Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is reportedly travelling to the United States for surgery to address an eye issue. This comes after he underwent treatment in Mumbai that did not yield the desired results. While details about the specific condition and treatment are limited, reports suggest that the actor will be seeking specialized medical attention in the US.
The US has proposed a $101 million aid package for Pakistan aimed at stabilizing its economy and strengthening democracy while reducing its dependence on China. Pakistan, while welcoming the aid, has firmly rejected any notion of sacrificing its relationship with Beijing to improve ties with Washington. Islamabad maintains its commitment to both relationships, describing China as a steadfast strategic partner and emphasizing the importance of constructive engagement with the US.
National Parents’ Day, celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of July in the US, honors the vital role parents play in their children’s lives. Established in 1994, this day encourages recognition and support for parents through various events and activities.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has cautioned the Philippines against allowing the United States to deploy intermediate-range missiles on its territory, warning that such a move could escalate regional tensions and spark an arms race. The warning comes amid heightened tensions between China and the Philippines over disputed territories in the South China Sea.
The US government returned 262 antiquities to India and signed a Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) with India to curb the illicit trade of culturally valuable property. This agreement restricts the import of certain archaeological and ethnological materials from India into the US, including religious, ceremonial, and architectural items. The repatriation of artifacts was hailed as an investment in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development.
The US Department of Defense has admitted to a covert propaganda campaign aimed at undermining China’s Sinovac vaccine in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The operation involved using fake social media accounts and online bots to spread misinformation about the vaccine’s safety and efficacy. This revelation has sparked outrage in the Philippines, with the Senate launching an investigation into the matter.
Several rockets were launched at bases hosting US-led anti-jihadist coalition troops in Iraq and Syria, marking a resurgence of attacks after a period of relative calm. The attacks, which occurred on Thursday and Friday, targeted the Ain al-Assad base in Iraq and a coalition base in the Conoco gas field in Syria. While no injuries or damage were reported, the incidents raise concerns about the ongoing security situation in the region. The attacks come amidst discussions on the future of the US-led coalition in Iraq, with Iran-backed groups demanding a withdrawal.
US Senator Marco Rubio has introduced a bill that aims to elevate India’s strategic partnership with the US, including enhanced technology transfer, security assistance, and sanctions on Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism against India.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that Iran’s nuclear breakout time, the time needed to produce enough weapons-grade material for a bomb, is now down to just one or two weeks. This assessment, the shortest made by a US official, comes amid concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Former President Donald Trump has pledged to implement a massive deportation campaign, claiming it would be the largest in US history. His statement comes despite expert opinions and data indicating the logistical and financial challenges of such an operation. Trump’s rhetoric on immigration has intensified, blaming immigrants for social ills and suggesting a connection between Central American crime rates and US immigration.
