During a high-profile meeting at the White House, former President Donald Trump confidently stated that a trade agreement with the European Union is certain, promising a "100%" deal. Hosting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Trump praised the strong US-Italy relationship and called Meloni a "great prime minister." Meloni emphasized her belief in Western unity and expressed optimism about striking a fair tariff deal. Trump added he would face “very little problem” negotiating with Europe, suggesting the US holds a strong position. The two leaders also discussed China and future cooperation, with Meloni inviting Trump to Italy to meet EU leaders. (PC: BBC)

Cristina Balan, a former Tesla engineer, has won a key legal battle in her long fight against the company. She raised safety concerns in 2014 and later filed a defamation case after Tesla accused her of embezzlement. Her case was earlier dismissed due to arbitration rules. But now, a US appeals court has ruled in her favour, saying the lower court had no right to confirm that decision. Balan hopes this will let her start a new lawsuit and face Elon Musk in court. She says she wants to clear her name for her son and get justice at last. (PC: Getty Images)

The Trump administration has threatened to ban Harvard University from enrolling foreign students, accusing it of "threatening national security" and fostering antisemitism. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanded reforms to hiring, admissions, and teaching practices, along with records on visa holders' alleged illegal activities. Harvard President Alan Garber rejected the demands, vowing to protect the university's independence. The government has already frozen $2.2 billion in federal funding, and Trump has threatened to remove key tax exemptions. International students currently make up 27% of Harvard’s enrollment. The move is part of a broader crackdown on universities linked to pro-Palestinian protests. (PC: BBC)

Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir reignited the Two-Nation Theory during a speech at a convention for overseas Pakistanis, asserting stark differences between Hindus and Muslims. "Our forefathers believed we were different in every aspect—religion, customs, ambitions," Munir said, urging citizens to pass on this ideology to future generations. He emphasized the Islamic roots of Pakistan and warned against forgetting its founding sacrifices. Munir’s remarks come amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, especially following Pakistan’s recent comments on Kashmir at the UN. He also warned Baloch rebels of a strong crackdown, stating that “even ten generations of terrorists cannot harm Balochistan.” (PC: India Today)

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the 2010 Equality Act refer to biological sex, not legal gender. Independent MP Rosie Duffield called the decision a “victory for feminists,” asserting it protects women’s rights without affecting trans rights. However, Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman warned the ruling could “stoke the culture war” and endanger access to services for trans individuals. The judgment follows an appeal by For Women Scotland, which welcomed the decision. While Lord Hodge emphasized protections for trans people remain, critics fear the ruling may embolden discriminatory actions and rollback of rights. (PC: Reuters)

Time Magazine’s 2025 list of the world’s 100 most influential people includes US President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. Notably, no Indian citizen featured on the list this year, breaking a recent trend of Indian representation. Indian-origin biotech CEO Reshma Kewalramani was included, recognized for her role at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Other global figures on the list include UK PM Keir Starmer, US Vice President JD Vance, and WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom. The list spans leaders, icons, and titans from politics, science, business, and entertainment. Time released five international covers for the 2025 edition. (PC: India Today)

Top US officials, including Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and diplomat Marco Rubio, are meeting European leaders in Paris to discuss the Ukraine war. The talks, attended by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and French President Emmanuel Macron, mark the highest-level transatlantic engagement since February. The US delegation will brief allies on Witkoff’s recent meeting with Russian President Putin. European leaders are expected to urge Washington to exert more pressure on Russia for an unconditional ceasefire. Meanwhile, Trump stirred controversy by blaming Ukrainian President Zelensky for prolonging the war, a move likely to spark diplomatic tension. (PC: AFP)

China has strongly responded to Donald Trump’s announcement of up to 245% tariffs on Chinese imports, warning, “If the US continues to play the tariff numbers game, we will pay no attention to it.” The sharp retaliation came after the White House cited China’s export bans on key high-tech materials, including gallium and rare earth metals, as a threat to global supply chains. Beijing slammed the move as damaging to global trade and the multilateral system. This escalation deepens the ongoing US-China trade war, with both nations imposing steep tariffs amid rising economic and geopolitical tensions.

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the legal definition of "woman" under the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex, not gender identity. This landmark decision followed a case brought by campaign group For Women Scotland against the Scottish Government. The ruling clarified that single-sex spaces and services can lawfully exclude trans women, even those with Gender Recognition Certificates (GRCs), if they are born male. The court emphasized that transgender individuals remain protected under the law, but public institutions may now need to revisit policies on spaces, services, and sports eligibility. (PC: Getty Images)

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli troops will remain in designated "security zones" within Gaza even after the war ends, aiming to protect nearby Israeli communities. Katz also confirmed the continuation of the aid blockade, pressing Hamas to release hostages. The UN and humanitarian groups, including Médecins Sans Frontières, warned of catastrophic conditions in Gaza, describing the territory as a "mass grave." Over 1,650 Palestinians have died since hostilities resumed in March. Hamas rejected an Israeli ceasefire proposal demanding disarmament. Israel’s strategy is drawing criticism from hostage families and international observers calling for humanitarian relief and a ceasefire. (PC: AFP)