Elon Musk joked about claims that 150-year-olds are receiving US Social Security. "I think they're probably dead, is my guess, or they should be very famous, one of the two," he said. The US Social Security program supports retired and disabled people, but living to 150 is extremely rare. Musk is leading a government team under US President Donald Trump to cut spending. Trump plans to reduce the federal budget by $1 trillion. The US debt has reached $36.2 trillion. Critics argue the cuts are extreme, but Musk's team is reviewing payments and jobs to reduce waste.  

The Supreme Court of India criticized the culture of announcing freebies before elections, stating it discourages people from working. A bench of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih, hearing a case on urban homelessness, observed, “People are getting free rations and money without working.” The court suggested integrating them into society for development. Attorney General R Venkataramani informed that the Centre is finalizing an urban poverty alleviation mission. The court directed the Centre to specify its timeline and scheduled the next hearing in six weeks.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and US President Trump have warned Hamas that the ceasefire is terminated if they do not release Israeli hostages by Saturday. Netanyahu stated that they will resume hostilities if the hostages are not freed. Trump also threatened that there would be severe consequences if the hostages are not freed. The warning comes after Hamas announced that it would delay the release of more hostages, accusing Israel of breaching the ceasefire deal. The two leaders made it clear on the deadline, and Israel is preparing for possible violence if Hamas does not comply.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed swapping Kursk, a Ukrainian-held Russian region, for territories occupied by Russia in Ukraine—if US President Donald Trump brokers a peace deal. Zelenskyy emphasized security guarantees, rejecting any agreement without US involvement. He also invited American firms to aid Ukraine’s reconstruction. Trump has sent special envoy Keith Kellogg to discuss ceasefire terms. Ukraine fears any weak agreement would allow Russia to regroup. “For us, it’s about survival,” Zelenskyy told The Guardian, underscoring Ukraine’s strategic resources.

Elon Musk denied leading a "hostile takeover" of the U.S. government as President Donald Trump signed an order empowering Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) to cut 30% of the federal workforce. Critics, including Democrats, accused Musk of undermining democracy, while Trump claimed the move would eliminate $1 trillion in wasteful spending. Musk defended the cuts as "common sense" and necessary for solvency. Courts have temporarily blocked some of Doge’s efforts, including USAID staff reductions. A CBS poll showed Republican support for Musk's policies, though 66% of Americans want Trump to prioritize lowering prices.

Turkey has issued a warning against bootleg alcohol after 103 people died from poisoning in Ankara and Istanbul since January. Authorities reported 230 hospitalizations, with 40 in critical condition. The rise in illegal alcohol sales follows increased taxes under President Tayyip Erdogan’s government, making legitimate alcohol unaffordable for many. Police have arrested 24 suspects and seized over 86,000 liters of smuggled alcohol. Istanbul’s governor has enforced stricter regulations, including mandatory shop cameras and license suspensions. This crisis follows similar methanol-related deaths in Laos, where six tourists, including an American and a British backpacker, lost their lives.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has assured the Indian Air Force (IAF) that deliveries of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets will begin soon after resolving technical issues. This comes after Air Chief Marshal AP Singh expressed "no confidence" in HAL over delays. The IAF, which ordered 83 jets in 2021, has been awaiting their induction to enhance combat capabilities. HAL Chairman DK Sunil acknowledged concerns, attributing delays to technical challenges rather than inefficiency. The issue gained attention during the Aero India show in Bengaluru, where the Air Chief's remarks sparked discussions on HAL’s performance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the final day of his France visit, inaugurated India’s second consulate in Marseille and paid tribute to Indian soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery. He and French President Emmanuel Macron visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a key nuclear fusion collaboration. Modi highlighted India-France ties, recalling freedom fighter Veer Savarkar’s connection to the city. His three-day visit included the AI Action Summit, diplomatic meetings, and engagements with the Indian diaspora. “Our partnership continues to strengthen,” Modi stated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to end the Gaza ceasefire if Hamas does not release Israeli hostages by Saturday. Hamas announced it would not release three Israelis this weekend, citing alleged ceasefire violations by Israel. Netanyahu said the Israeli military is prepared to resume “intense fighting” until Hamas is “finally defeated.” Former U.S. President Donald Trump predicted Hamas would miss the deadline and suggested Israel should “let hell break out.” Meanwhile, Trump hosted Jordan’s King Abdullah amid tensions over his Gaza resettlement plan. Israel has so far freed hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in the exchange.

Indian-Americans are protesting Elon Musk’s decision to rehire Marko Elez to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) despite his past racist remarks. Elez, who once posted "Normalize Indian hate," was defended by US Vice President JD Vance. Indian-American leaders, including Congressman Ro Khanna, condemned the move, demanding accountability. The controversy has fueled concerns about rising anti-Indian sentiment in the US, with reports of racial bullying. "This is what happens when Indian hate is normalized," said a protester. The backlash continues as Indian-Americans demand Elez’s apology and stronger action against racism.