Taylor Swift launched the UK leg of her Eras tour at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium, delivering a spectacular performance to over 70,000 fans. The concert, marking the first of 15 UK shows, featured a vibrant three-hour setlist spanning Swift’s 11 albums. Fans sang along to hits like "Blank Space" and "Shake It Off," with some even enjoying the music from miles away. The tour will continue with three shows in Scotland before heading to Liverpool, Cardiff, and concluding with two stretches in London. Swift’s tour is on track to be the highest-grossing of all time.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed US President Joe Biden in Paris for a state visit, focusing on discussions about the Middle East, Ukraine, and trade. Both leaders emphasized efforts to prevent regional escalation from Israel's conflict with Hamas and to ease tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. They also celebrated the rescue of four hostages by Israeli forces, reaffirming their commitment to securing a ceasefire. Biden and Macron, allies in supporting Ukraine and opposing Russian President Vladimir Putin, continue to seek consensus on utilizing frozen Russian assets to aid Kyiv.

Pakistani authorities have thwarted a significant terrorist plot with the arrest of 15 militants from banned outfits like Daesh (ISIS), Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) in Punjab province. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) conducted intelligence-based operations across various cities, seizing explosives, firearms, and ammunition. The militants aimed to target vital installations in Punjab. This operation follows last month's arrest of 44 alleged terrorists in the region. The arrests underscore ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and maintain security in Pakistan.

India captain Rohit Sharma has criticized the New York pitch ahead of the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. Sharma expressed frustration over the uncertainty surrounding the pitch conditions, revealing that even the curators were unsure about its behavior. The ICC has acknowledged the pitch's substandard quality and is working to improve it. Fast bowlers have thrived on the pitch, posing challenges for batsmen. Sharma emphasized the need for adaptability, acknowledging the difficulty in playing freely on the Nassau County Stadium surface.            

Kangana Ranaut condemned those praising the CISF woman constable who allegedly slapped her during a security check at Chandigarh airport. Ranaut equated supporting such actions to endorsing "rape or murder" in a social media post. The constable, Kulwinder Kaur, has been suspended, with an FIR filed against her. Punjab Kisan Congress chief Kiranjit Singh demanded a fair investigation, criticizing the silence of Punjab's chief minister. Despite no CCTV footage, Singh urged impartiality. He also denounced Ranaut's remarks on Punjab's security situation.

Ahead of Narendra Modi’s third oath-taking, speculation rises over ministerial allocations. BJP, forming a government with NDA allies like JD(U) and TDP, faces intricate negotiations. Rajnath Singh, expected to retain Defence, while HD Kumaraswamy's JD(S) eyes agriculture. Potential ministries for Chirag Paswan and Nitin Gadkari under consideration. With BJP falling short of a clear majority, allocations reflect a delicate balance within the coalition. As the clock ticks, all eyes are on the Rashtrapati Bhavan ceremony, where Modi's cabinet lineup for the next term will be revealed amidst keen anticipation and political maneuvering.

Hamas confirms 210 fatalities in a Gaza refugee camp as Israeli forces conducted a rescue operation amidst ongoing conflict. The Nuseirat area witnessed intense violence as four Israeli hostages were extracted amidst the chaos. Despite international outcry, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh reaffirmed resistance against what he termed the "criminal enemy." Hospitals struggled to cope with the influx of casualties, prompting urgent appeals for aid from the international community. The incident underscores the escalating tensions in the region and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Magnus Carlsen secured his sixth Norway Chess title by winning in an Armageddon tiebreaker. Indian GM R Praggnanandhaa finished third after defeating Hikaru Nakamura. Ju Wenjun triumphed in the women's section, defeating Lei Tingjie. Carlsen's victory highlights the tournament's excitement, while Praggnanandhaa's performance adds to India's chess prowess. Wenjun's win in the inaugural women's edition marks a historic milestone for the sport. The event showcased thrilling games and attracted a stellar lineup of competitors, affirming Norway Chess's growth and commitment to inclusivity in chess.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina made her arrival in New Delhi, becoming the first guest to attend PM Narendra Modi's third swearing-in ceremony. Leaders from neighboring countries including Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Mauritius, and Seychelles are expected to join the historic event within the next 24 hours. This gathering reflects India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, emphasizing strong diplomatic ties. Formal invitations extended to these leaders aim to reinforce regional cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations. The ceremony marks a significant milestone in regional diplomacy, showcasing unity and cooperation among South Asian nations.

The White House has issued a warning about potentially expanding the U.S. nuclear arsenal in response to accelerating nuclear developments by Russia, China, and North Korea. Pranay Vaddi, Special Assistant to the President for Arms Control, highlighted that unless adversary arsenals change, the U.S. might need to increase its nuclear capabilities to ensure national and allied security. Vaddi's remarks underscore growing concerns over geopolitical stability and the increasing pace of nuclear armament by these nations, posing significant risks to global peace.