The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, expressed deep concern (July 16, 2025) over Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian government positions in Damascus and Sweida, following violent clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes . The Trump administration urged Israel to pause operations and pursue diplomatic talks with Damascus . Israel defended its strikes as necessary to protect Syria’s Druze minority and to neutralise threats near its border . Meanwhile, a new ceasefire was attempted in Sweida, but violence continues to destabilise the region amid rising international alarm. (PC: Mint)  

A Syrian state TV anchor in Damascus fled live on air as Israeli strikes hit Suwayda’s military targets, sparking viral footage online. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz shared the clip, warning of further “painful blows” until Syrian forces withdraw from the Druze-majority region. Katz reassured Israel’s Druze community of IDF protection for their Syrian counterparts. The strikes targeted Syrian defence ministry sites after violent clashes erupted between Druze fighters, government forces, and Bedouin groups in southern Syria. Reports say dozens have died. Israel insists its actions are to protect the Druze amid rising regional tensions. 

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his parliamentary majority after key ally Shas quit his coalition over a proposed law altering military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews. Shas’ exit leaves Netanyahu with just 50 seats, below the 61-seat majority. Another party, United Torah Judaism, also withdrew earlier this week. Despite leaving, Shas says it won’t push for the government’s collapse. The development complicates Netanyahu’s governance but doesn’t immediately threaten Gaza ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. Analysts warn Netanyahu may now face more pressure from far-right partners opposing any deal while Hamas remains operational in Gaza. (PC: HT)

Syria has condemned Israeli airstrikes on Damascus as a “flagrant assault” aimed at inflaming tensions. Israeli forces struck a military headquarters and areas near the presidential palace, reportedly killing 3 people and injuring dozens. Syria’s foreign ministry accused Israel of targeting government institutions and civilian facilities, causing severe infrastructure damage. Israel claims the strikes protect Syria’s Druze community after sectarian clashes but also carry political motives. Recent strikes have focused on Suweida in southwest Syria, where a ceasefire was reported. Damascus holds Israel fully responsible for the “dangerous escalation” and warned of serious consequences for regional security and stability. (PC: BBC)

An Israeli airstrike struck Syria’s state TV building in Damascus during a live broadcast, forcing the anchor to flee mid-telecast. Defence Minister Israel Katz warned of “painful blows” to come, vowing continued action against Syrian forces in Suweida, where clashes with Druze fighters have escalated. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to protect the Druze community and keep southwestern Syria demilitarized. This marks the third consecutive day of strikes, including one on Syria’s defence ministry. Katz warned Israel would escalate further if Damascus ignored these warnings. Tensions continue to rise as ceasefire efforts collapse.

The Air India Boeing 787-8 crash in Ahmedabad, which killed 260 people, has reignited global calls for cockpit video recorders. The crash report revealed pilots arguing over fuel switches before the disaster. While cockpit voice and flight data recorders exist, video remains absent due to privacy concerns raised by pilot unions. The US NTSB has long advocated for cockpit cameras, citing investigation benefits. Critics argue cameras would prevent false blame and enhance safety, but pilots fear misuse and surveillance. China’s COMAC C919 may soon feature such systems. The debate now centers on privacy versus safety in aviation.

Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera, 54, died suddenly while touring with the infamous ‘haunted’ Annabelle doll. Rivera, a US Army veteran, was in Pennsylvania on his sold-out “Devils on the Run Tour” when he died in his Gettysburg hotel room. Emergency responders found him unresponsive, and the cause of death remains unknown. Authorities say the death appears non-suspicious. Rivera was known for appearances on Travel Channel’s Most Haunted Places and Netflix’s 28 Days Haunted. He was touring with the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) to showcase the doll, which inspired The Conjuring movies. An investigation is ongoing. (PC: NDTV)

Israel has struck a military target near the presidential palace in Damascus, Syria, killing 1 civilian and injuring 18 others, according to the Syrian health ministry. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it hit Syria’s defense ministry headquarters in Damascus. Israel claims the strikes aim to protect the Druze community in southwest Syria, where deadly clashes with Syrian government forces continue. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is acting “to save our Druze brothers.” These latest attacks follow days of Israeli strikes on the Suweida region. Syria’s government has condemned the strikes as violations of its sovereignty. (PC: BBC)

Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala’s Palakkad district, has received a last-minute delay in her execution in Yemen. She was sentenced to death in 2018 for the murder of her Yemeni business partner. Nimisha went to Yemen in 2008, opened a clinic, and was arrested in 2017 after the man’s death. Her family raised over $40,000 to pay “blood money” for her release. India’s government and religious leaders, including Yemen’s Grand Mufti, appealed to stop her execution. Originally set for July 16, the execution is now on hold as India continues to seek clemency for her. (PC: HT)

England’s Joe Root has reclaimed the No.1 spot in the ICC Men’s Test batting rankings after his brilliant century at Lord’s against India. Root scored 104 and 40 in England’s seven-wicket victory, helping the hosts take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. With 888 rating points, Root has overtaken teammate Harry Brook. This marks Root’s eighth stint as the world’s top Test batter. At 34, he becomes the oldest No.1 since Kumar Sangakkara in 2014. Root also surpassed Rahul Dravid’s tally of centuries and crossed 8000 runs batting exclusively at No.4, joining legends Tendulkar, Jayawardene, and Kallis.  (PC: India Today)