Connie Francis, the iconic singer behind the viral hit “Pretty Little Baby,” has died at 87, her copyright manager Ron Roberts confirmed. Known for topping the Billboard Hot 100 as the first solo female artist, Francis’ popularity soared in the late 1950s with hits like “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool.” Recently, her 1961 track “Pretty Little Baby” gained viral fame on TikTok and Instagram. Francis had been hospitalised earlier this month for hip treatment and tests for severe pain. Tributes are pouring in for the late singer, remembered as a trailblazer in American pop music history. (PC: HT)

At least 60 people died after a fire broke out in a newly opened shopping centre in Kut, Iraq. The blaze tore through the five-storey Corniche Hypermarket on Wednesday night, with many victims trapped inside. Officials say most of the deceased suffocated in bathrooms, and 14 bodies remain unidentified. Firefighters rescued 45 people, but others are still missing. Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has ordered an urgent investigation and pledged stricter safety measures. Survivors blamed the lack of fire safety systems. Three days of mourning have been declared in Kut as families search for missing loved ones. (PC: BBC)

Prince Harry has retraced Princess Diana’s footsteps by visiting a landmine site in Angola, echoing her 1997 humanitarian efforts. Supporting the Halo Trust, Harry highlighted the continuing threat landmines pose to civilians, especially children. “Children should never have to live in fear of playing outside or walking to school,” he said. Diana’s iconic 1997 walk in protective gear brought global attention to Angola’s hidden dangers from war. Harry’s visit reinforces the royal family’s commitment to humanitarian causes and landmine clearance. The Duke’s efforts aim to spotlight ongoing global challenges and honour his mother’s impactful legacy in Angola. (PC: BBC)

The UK's unemployment rate has climbed to 4.7% in the three months to May, reaching its highest level since 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figure rose from 4.6% in the previous three months. Wage growth, excluding bonuses, also slowed to 5%, marking the lowest level in nearly three years. ONS said payroll numbers fell again, although revised tax data suggests the decline was less severe than earlier thought. The data comes as the Bank of England signals potential larger interest rate cuts if the labour market shows further signs of weakness. (PC: Itv news)

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa stunned world number one Magnus Carlsen at the Freestyle Grand Slam Chess in Las Vegas, knocking the Norwegian out of the tournament. Playing with white pieces, the teenage chess prodigy dominated Carlsen to secure his spot in the quarterfinals, while Carlsen finished fifth in his group after further losses. Pragg’s win follows earlier victories over Vincent Keymer and WGM Bibisara Assaubayeva. Fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi also advanced from the Black Group, while Vidit Gujrathi was eliminated. Hikaru Nakamura and Hans Niemann lead the field as the favourites heading into the next round. (PC: X)

Syria’s government and Druze leaders have announced a new ceasefire after deadly clashes in Sweida left over 300 people dead, including civilians and soldiers. Israeli forces, citing threats from militants, continued rare airstrikes in central Damascus, hitting the Defense Ministry and sites near the presidential palace. Israel’s Defense Minister vowed to escalate until Syrian forces withdraw. The violence follows sectarian tensions and Israeli concerns over militants near its Golan Heights border. Druze communities in Israel protested, while Syrian civilians reported killings, kidnappings, and atrocities. The U.S. expressed concern and is working to de-escalate the crisis through diplomatic channels. (PC: NDTV)

British actor Emma Watson has been banned from driving for six months after multiple speeding offences. A UK court fined the Harry Potter star £1,044 for driving 38mph in a 30mph zone in Oxford last year. At the time, Watson already had nine points on her license. The 35-year-old actor, currently studying at Oxford University since 2023, did not appear in court; her representatives attended on her behalf. Her lawyer confirmed she will pay the fine. Watson, who is known for her environmental activism, recently returned to Cannes after a 12-year break to focus on her academic pursuits. (PC: HT)

Bangladesh’s cultural heritage faces growing threats following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, with iconic sites linked to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Rabindranath Tagore, and Satyajit Ray either demolished or vandalised. The latest is Ray’s ancestral home in Mymensingh, being torn down despite India offering restoration help. Dhaka’s new leadership under Muhammad Yunus is accused of erasing links to India and shedding shared cultural history. India has protested, citing the significance of these sites to Bengal’s heritage. Meanwhile, rising concerns about attacks on minorities and growing Islamist influence deepen India-Bangladesh tensions, marking a sharp shift from decades of cultural and diplomatic cooperation. (PC: NDTV)

The US says it has agreed on "specific steps" to end escalating violence in Syria, following Israeli airstrikes on Damascus targeting the Syrian defence ministry. Over 350 people have died in sectarian clashes in Suweida province since Sunday. Israel claims the strikes aimed to protect the Druze community. The Syrian military began withdrawing from Suweida as part of a deal with local leaders. Syria accused Israel of inflaming tensions and killing civilians. The US, Israel, and Arab states reportedly coordinated ceasefire efforts. Israel vows further strikes if Syrian forces remain in Suweida, highlighting the region’s fragile security situation. (PC: India Today)

In a dramatic incident on July 16, 2025, Israeli airstrikes struck multiple locations in Damascus, Syria, including military command centers and the Syrian State TV building. During a live news broadcast, an anchor was seen abruptly fleeing mid-telecast as explosions shook the studio. The attack, part of a broader Israeli military operation, also hit areas near the Defence Ministry headquarters and army command centers. Israeli officials stated the strikes aimed to counter threats and protect Syria's Druze minority amid escalating tensions. The incident highlights rising instability and media vulnerability in the region.