US President Donald Trump praised actress Sydney Sweeney for her American Eagle jeans ad, calling it “the hottest ad out there.” He also took a swipe at Taylor Swift, saying she is “no longer hot” and was “booed out of the Super Bowl.” The ad, which says Sweeney has “great jeans,” sparked backlash online for its play on the word “genes,” with critics calling it tone-deaf. Trump supported Sweeney for being a Republican and slammed “woke culture.” The comments quickly went viral, sparking a culture war. American Eagle’s stock rose 24% after the ad went viral, despite ongoing controversy and criticism. (PC: X/AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly decided on a full occupation of Gaza and will seek approval from his security cabinet. The move follows the failure of recent ceasefire talks. Former PM Ehud Barak criticised the decision, calling the war a way to protect Netanyahu from corruption charges. UN human rights chief Volker Turk said Israel is restricting aid and warned that denying food could be a war crime. Aid groups described Gaza’s crisis as “hunger games.” The situation remains tense, with Israel also intercepting a missile from Yemen. The security cabinet meeting is expected soon to discuss next steps. (PC: AP)

India and the Philippines conducted their first joint naval exercise in the disputed South China Sea on Sunday, signaling growing defense ties. The two-day drill, held amid rising tensions with China, included two Philippine frigates and an Indian navy tanker. China's navy shadowed the exercise, deploying a guided-missile destroyer 25 nautical miles away. Philippine Army Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner stated the drill was successful and emphasized the importance of partnerships with “like-minded nations” like India. Beijing criticized the move, accusing Manila of inviting “foreign forces.” President Ferdinand Marcos is currently visiting India to strengthen strategic ties across multiple sectors. (PC: NDTV)

India sealed a thrilling 6-run victory over England at The Oval, drawing the Test series 2-2. Mohammed Siraj starred on Day 5 with key breakthroughs, including the final wicket of Gus Atkinson. Tensions ran high in the Indian dressing room, erupting into wild celebrations after the win. Head coach Gautam Gambhir screamed with joy and was hilariously lifted by bowling coach Morne Morkel "like a baby." The BCCI's video captured raw emotion—group hugs, jubilation, and pure relief after two months of intense cricket. Despite not winning the series, this narrowest-ever Test win felt like a massive triumph for Team India. 

The US government has updated its immigration policy to restrict sports-related visas for transgender women, citing fairness and safety in women’s sports. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the change on Monday, aligning with former President Trump’s February order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” Visa categories like O-1A, EB-1, and EB-2 will now consider transgender identity as a negative factor. USCIS officials said the policy aims to close "loopholes" exploited by male-born athletes. Critics call the move discriminatory. The US Olympic Committee has already aligned its rules with this directive, sparking nationwide controversy. (PC: NDTV)

Over 600 retired Israeli security officials, including former heads of Mossad and Shin Bet, have written an open letter to US President Donald Trump, urging him to pressure Israel to end the war in Gaza. “Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel,” the letter states. The officials, part of the Commanders for Israel's Security group, added: “Your credibility with most Israelis can help steer Netanyahu in the right direction.” The appeal follows the release of distressing videos of Israeli hostages and amid worsening famine in Gaza. “Stop the Gaza War,” they wrote. “Time to do it in Gaza.” (PC: BBC)

Tensions erupted outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington, London, on August 2, as rival protest groups clashed over the housing of asylum seekers. The hotel, currently accommodating migrants, became the focal point for anti-immigration demonstrators, some affiliated with “Patriots of Britain” and counter-protesters from Stand Up To Racism, supported by Jeremy Corbyn and local community groups. Police imposed strict conditions under the Public Order Act and arrested nine individuals, including for racially aggravated offenses and assaulting emergency workers. Asylum seekers watched from hotel windows, some waving and blowing kisses. The protest reflects growing national tensions over immigration policy and the use of hotels for migrant housing amid calls for reform and community safety.

A Ukrainian drone strike ignited a massive fire at an oil depot near Sochi, Russia, on Sunday, officials said. Krasnodar Governor Veniamin Kondratyev reported drone debris hit a fuel tank, prompting 127 firefighters to respond. Sochi Airport briefly suspended flights. Meanwhile, Russian forces again bombed Kherson’s key Ostrivsky bridge, killing one and prompting evacuation calls. In Mykolaiv, seven were injured. Ukraine reported 7 deaths Saturday in Kherson and Donetsk. Russia claimed 93 drones were intercepted, while Ukraine said 61 of 83 drones and missiles were downed. Trump condemned Russia and renewed threats of sanctions with a new 8 August deadline. (PC: BBC)

Tens of thousands marched across Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday in a pro-Palestinian “March for Humanity,” following a last-minute Supreme Court decision allowing the protest. Despite heavy rain, demonstrators—including families, MP Ed Husic, Julian Assange, and ex-NSW Premier Bob Carr—called for a Gaza ceasefire. Protesters chanted against Israel and the U.S., criticizing Australia's inaction. Police halted the march midway for safety, asking people to turn back. The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies expressed disappointment, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated that Australia would not recognize Palestine under pressure from other countries without security guarantees for Israel. (PC: BBC)

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has accused Israeli forces of targeting its headquarters in Khan Younis, Gaza, killing worker Omar Isleem and injuring three others. The strike, described as “deliberate,” reportedly caused a fire in the clearly marked facility. The Israeli military denied knowledge of any air or artillery strikes at the time. A video shared by PRCS showed heavy smoke and fire damage. The incident comes as humanitarian conditions in Gaza worsen, with over 1,373 Palestinians reported killed while seeking food. PRCS demanded accountability and reiterated calls for the protection of humanitarian and medical staff in conflict zones. (PC: BBC)