President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the U.S. is overshadowed by tensions with House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has called for Ukraine to dismiss its ambassador. Johnson claims Zelensky’s recent visit to an arms factory in Pennsylvania, President Biden’s hometown, was designed to aid Democrats and interfere in U.S. elections. This dispute threatens Zelensky’s crucial meeting with Biden, where he aims to present a “plan for victory” against Russia. Meanwhile, Biden announced a $7.9 billion military aid package for Ukraine as missile strikes from Russia continue. Trump, criticizing Zelensky and echoing Russian views, will not meet with the Ukrainian leader, complicating diplomatic efforts.

Israel's military confirmed the elimination of Hezbollah air force unit commander Mohammad Surur in a strike on Beirut's southern suburbs. Surur was responsible for orchestrating aerial attacks against Israel, including drone and missile strikes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated he has instructed the military to continue operations "at full force," rejecting a proposed ceasefire from the U.S. and France. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are intensifying strikes on Hezbollah to degrade its capabilities and infrastructure while maintaining military operations in Gaza until all objectives are achieved.

Norway's security police (PST) have launched a preliminary investigation into reports that Sofia-based Norta Global Ltd, founded by a Norwegian citizen in 2022, facilitated the sale of pagers to Hezbollah. Last week, thousands of these pagers exploded in Lebanon, killing 39 and injuring many. The origins of the weaponized devices are unclear. Bulgarian authorities are also investigating Norta Global, which was implicated by a Hungarian media report. The company's founder, Rinson Jose, has been unreachable since the incident. The investigations also involve Taiwan and Hungary to trace supply chain links.

Israel carried out precise airstrikes in Beirut, killing Hezbollah's drone commander, Abu Saleh, and another person. Abu Saleh, whose real name is Mohammed Srur, was a key figure in training Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The strikes targeted a residential building in Beirut, where other Hezbollah commanders were also killed recently. Lebanese media confirmed three missiles struck the building, raising concerns of further escalation between Israel and Hezbollah. The Lebanese health ministry reported hundreds of casualties from Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds this week.

The Taliban has extended its strict rules to Afghan men, mandating beard lengths and prohibiting Western clothing and hairstyles. Previously, urban men enjoyed relative freedom under Taliban rule, but new restrictions have shocked many. Morality police now patrol cities, penalizing men for short beards or allowing women to ride alone in taxis. Some men regret not speaking up earlier in defense of women’s rights. Others, including former Taliban supporters, are now considering fleeing Afghanistan as the regime enforces stricter religious codes on men and women alike.

Israel launched airstrikes in Beirut following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s directive to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to continue fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon with "full force." The strikes earlier today targeted Hezbollah strongholds, killing at least 2 people and injuring 15, including a critically wounded woman. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that over 550 people have been killed since Monday. The ongoing conflict has displaced more than 70,000 people in Lebanon, with many sheltering in makeshift camps. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, continues its operations in solidarity with Palestinians, while Israel aims to eliminate Hezbollah’s threat.

Elon Musk has denied rumors of an affair with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the two were photographed together at a black-tie event in New York. Musk presented Meloni with the Global Citizen Award, sparking speculation due to their warm interaction. Musk dismissed the rumors on social media, clarifying that he attended the event with his mother and there was no romantic relationship. Meloni, who split from her long-time partner in 2023, called Musk a "precious genius" during the event. Both have met previously, sharing common concerns over Western conservatism and declining birth rates.

Israel has rejected a ceasefire proposal for Lebanon, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denying reports of an agreement with Hezbollah. The proposed 21-day ceasefire, backed by the US and France, aimed to pause hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon "Blue Line." Netanyahu instructed the Israeli military to continue its full-force operations against Hezbollah, which has fired hundreds of missiles into Israel. Over 600 people have died in Lebanon since Israel intensified airstrikes, threatening further escalation. Israel's military chief has hinted at a potential ground assault on Lebanon, urging forces near the border to prepare for possible action.

As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon intensifies, several countries have started preparing to evacuate their citizens. Australia has urged its 15,000 nationals to leave, with plans for sea evacuations in place. Canada is coordinating with Australia to use commercial vessels for evacuations, while the UK has deployed 700 troops to Cyprus. The US is sending troops to Cyprus to assist in evacuation planning. Other countries, like Portugal, are working with EU partners for evacuation operations. Cyprus and Turkey are expected to be key evacuation hubs, with contingency plans heavily relying on sea routes.

In a heartwarming moment at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, the Pakistan team posed for photos with the Indian flag alongside the Indian chess contingent. This gesture followed India’s historic double gold medal achievement, with both the men’s and women’s teams claiming their first-ever gold medals. The event marks a milestone in Indian chess, with stars like D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa dominating. The video has gone viral, drawing comparisons to a previous incident involving Pakistan’s hockey team holding Chinese flags during the Asian Champions Trophy.