World

A year after Bashar Assad’s fall in Syria, Lebanon-Syria relations remain fraught with distrust, border skirmishes, and refugee disputes. Despite limited cooperation on security, tensions over detainees, refugees, and financial claims hinder reconciliation, keeping Beirut-Damascus ties fragile amid regional uncertainty

On Pakistan’s Independence Day, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) launched eight coordinated attacks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing policemen. Once created by ISI, the group now enjoys Afghan Taliban backing, uses NATO weapons, and ranks among the world’s deadliest terror outfits

US First Lady Melania Trump wrote a heartfelt peace letter to Vladimir Putin, urging him to end the Ukraine war and protect children. The letter was delivered ahead of Trump’s Alaska summit.

Germany, France, and the UK will decide Sunday on attending Trump’s meeting with Zelensky in Washington, pending official invitations. Leaders aim to avoid a publicity stunt while discussing Ukraine peace efforts online.

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir has firmly denied reports of any leadership changes, labeling the rumours of President Zardari’s removal as baseless. Speaking during a Brussels meeting and in an interview, Munir expressed full support for the civilian government.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun in New Delhi as India and South Korea marked 10 years of their Special Strategic Partnership. The talks focused on trade, defence, AI, clean energy, and Indo-Pacific cooperation

Trump and Putin hold breakthrough Ukraine talks in Alaska, details remain unclear.

President Donald Trump indicated that the US may not enforce secondary tariffs on countries, including India, purchasing Russian oil. The warning follows earlier US tariff measures, while India maintains that targeting it is unjustified and will safeguard its national interests.

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World No. 1 Jannik Sinner defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-0, 6-2 in the Cincinnati Open quarterfinals, extending his hard court winning streak to 25 matches, and will face French qualifier Terence Atmane next

House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats said tariffs on India will not stop Russia or address the Ukraine war. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated secondary sanctions could rise. India called the targeting “unjustified,” pledging to safeguard national and economic interests.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow will clearly present its position during Friday’s Alaska summit between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, with talks set to focus on the Ukraine conflict, security, and other pressing global issues.

Ahead of his Friday Alaska meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump indicated a follow-up trilateral session with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could take place. European leaders might also be included in efforts to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump estimated a 25 per cent chance that his Alaska meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin could fail. He described the summit as a “chess game” and hinted a successful outcome could lead to a trilateral session with Ukrainian President Zelensky.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz reviewed plans for a full-scale takeover of Gaza City, approved by the security Cabinet. The operation aims to defeat Hamas, rescue hostages, and end the conflict, drawing warnings from Hamas and Israeli opposition over potential human and financial costs.

Israel’s Mossad chief, David Barnea, visited Doha to discuss a Gaza hostage deal with Qatar’s Prime Minister. Israel said phased releases are off the table, now seeking a full deal to free all hostages amid ongoing military operations in Gaza.

Yemen’s Houthi armed forces claimed responsibility for a hypersonic missile strike on Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, saying it forced millions into shelters. Israel intercepted the missile, marking another escalation in Houthi attacks linked to the ongoing Gaza war.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned Israel’s plan to build over 7,000 units in E1, stressing it would cut East Jerusalem from the West Bank, fuel tensions, and threaten the viability of a two-state solution

A Ukrainian drone hit a residential building in Kursk’s Railway District, killing one woman and injuring 10 others. Russian authorities warned the strikes aim to create a negative media backdrop ahead of the Trump-Putin summit on August 15.

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised India’s socio-economic and scientific progress while sending Independence Day greetings. Leaders from Singapore, Australia, Maldives, Bhutan, and Nepal also extended best wishes, highlighting enduring partnerships and deepening bilateral cooperation.

The UN reports a 25 per cent rise in sexual violence during conflicts in 2024, with over 4,600 survivors documented. Armed groups carry out most abuses, while Israel and Russian forces are warned over allegations of violations against detainees.

Japan commemorates 80 years since World War II surrender, paying tribute to over 3 million war dead. National ceremony contrasts with visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, raising tensions with Asian neighbours and highlighting concerns over fading historical memory.

US President Donald Trump meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss Ukraine, ceasefire prospects, and potential territorial swaps. The summit sidelines Ukraine, raising European concerns, while analysts warn of risks and uncertainty over Putin’s willingness to negotiate in good faith.

Russian forces breached Ukrainian defences near Dobropillia in Donetsk, probing for gaps ahead of the Alaska summit. Analysts warn it could be a localised crisis escalating if unchecked, while Ukraine deploys drones and battle-hardened troops to stem Russian advances.