US President Donald Trump has announced 25% tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea, calling their trade ties with the US “far from reciprocal.” In letters sent Monday, Trump warned, “If policy changes are not made, tariffs will apply from August 1.” He said the US is ready to “modify levies downwards” if both nations adjust their trade policies. Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba responded, “I won’t easily compromise.” Trump had earlier warned countries aligning with “anti-American policies” of more tariffs. Talks are ongoing, but few deals have been reached so far, with time running out before deadlines. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has eased his threat of a 10% tariff on BRICS nations. He said the tariff will apply only if countries follow “anti-American” policies. India and Indonesia are now working on trade deals with the US before the July 9 deadline. Trump made the announcement on Truth Social on Sunday night. A source said, “If policy decisions are made that are anti-American, then the tariff will be charged.” BRICS members have denied being against the US. India sees this as a relief, as it may avoid higher duties if talks go well before the deadline. (PC: India Today)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has claimed that Israel tried to assassinate him during the recent 12-day war. In an interview with journalist Tucker Carlson, he said, “They did try, yes. They acted accordingly, but they failed.” Pezeshkian added that he was in a meeting when the targeted strike happened. “It was not the United States that was behind the attempt on my life. It was Israel,” he said. The war began on June 13, killing over 900 in Iran and 28 in Israel. Pezeshkian said Iran is ready to resume nuclear talks, but only “if trust is rebuilt.” (PC: Reuters)

At least 75 people have died in Kerr County, Texas, after sudden flash floods hit on Friday. The Guadalupe River rose over 26 feet in less than an hour. Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp, lost 27 girls and staff. More than 80 deaths are confirmed so far, and many people are still missing. Search efforts continue, but phone signals are poor. Some families report scammers asking for money, claiming to have their children. US President Donald Trump has signed a disaster declaration. More rain is expected in the next two days, with flood alerts still active until Monday night. (PC: Reuters)

Roman Starovoit, Russia’s former transport minister, died by suicide on Monday, just hours after President Vladimir Putin removed him from his post. His body was found in a car in a Moscow suburb. No reason was given for his sudden dismissal. Starovoit had served as transport minister for just over a year. Before that, he was the governor of Kursk. His removal followed recent travel disruptions and drone attacks in Russia. Reports also link his downfall to past corruption cases in Kursk. Andrei Nikitin has been named as the new acting minister. The Kremlin said he is fit for the role. (PC: Reuters)

At least 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas, have died after flash floods swept through the region, bringing the statewide death toll to 82. The Christian girls’ camp was devastated over the Fourth of July weekend as floodwaters surged through the Guadalupe River. Amid tragedy, two girls were miraculously found alive in Kendall County, clinging to a tree 27 feet above ground for over 24 hours. “It gives us hope,” said rescuer Cord Shiflet. Rescue operations continue, with 41 still missing. President Trump declared a major disaster and plans to visit the affected area Friday. (PC: HT)

Top intelligence sources reveal the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is quietly exploring alternatives to President Xi Jinping due to growing dissatisfaction with his leadership. Xi's ideological rigidity, economic mismanagement, and aggressive international posturing have alarmed CCP veterans seeking institutional reform over centralised control. His crackdown on dissent, constant surveillance, and removal of key aides like Li Shangfu and Qin Gang have further fueled internal unrest. While Xi remains in formal command, insiders now view his governance as a liability to China’s long-term stability. Senior CCP factions reportedly believe his hardline model no longer serves China’s political or global interests. (PC: News18)

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu “Shux” Shukla is excelling aboard the International Space Station during the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). He’s leading India’s experiments on muscle atrophy, microalgae cultivation, and wireless acoustics. Shukla redeployed a culture bag for the Space Micro Algae project and collected samples for the myogenesis study, aiding future Mars missions. He also contributed to cardiovascular scans and acoustic monitoring. Shukla’s role supports real-time AI-driven health tracking and long-term sustainability in space. Axiom released new images of Shukla smiling in zero gravity. “He’s loving it up there,” said ISRO sources after his call with ISRO Chief S Somanath. (PC: X)

At least 81 people, including 28 children, have died and 41 remain missing after devastating flash floods hit central Texas, with Kerr County the worst affected. The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes early Friday, swamping Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp. Among the dead is the camp’s longtime director. Rescue operations, hindered by debris and venomous snakes, have turned toward recovery as more storms loom. President Donald Trump has declared a federal emergency, and Governor Greg Abbott vowed relentless efforts to locate the missing. Pope Leo XIV also offered prayers for grieving families during a Sunday address in Rome. (PC: BBC)

Israel confirmed airstrikes on multiple Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen early Monday, targeting sites linked to Iran and militant operations. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) struck Al-Hudaydah, Ras Isa, Al-Salif, and the Ras Qantib power plant, claiming the Houthis were behind ongoing drone and missile attacks on Israel and posed a threat to Red Sea shipping lanes. A major target included the seized merchant ship “Galaxy Leader,” allegedly outfitted with radar for maritime surveillance. Israel stated the power plant was used to support military activities. The strikes signal escalating regional tensions involving Iran-backed forces across the Middle East. (PC: X)