Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami faced criticism from cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi for not fasting during India's Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia, calling it a "sin" and a "crime." However, Maulana Khalid Rashid of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board defended Shami, citing Islamic exemptions for travelers. Shami’s family and coach also backed him, urging focus on the final. Politician Rohit Pawar condemned linking religion to sports. Shami led India's bowling attack, taking 3 wickets as India won by 4 wickets. His family called the controversy "shameful."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called emergency talks with EU leaders in Brussels a "watershed moment," thanking Europe for its continued support. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed Ukraine as part of the "European family," stressing the need for defense. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s UK ambassador Valerii Zaluzhnyi accused the US of "destroying the world order" by pausing military aid and suspending intelligence sharing. The crisis comes after Donald Trump’s criticism of Zelenskyy in Washington. The Kremlin also condemned French President Emmanuel Macron’s stance, escalating tensions further in Europe’s response to the ongoing war.

Thousands of young Indians in the US face an uncertain future as they "age out" of H-4 dependent visas at 21. Without green cards, they must switch visas or leave the country. "We are being forced to leave the only home we know," said a worried student. A backlog in the immigration system means some may wait decades for residency. US Senator Bernie Sanders criticised the H-1B visa, saying it favours corporations over workers. "This program is not about hiring the best, but replacing American jobs," he said. Many Indians are now looking at Canada or the UK for options.

Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey warned that US tariffs under Donald Trump could leave UK consumers with less money, posing "substantial risks" to both the UK and global economies. Speaking to MPs, Bailey emphasized the need for trade disputes to be resolved globally. Monetary policy experts highlighted that tariffs on UK exports would hurt businesses, slow growth, and disrupt supply chains. Bailey also warned of economic instability if the US withdrew from global financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. Experts predict the tariffs will likely bring more economic harm than benefits worldwide.

Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has asked the US Supreme Court to stop his extradition to India. He claimed, "If a stay is not entered, there will be no review at all... and the petitioner will soon be dead." Rana argued that his Pakistani origin, Muslim identity, and health issues put him at high risk. "Torture is very likely to kill me in short order," he stated. The US Supreme Court recently rejected his review petition. After this, President Donald Trump approved his extradition, calling him "very evil." India has sought his extradition for years.

The US is pressing India to eliminate tariffs on car imports under a proposed trade deal, aiming to ease Tesla’s entry. India currently imposes duties as high as 110%, which Elon Musk has criticized. US President Donald Trump also slammed India's high auto tariffs, warning of reciprocal action. While India is open to reductions, it remains reluctant to cut tariffs to zero immediately. Talks between trade officials are ongoing, with Indian automakers like Tata Motors and Mahindra opposing drastic cuts, fearing it could impact local manufacturing. The two nations target $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.

Kannada actor Ranya Rao’s first custody photo has emerged after her arrest for gold smuggling. She was caught at Bengaluru airport with 14.8 kg of gold worth ₹12 crore. Rao has applied for bail, but the court will decide on Friday. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) argued she should stay in custody for further investigation. Officials revealed she traveled to Dubai 27 times this year, raising suspicions. Her lawyer said the authorities had already questioned her and seized her laptop. The case is getting a lot of attention as the court prepares to rule on her bail plea.

South Africa’s David Miller criticized the ICC over the Champions Trophy scheduling after his team’s exhausting travel to Dubai before their semifinal loss to New Zealand in Lahore. Due to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, the ICC scheduled all their matches in Dubai, forcing South Africa and Australia to fly unnecessarily. “It wasn’t ideal,” Miller said. Despite his unbeaten 100 off 67 balls, South Africa fell 50 runs short in their chase of 363. Miller backed New Zealand to beat India in Sunday’s final in Dubai, calling it a “great” contest and admitting, “I think I'll be supporting New Zealand.”

US President Donald Trump has given Hamas a "last warning" to release hostages in Gaza. He wrote on Truth Social, "Not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don't do as I say." His statement came after the White House confirmed direct talks with Hamas. The US has avoided such talks in the past. Hamas accused Trump of encouraging Israel to break the ceasefire. The negotiations, reportedly in Qatar, aim to free US hostages. Israel has not commented on the talks but was consulted. The situation remains tense as efforts continue to secure the hostages' release.

The UK has condemned a security breach involving pro-Khalistan protesters who heckled Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar outside Chatham House in London. The protesters disrupted his exit after an event. A UK Foreign Office spokesperson said, "Any attempts to intimidate, threaten, or disrupt public events are completely unacceptable." They added that the Metropolitan Police acted swiftly to control the situation. The UK assured, "We remain fully committed to ensuring the security of all our diplomatic visitors." The incident has raised concerns about security measures during high-profile visits. The Indian government has not yet officially responded.