Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) is facing severe shortages of food, fuel and medicines amid escalating anti-government protests and a region-wide shutdown led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Residents, opposition groups and local reports allege Pakistani authorities are restricting the movement of essential supplies into the territory to suppress dissent, a claim Islamabad denies. The unrest centres on disputed legislative assembly seats reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir, with protesters accusing Islamabad of political interference. Clashes have reportedly left 58 people dead. Residents across Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Rawalakot, Bagh and Neelum Valley report worsening shortages, while some allege police blocked vehicles carrying food, medicines and fuel into POK. (PC: PTI)                           

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has strengthened his influence within the Democratic Party after three candidates he endorsed won key congressional primaries in New York. Brad Lander and community activist Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated incumbent Democratic lawmakers, while state assemblywoman Claire Valdez beat an establishment-backed rival. Mamdani, a democratic socialist who shocked political observers by winning New York City's mayoral race last year, campaigned for all three candidates. Their victories highlight growing support among some Democratic voters for progressive policies such as affordable housing, government-funded healthcare and higher taxes on the wealthy. The results are expected to intensify debate over the future direction of the Democratic Party ahead of November's midterm elections. (PC: BBC)  

Downing Street has confirmed that Keir Starmer will remain a Member of Parliament after stepping down as UK prime minister. The announcement came as political attention shifted toward potential successor Andy Burnham. During Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer defended his government's record while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch continued her criticism. Meanwhile, Labour minister Darren Jones ruled out running for the party leadership. Starmer also attended a meeting of European leaders in Berlin, where he discussed defence and support for Ukraine. Labour MP Tulip Siddiq said Starmer wants to continue serving the voters who elected him more than a decade ago. (PC: PA)

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told a US congressional panel that Jeffrey Epstein may have tried to pressure him using information about his personal life. Gates admitted having three affairs and said Epstein knew about two of them. He told lawmakers that the relationships had no connection to his meetings with Epstein. Gates said Epstein never blackmailed him, but some emails suggested he may have considered doing so. Gates also denied claims that he had a sexually transmitted disease. He said he met Epstein around 12 to 14 times for discussions related to philanthropy and potential donor connections.

US President Donald Trump said ongoing negotiations with Iran could collapse if Tehran’s assurances about not imposing tolls or charges in the strategic Strait of Hormuz prove false. Trump stated that Iran had informed Washington that ships would continue to pass through the vital waterway without fees, aiming to ease concerns over global energy supplies and trade routes. He also defended plans involving the release of frozen Iranian funds, saying the money would be subject to strict oversight and used for approved purposes. The remarks come amid delicate US-Iran talks focused on regional stability, maritime security, and nuclear-related issues. (PC: Reuters)

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has emerged as a powerful force in the Democratic Party after candidates he endorsed secured major victories in congressional primaries. The wins strengthened Mamdani’s influence and highlighted a growing shift toward progressive politics in New York. However, his rising power has also sparked tensions with several Democratic leaders, including members of Congress and local officials, who accuse him of sidelining longtime allies and deepening divisions within the party. Supporters say Mamdani is building a movement focused on working-class voters, while critics argue his approach risks weakening party unity ahead of key national elections.  

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has acknowledged having affairs with three women, including Russian nuclear physicist Karima Nigmatulina, during closed-door testimony before a US congressional committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein. Gates also identified Russian bridge player Mila Antonova and medical entrepreneur Dr. Alice Jacobs Nesselrodt. According to testimony transcripts, Gates said Epstein became aware of some of the relationships and appeared to consider using the information as leverage. Gates, however, maintained that he was never blackmailed and denied any involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities. He described his association with Epstein as a mistake and said he witnessed no illegal conduct. (PC: WION)

A new book on US President Donald Trump’s administration has revealed a heated exchange between Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick over tariffs imposed by India on American goods. According to the book, Trump believed India’s tariffs were far higher than official US government figures. When Lutnick presented data from the US Trade Representative’s office, Trump reportedly dismissed the numbers and accused officials of providing inaccurate information. The book claims Trump was convinced Indian tariffs were as high as 175 per cent. The episode took place before Trump’s tariff measures targeting several trading partners, including India. (PC: HT)

Bangladesh is moving ahead with plans to purchase 24 Chinese J-10CE fighter jets, with the deal expected to be a major outcome of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to China. Reports suggest Dhaka aims to finalise the agreement by August 2026 as the two countries expand cooperation in defence and trade. The J-10CE is the export version of China’s advanced J-10C fighter aircraft. India is closely monitoring the development due to its possible impact on regional security. New Delhi is also watching plans to upgrade Bangladesh’s Lalmonirhat airbase near the Indian border, which holds strategic importance for both countries. (PC: NDTV)

Candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani won several key Democratic primary races, strengthening the party's left wing in the city. Brad Lander defeated Congressman Dan Goldman in New York's 10th District. Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier also secured victories in their respective races. The contests highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party, including differences over the Israel-Gaza war. Mamdani praised the winning candidates and said they would put working people at the centre of politics. Lander said voters wanted "leadership ready to fight, not fold". Party leaders, however, downplayed the broader impact of the primary results. (PC: BBC)