the June 25 assault, and defended Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s zero-tolerance stance. The TMC accused BJP of running a smear campaign, warning defamation has consequences and insisting the truth will prevail. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he hopes for a Gaza ceasefire "sometime next week," ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's July 7 visit to the White House. Responding to reporters, Trump said, “We hope it's going to happen.” The United States has renewed diplomatic efforts following the end of Israel’s 12-day war with Iran. Trump has previously urged Israel to “make the deal in Gaza.” Despite ongoing airstrikes and humanitarian crises affecting over 2 million Palestinians, Israeli forces have continued their operations. Washington is reportedly pushing both sides for a temporary truce to allow humanitarian aid access. (PC: NDTV)

India-US trade negotiations have hit a deadlock as New Delhi refuses to compromise on key demands concerning its dairy sector. According to senior government sources, the Indian side has drawn a "red line" on dairy imports, citing the livelihoods of over 80 million people, mostly smallholder farmers, dependent on the sector. The United States has been pressing for greater market access for its dairy products, but Indian officials argue that such a move would threaten rural economies and traditional farming systems. Talks may resume later, but the impasse highlights the challenges of balancing trade liberalization with local employment concerns. (PC: India Today)

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended by the Constitutional Court after a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen. The court is investigating if she broke ethics rules during a tense border dispute that led to the death of a Cambodian soldier. In the call, Paetongtarn called Hun Sen “uncle” and referred to a Thai commander as her “opponent.” This sparked protests and backlash. The court voted 7-2 to suspend her while the case continues. Paetongtarn said she will follow the court’s decision. She also faces a separate ethics probe by the National Anti-Corruption Commission. (PC: AP)

Over 130 global aid groups, including Oxfam, Save the Children, and Amnesty International, have called for the immediate shutdown of the US-Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Since GHF began operations in May, over 500 Palestinians have reportedly been killed while seeking aid, and nearly 4,000 injured. The charities accuse Israeli forces of routinely firing at civilians near GHF-controlled sites, calling the system “militarized” and “inherently unsafe.” The UN has condemned the GHF, with Secretary-General Guterres stating it violates humanitarian norms. “This is not a humanitarian response,” said the aid groups, demanding a UN-led distribution model to replace the controversial operation. (PC: BBC)

After a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, calls are rising for Israeli PM Netanyahu to stop the Gaza war. A new poll shows two-thirds of Israelis want the fighting to end. Though Netanyahu gained support after the Iran war, many still want him to step down. Protesters in Tel Aviv demand a deal to bring home hostages held by Hamas since 2023. Former PM Naftali Bennett and others say Netanyahu has failed to lead. Donald Trump also urged a Gaza deal. Critics say Netanyahu’s long rule and Gaza failures can’t be ignored, even after success against Iran. (PC: NDTV)