Microsoft appointed Asha Sharma as the new CEO of its Xbox and Microsoft Gaming division, succeeding longtime chief Phil Spencer, who retired after nearly four decades. Sharma, an Indian-origin executive with a strong background in AI and consumer products, previously led Microsoft’s CoreAI division and held senior roles at Instacart and Meta. The leadership change aims to steer Xbox through industry shifts as gaming expands across consoles, cloud, and AI. However, the announcement sparked widespread online backlash, with critics on social media questioning her lack of direct gaming experience and accusing the company of “Indian nepotism,” while supporters defended her credentials. (PC: X)

Sarah Ferguson, widely known as “Fergie” and ex-wife of Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, has seen her public standing crumble after newly released U.S. government documents revealed a close relationship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Reuters reports. Despite divorcing Andrew in 1996, the pair remained close and lived together until recently. The documents show emotionally and financially intimate communications, including Ferguson calling Epstein the “brother I always wished for,” prompting several charities to cut ties. The revelations compound the broader royal scandal tied to Epstein that has already led to Andrew’s arrest and loss of titles. Ferguson is now keeping a low profile amid fallout. (PC: Reuters)

Afghanistan has strongly condemned Pakistani airstrikes along the border, alleging that innocent civilians were killed in the attacks. Kabul officials said dozens died when Pakistani forces targeted areas inside Afghan territory, calling the strikes a violation of sovereignty. Afghanistan warned of a firm “response” and accused Islamabad of escalating regional tensions. Pakistan, however, maintains that the operation targeted Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant camps, claiming it acted on “conclusive evidence” linking the groups to recent deadly attacks inside Pakistan. The incident has further strained already fragile ties between the two neighbors, raising fears of wider cross-border escalation.

The US Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by using emergency powers law (IEEPA) to impose broad import tariffs, asserting that only Congress can levy tariffs. In swift response, Trump invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 and first imposed a 10% global tariff on all imports before raising it to the maximum 15% rate for up to 150 days. Trump condemned the court’s decision and vowed alternative tariff measures. The ruling creates uncertainty over tariff revenue refunds and impacts global trade relations. (PC: AP)

Six suspects were arrested in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, by a joint operation of Delhi Police’s Q Branch and Tamil Nadu police for allegedly planning a terror attack in India with links to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Bangladesh-based extremist networks, officials said. The accused — identified from garment units — were reportedly using forged Aadhaar cards to conceal identities and were planning a major strike at the behest of foreign handlers. Police seized mobile phones and SIM cards during raids, now being examined for digital evidence. The suspects are being taken to Delhi for further questioning. Security agencies continue investigations into wider networks and funding.

Pakistan’s military launched intelligence-based strikes on seven militant camps and hideouts along the Afghanistan border, targeting groups it blames for recent deadly suicide attacks and bombings inside Pakistan. The strikes, described as a “retributive response,” follow a surge of violence attributed to Afghanistan-based factions of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State affiliates and were confirmed by Pakistan’s Information Minister. Islamabad accuses the Afghan Taliban authorities of failing to prevent militants from using Afghan territory to launch attacks, further straining ties between the neighboring countries. Afghanistan reported dozens of deaths and civilian casualties amid the operation. (PC: X)

India and Brazil agreed to double bilateral trade to USD 30 billion by 2030 during talks between PM Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in New Delhi. The leaders signed agreements on critical minerals, rare earths and mining cooperation, aimed at strengthening supply chains and supporting India’s industrial growth. Talks also covered expanded cooperation in defence, energy, healthcare, digital infrastructure and multilateral issues amid global economic uncertainty. Both nations highlighted their partnership as a reflection of mutual trust and expressed intent to deepen strategic economic and geopolitical ties going forward. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has increased the temporary global tariff from 10% to 15%, hours after the Supreme Court struck down his earlier import duties. He used Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days. “I… will be effective immediately, raising the 10% Worldwide Tariff… to the fully allowed… 15% level,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He said many countries had been “ripping” off the US for decades. The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that Trump had exceeded his powers under a 1977 emergency law. Trump said new “legally permissible” tariffs will be introduced during the 150-day period. (PC: India Today)

A new report says the Pentagon has prepared several options for President Donald Trump if nuclear talks with Iran collapse. One option includes a possible strike targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba, according to Axios. “They have something for every scenario. One scenario takes out the ayatollah and his son,” a Trump adviser was quoted as saying. US officials said Trump is ready to accept a deal if Iran proves its nuclear programme will stay peaceful. “If the Iranians want to prevent an attack, they should give us an offer we can’t refuse,” a senior official said. (PC: NDTV)

India and Brazil have set a target to raise bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2030. The decision was taken during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in New Delhi. The two sides also signed agreements on rare earth minerals and the steel supply chain. “Our trade is not just a figure, it’s a reflection of trust,” Modi said. Lula said the new mineral pact places “technology in service of inclusive development.” Both leaders also discussed defence, energy and digital cooperation. They agreed to study the impact of recent US tariff developments on global trade. (PC: HT)