World

Israel and the US are exploring new ways to free hostages from Gaza after blaming Hamas for blocking a ceasefire deal. Prime Minister Netanyahu and US officials say Hamas is not acting in good faith, and both countries are now considering alternative strategies to end the conflict.

US President Donald Trump on Friday blamed Hamas for the breakdown of Gaza ceasefire talks, signalling support for Israel to escalate its military campaign, CNN reported.

UK MP Bob Blackman condemned the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people and expressed solidarity with India. He supported India's right to defend its people and urged the international community to stand with India against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Heavy monsoon rains have caused severe flooding across Punjab, Pakistan, affecting major rivers and urban areas. Hundreds of families were evacuated, crops destroyed, and over 140 people killed. Authorities have issued flood warnings and launched relief efforts in affected districts, including Lahore, Gujranwala, and Dera Ghazi Khan.

US President Trump dismissed the controversy over the Epstein files as a 'Democrat con job' and urged for grand jury documents to be unsealed. A judge rejected the DOJ's request. Polls show public dissatisfaction, and lawmakers from both parties are pushing for more transparency, The Hill reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Maldives saw key agreements on credit, trade, health, and digital payments. Both nations reaffirmed ties, launched talks on a Free Trade Agreement, and celebrated 60 years of diplomacy with commemorative stamps and development projects across housing, defence, environment, and healthcare.

A Lahore court issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for PTI leader Shibli Faraz and summoned Imran Khan in a 2023 case involving threats to police outside Khan's residence. The case accuses them and others of obstructing police duty during an attempted arrest, according to Dawn.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin in Cape Town to discuss bilateral ties and global issues. He called the meeting productive, highlighting cooperation as strategic partners and discussions on G20-related matters.

The EU and Japan raised concerns over Afghanistan's worsening human rights situation. Afghan analysts urged dialogue, saying issues should be resolved through engagement. The Taliban has not officially responded but has previously rejected such criticism, stating it upholds rights under Islamic Sharia.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Department of State in Washington, DC.

Qatar and Egypt reaffirmed their joint efforts to mediate a Gaza ceasefire, highlighting recent negotiation progress and urging against media misinformation. They emphasized their partnership with the US and commitment to ending the war, protecting civilians, and easing humanitarian suffering in the region.

'Delighted to exchange eight Agreements related to Line of Credit, debt repayment, FTA, fisheries & aquaculture, digital transformation, pharmacopoeia and UPI in the presence of PM @narendramodi and President @MMuizzu today in Male,' External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar posted on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed gratitude and reaffirmed the close ties between India and the Maldives during an official banquet hosted in his honour by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Male.

The two leaders discussed cooperation in the fields of development partnership, infrastructure support, capacity building, climate action and health.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu praised PM Modi's leadership and India's support, reaffirming strong bilateral ties at a banquet in Male. He highlighted 60 years of diplomatic relations, people-to-people links, and India's role in Maldives' development across healthcare, education, trade, and security.

Speaking at the official banquet hosted in honour of PM Modi during his two-day visit to the Maldives, Muizzu praised the Prime Minister's leadership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu released commemorative stamps on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of India-Maldives diplomatic relations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India will continuously cooperate in developing defence capabilities of Maldives and peace, stability and prosperity in Indian Ocean is a common goal of the two countries.

Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said that the act reflects the leaders' priority for a sustainable planet.

Misri, while addressing a special briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs on Prime Minister's visit to Maldives said that Muizzu reiterated the importance Maldives attaches to security-related issues and expressed commitment to work together.

'The Indian Medical Team currently visiting Bangladesh continued their mission to provide medical support to Bangladesh authorities for treatment of critically injured patients in the aftermath of the plane crash of July 21 at Milestone School and College in Dhaka', said the statement posted on Facebook page of Indian High Commission, Dhaka.

Misri, while addressing a special briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs on Prime Minister's visit to Maldives said that Network-to-Network Agreement between India's NPCI International Payment Limited (NIPL) and Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) on UPI in Maldives was signed.

As PM Modi arrived at the venue, he was greeted by enthusiastic crowds chanting 'Narendra Modi Zindabad' and holding banners that read -- 'Honouring Enduring Partnership - Welcome, Prime Minister Modi.'

The second round of negotiations for the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) concluded successfully on Friday in New Delhi, further advancing the shared objective of strengthening bilateral trade and economic partnerships, according to a release from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing a press briefing, said that this will be the first line of credit extended to the Maldives denominated in Indian rupees, replacing the earlier dollar-denominated credit.