Israel and families of hostages held in Gaza have strongly criticised the UK’s plan to recognise a Palestinian state in September, calling it “rewarding terrorism.” PM Netanyahu accused UK PM Keir Starmer of appeasing Hamas, while a hostages’ forum warned the move disregards 50 captives still in Gaza. Starmer said recognition depends on Israel agreeing to a ceasefire, allowing aid, and halting annexations. Palestinian leaders welcomed the plan as support for a two-state solution. UK Transport Minister Heidi Alexander defended the policy, calling it “about the Palestinian people,” not Hamas. France has also pledged recognition in September. (PC: BBC)

Tens of thousands of fans have gathered in Birmingham as the cortege carrying Ozzy Osbourne’s coffin moves through the city. The Black Sabbath frontman, who died eight days ago, is being honoured with a special tribute along Broad Street, culminating in a pause at Black Sabbath Bridge—now covered in flowers and messages. Fans dressed in black and leather lined the route, sharing memories and music. The event, privately funded by Osbourne’s family, follows his final performance at Villa Park’s "Black Sabbath: Back to the Beginning" gig. Supporters like Matthew Feane-Jones even tattooed Ozzy’s signature after meeting him recently. (PC: BBC)

France has officially announced it will recognize Palestine as a sovereign state at the UN General Assembly in September, becoming the first G7 nation to take this step. The UK has also warned it will follow unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire, lifts Gaza restrictions, halts West Bank annexation, and engages in a two-state solution. Both nations called on Hamas to release hostages and disarm. Israel has strongly condemned these moves, claiming they reward terrorism. These announcements signal a major diplomatic shift and growing Western pressure on Israel amid mounting humanitarian concerns in Gaza.

During his visit to Scotland, US President Donald Trump called London Mayor Sadiq Khan a “nasty person” and said he’s “done a terrible job.” Despite the jibe, Khan’s office responded positively. “The mayor is delighted that President Trump wants to visit London,” his spokesperson said, adding, “He’d see how our diversity makes us stronger, not weaker; richer, not poorer.” Trump made the remark while standing next to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Khan and Trump have clashed in the past, with Trump calling him a “stone cold loser,” and Khan once calling Trump a “poster boy for racists.”

Shane Tamura, 27, from Las Vegas, opened fire in a New York skyscraper Monday, killing 4 people and injuring another before taking his own life. Among the dead was a police officer working as a building guard and a Blackstone employee. Tamura left a note blaming the NFL for his alleged CTE-related mental illness, though he had only played high school football. Authorities say he entered the wrong office after taking the wrong lift; the NFL’s headquarters were elsewhere in the building. The shooting caused chaos in Midtown Manhattan, prompting lockdowns and a massive police response as floors were cleared. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Opposition in Lok Sabha, accusing them of “chhichorapan” and mocking India’s military success in Operation Sindoor. “Kya maja le rahe the?” he asked, criticizing their behavior during the debate. PM Modi said Pakistan’s airbases are “still in ICU” after India's 22-minute precision strike using Made-in-India weapons. He declared that nuclear blackmail “won’t work” and slammed Congress for failing to back the armed forces. Modi emphasized global support for India and lamented, “Only three countries stood with Pakistan at the UN.” He hailed the operation as both a military and diplomatic victory. (PC: HT)

Fans will bid farewell to rock legend Ozzy Osbourne as his cortege travels through Birmingham’s Broad Street on Wednesday at 13:00 BST. The Black Sabbath frontman died aged 76 on July 22, weeks after his farewell concert at Villa Park. Thousands have already paid tribute at the Black Sabbath Bridge and bench, with visitors arriving from the US, Mexico, Poland, and Greece. The procession, funded by Osbourne’s family, precedes a private funeral. Birmingham’s mayor called Ozzy a “son of the city.” A petition to rename Birmingham Airport in his honour has gained over 46,000 signatures, reflecting his lasting legacy. (PC: BBC)

NASA is facing a major crisis as nearly 20% of its workforce around 3,870 employees to exit under the Trump administration’s Deferred Resignation Program. The move, aimed at streamlining federal agencies, has sparked nationwide protests and alarm among scientists and engineers over the loss of institutional expertise. Critics warn the layoffs threaten mission readiness, especially for Moon and Mars projects. The agency, now led by an acting administrator after Trump’s nominee was rejected, is accused of lacking clear leadership. Elon Musk heads the Department of Government Efficiency overseeing the cuts. A letter titled The Voyager Declaration signed by hundreds of former staff warns of irreversible damage to U.S. space dominance and safety standards. (PC: Space)

During a press conference in Scotland, US President Donald Trump reignited his long-standing feud with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, calling him a “nasty person” and accusing him of doing a “terrible job.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, standing beside Trump, quickly defended Khan as “a friend of mine.” Khan’s office responded diplomatically, saying the mayor was “delighted” Trump wants to visit London and would witness how diversity strengthens the city. The clash adds to years of tension between the two leaders, rooted in disagreements over immigration, terrorism, and identity politics. Trump’s remarks have reignited debate over political civility and transatlantic relations.

Israeli human rights groups B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. In separate reports released in Jerusalem, the groups allege systematic targeting of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure and civilians, stating Israel's actions fulfill key criteria of the 1948 Genocide Convention. B’Tselem said Israel aims to "intentionally destroy Palestinian society," while PHRI cited deliberate attacks on hospitals and medics. The Israeli government strongly denied the claims, blaming Hamas. The reports mark the first genocide accusations from within Israel, as the International Court of Justice also reviews a genocide case filed by South Africa. (PC: BBC )