US Threatens 10% Tariff on Nations Aligned with BRICS Policies
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that any country aligning with what he termed the "anti-American policies of BRICS" will face an additional 10% tariff. The threat, issued on social media, came shortly after the BRICS summit in Brazil, where leaders criticized the “indiscriminate rising of tariffs” as a threat to global trade. The move escalates trade tensions and directly impacts India and other members of the expanded 11-nation bloc, which represents nearly half the world's population.
BRICS Summit Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Urges 'Zero Tolerance'
In a significant diplomatic statement, the BRICS nations issued a joint declaration strongly condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The leaders called for a "zero tolerance" approach to terrorism, urging nations to reject double standards and combat all forms of the menace, including cross-border movement and financing. The declaration, which reflects a key Indian foreign policy objective, emphasizes holding all those involved in terrorist activities accountable under international law, marking a unified stance from the 11-member bloc.
Israel and Houthi Rebels Escalate Conflict with Airstrikes and Missiles
Israel has launched airstrikes on Houthi-held ports in Yemen, including Hodeida, targeting what it claims are Iranian weapons transfer sites. The attack followed a Houthi assault on a commercial ship in the Red Sea. In retaliation for the airstrikes, the Houthis launched a missile towards Israel. This significant escalation threatens to destabilize global shipping lanes in the Red Sea corridor and marks a dangerous new phase in the regional conflict, with Israel now acting unilaterally against the Yemeni rebels.
Supreme Court to Hold Urgent Hearing on Bihar's Voter Roll Revision
The Supreme Court will hold an urgent hearing on July 10 to address petitions challenging Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The SIR, which began on June 28, requires nearly 2.93 crore voters to produce documents proving their and their parents' birth date and place. Petitioners, including opposition MPs and activists, argue the hasty process and stringent documentation rules risk disenfranchising crores of poor and marginalized citizens ahead of state polls, prompting top court intervention.
Monsoon Fury in Himalayas: Flash Floods Kill 78 in Himachal Pradesh
Severe monsoon weather has caused widespread devastation in the Himalayan region, with flash floods and cloudbursts leading to at least 78 deaths in Himachal Pradesh. The state's Mandi district faces a severe water crisis due to damaged infrastructure. Meanwhile, authorities have issued a landslide alert for four districts in neighboring Uttarakhand amid forecasts for more heavy rain. The events highlight the increasing vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events, causing significant loss of life and disrupting essential services.
YouTuber Arrested for Spying Was Hired by Kerala Tourism, RTI Reveals
An RTI response has revealed that Haryana-based travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, recently arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan, was officially engaged and funded by the Kerala Tourism Department. Malhotra was part of a digital influencer campaign between 2024 and 2025 to promote the state. Her arrest is part of a wider probe into an espionage network allegedly using digital platforms and influencers to gather intelligence, raising serious questions about the vetting processes for government-sponsored promotional activities.
BRICS Expands to Include Indonesia as Newest Full Member
The BRICS bloc of emerging economies has officially welcomed Indonesia as its newest full member during the 2025 summit in Rio de Janeiro. This expansion brings the total number of nations in the group to eleven. The inclusion of Indonesia, a major Southeast Asian economy, further enhances the bloc's global standing, which now accounts for approximately 40% of global GDP and nearly half of the world's population, signaling a continued shift in the geopolitical landscape.
Trump and Musk Feud Escalates as Musk Announces New Political Party
A public feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has escalated after Musk announced plans to form a new political party called the “America Party.” Trump dismissed the move as “ridiculous” and labeled Musk a “train wreck.” The conflict reportedly stems from disagreements over US fiscal policy. This growing rift between the US President and the influential tech billionaire could have repercussions for Musk's companies, which rely on significant government contracts in the space and automotive sectors.
Suspicious Foreign Boat Spotted Off Maharashtra Coast, Security Alerted
A suspicious boat, believed to belong to another country, has been spotted off the coast of Raigad in Maharashtra, prompting a security alert. Coastal security agencies have been put on high alert and have initiated patrols to investigate the vessel. The incident has raised security concerns along the sensitive coastline, which has historically been vulnerable to seaborne threats. Authorities are currently working to determine the origin and intent of the boat and its occupants.
Indian Media Executive Sanjog Gupta Appointed as New CEO of ICC
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Indian media executive Sanjog Gupta as its new Chief Executive Officer. Gupta, who previously served as the CEO for Sports & Live Experiences at JioStar, was chosen following an extensive global recruitment process that attracted over 2,500 applicants. The appointment of an Indian to lead world cricket's governing body is a significant development, reflecting India's immense influence in the sport's administration, viewership, and commercial landscape.
BRICS Summit Convenes in Brazil Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Key Absences
The BRICS summit has commenced in Rio de Janeiro with a cautious agenda, reportedly to avoid provoking the Trump administration. The bloc's cohesion is being tested by the absence of China's Xi Jinping and the virtual-only attendance of Russia's Vladimir Putin. Host Brazil is focusing discussions on less contentious issues like AI governance, climate change, and global health. The summit aims to advance institutional development for the newly expanded group while navigating complex geopolitical issues, including the war in Gaza.
Iran's Supreme Leader Reappears; Tehran Suspends Nuclear Watchdog Cooperation
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made his first public appearance since the recent 12-day war with Israel, attending a religious ceremony in Tehran. His appearance follows a period of heightened security and US warnings. Concurrently, Iran's president ordered the suspension of cooperation with the UN's nuclear watchdog, the IAEA. This move severely limits inspectors' access to a nuclear program that has been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels, escalating global security and non-proliferation concerns.
Trump Threatens BRICS Nations With 100% Tariffs Over Dollar Challenge
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on the BRICS bloc if member nations take any action to undermine the US dollar's dominance in global finance. The threat comes as the expanded BRICS group, which includes major emerging economies, convenes in Brazil. Last year's summit in Russia explored alternatives to US-dominated payment systems, a move seen as a way to bypass Western sanctions. The threat heightens economic tensions and influences the cautious agenda at the current summit.
Reuters' X Account Withheld in India Following Legal Demand
The official X account of the international news agency Reuters has been blocked in India. Users attempting to access the @Reuters handle are met with a notice stating it has been withheld "in response to a legal demand." Neither the Indian government nor X has provided a reason for the block, which appears to be region-specific. The move raises significant concerns about press freedom and government censorship in the country, impacting a major global news source with over 2,600 journalists worldwide.
Dalai Lama Reaffirms Reincarnation Authority on 90th Birthday, Defying Beijing
Celebrating his 90th birthday in Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama made a significant statement regarding his succession, asserting that his Gaden Phodrang Trust holds sole authority to recognize his reincarnation. This directly challenges Beijing's insistence that it must approve his successor. The declaration, made amid celebrations attended by global followers and officials, reinforces the Tibetan leader's defiance of Chinese control and has major geopolitical implications for India, the US, and China, which views him as a separatist.