British Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with Syria's interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, in Damascus, marking the restoration of formal ties after 14 years. The UK pledged £94.5 million in aid for emergency relief, education, and livelihood projects.
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A suicide attack, claimed by the Pakistani Taliban, targeted a military convoy in North Waziristan, resulting in the deaths of 16 soldiers and injuries to over two dozen individuals, including civilians. The bomber used an explosive-laden vehicle, causing significant damage and casualties.
US President Trump announced plans to send letters to 10-12 countries, detailing reciprocal tariff rates, with the process concluding by July 9. These tariffs, potentially ranging from 10-70%, are slated to take effect from August 1, promising revenue for the US.
Saudi Arabia's private sector is experiencing a hiring surge, reaching levels unseen since May 2011, fueled by rising demand and new projects. This expansion in non-oil sectors has led to increased wage and input costs, impacting overall pricing. Despite these cost pressures, business confidence remains high, driven by strong order pipelines and continued project announcements.
Takahiro Shiraishi, known as the 'Twitter killer', faced execution for the murder of nine individuals. He lured victims through social media, exploiting their suicidal thoughts. Shiraishi's crimes involved rape, robbery, and murder. The court rejected his defense, emphasizing the cruelty of his actions. His execution has reignited debate over Japan's death penalty system. Japan continues to implement capital punishment.
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced he will not seek reelection after opposing President Trump's tax and spending proposal. This decision opens up a competitive Senate seat in 2026, offering Democrats an opportunity to gain ground. Tillis, known for occasional bipartisanship, faced criticism from his own party and Trump, who publicly attacked him and celebrated his retirement.
Tehran recently held a mass funeral for high-ranking military officials, including Revolutionary Guard chief Gen. Hossein Salami and Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, who were killed during the recent conflict with Israel. Simultaneously, hundreds of mothers gathered for the annual Hosseini Infants Ceremony, expressing religious devotion and political sentiments, including chants against the US and Israel.
Saudi Arabia and Indonesia have solidified their partnership with $27 billion in economic and strategic agreements during Indonesian President's visit. The nations will collaborate on energy, defence, and cybersecurity, aligning with Saudi's Vision 2030 and Indonesia's green transition. They aim to boost cooperation against terrorism, enhance cybersecurity, and promote emerging technologies.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's glamorous wedding in Venice has turned into a star-studded spectacle, with A-list celebrities flocking to the Italian city. From yacht parties to exclusive venues, the celebrations are drawing global attention. All eyes are now on who’s attending and what surprises the high-profile event holds.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of 34 Palestinians, including displaced people sheltering at the Palestine Stadium. These attacks occurred amidst ongoing ceasefire negotiations, with US President Trump expressing optimism for a deal within the week. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 56,000 Palestinians, while severe shortages of food and essential supplies plague Gaza.
Li Qiang will represent China at the upcoming Brics summit in Brazil. This marks a change as President Xi Jinping will not attend. The summit occurs amidst cautious thawing of China-India relations. Prime Minister Modi will also be present. Xi's absence sparks speculation about China's engagement with Brics. Observers are looking towards the SCO summit in 2025 as a possible venue for a Modi-Xi meeting.