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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday warned that Iran's demand to control and collect tolls from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz could set a dangerous global precedent and threaten freedom of navigation. Speaking at the opening of the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers' meeting in Manila, Rubio said allowing any country to control an international waterway and charge ships for passage would pose risks not only in the Middle East but also in the Indo-Pacific region. "If a country is allowed to control an international waterway, charge tolls and attack ships that refuse to pay, it would create a dangerous precedent that could be repeated in other parts of the world, including this region," Rubio said. His remarks came as ASEAN members voiced concern over the renewed conflict in the Middle East, which has also affected economies in Southeast Asia. Despite the US focus on the Middle East, Rubio assured ASEAN leaders that Washington remained fully committed to the regional bloc. On the sidelines of the meeting, Rubio also joined his counterparts from the Quad grouping — the United States, Australia, India and Japan — to discuss cooperation on technology, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, maritime security and transnational security. In a joint statement, the four countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening maritime security and maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, amid growing concerns over China's expanding influence in the region. "The Quad remains a priority, and we will meet again later this year," Rubio wrote in a post on X. The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised China's increasingly assertive actions in the South China Sea, particularly those affecting smaller claimant countries such as the Philippines, a long-standing US treaty ally. The South China Sea disputes, involving China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines, are among the key issues being discussed during the three-day ASEAN meetings in Manila. Rubio also held talks with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, where they discussed regional security, the conflict involving Iran and efforts to finalise an interim trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Indian goods. According to US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, both sides agreed on the importance of completing the interim trade deal, which is nearing completion. Rubio was also scheduled to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings.

Nearly 150 migrants died or went missing in separate boat incidents off the coast of Mauritania last week while attempting to reach Europe, the UN refugee agency said Tuesday. The agency said it was "extremely saddened" by the tragedies, reporting that 144 people were dead or missing following two incidents between July 14 and 18. A total of 387 migrants were rescued. According to Mauritania's coast guard, 122 people went missing after a boat carrying 160 migrants from Gambia to Spain's Canary Islands ran out of fuel and drifted at sea for 25 days near the capital, Nouakchott. In a separate incident, the coast guard said it rescued 179 people on Saturday from a boat that had departed from Senegal. The discrepancy between the figures released by the UN agency and the Mauritanian authorities was not immediately explained. Mauritania has become a key departure point for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa seeking to reach Europe, as limited economic opportunities continue to drive people to undertake the dangerous journey. The UN refugee agency described the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands as one of the world's deadliest migration corridors due to its long distances and the frequent use of overcrowded and unseaworthy boats.

Supporters of India’s youth-driven Cockroach movement on Tuesday vowed to continue their protest in New Delhi, a day after police used tear gas and batons to disperse thousands of demonstrators attempting to march towards Parliament. Hundreds of protesters remained at Jantar Mantar, the capital’s designated protest venue, amid a heavy police presence, saying they would continue their sit-in until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns over alleged shortcomings in the country’s examination system. “We will continue our protest,” said Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The clash between protesters and police on Monday marked a major turning point in the CJP’s two-month campaign. What began as a satirical protest has grown into a nationwide youth movement demanding action on issues including exam leaks, unemployment and government accountability. Videos showing police using batons against protesters and removing demonstrators by force spread widely on social media, triggering public anger. Some footage showed young protesters crying and appealing to police not to attack them, while other scenes showed demonstrators standing firm despite baton charges. Delhi Police said around 180 people were injured during the confrontation, including 118 security personnel and 60 protesters. Sona Bisht, a 20-year-old student who joined the protest, said the police action had only strengthened her determination. “If the government thinks they can stop Gen Z by doing this, they are mistaken. We are here raising issues about education and our future. We will not leave until our demands are fulfilled,” she said. The government made its first apparent attempt to engage with the protesters after nearly a month of silence, with a senior minister holding discussions with movement representatives on Monday. However, the talks failed to calm tensions as protest leaders said they wanted concrete action rather than assurances. Their demands include the resignation of Pradhan, reforms in the examination system and compensation for families of students who died by suicide following alleged irregularities in recruitment and entrance examinations. Dipke accused the authorities of going back on their commitment, alleging that police launched a baton charge after inviting protesters for talks. Rights organisation Amnesty International criticised the police response, saying the action demonstrated how peaceful dissent was being restricted in India. “The role of authorities is to protect and facilitate peaceful protests, not suppress them,” the organisation said, adding that the right to peaceful assembly is protected under international human rights law and the Indian Constitution. The movement, which has attracted students, professionals and families, represents a significant challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government during its third term. It has revived debate over the government’s handling of public dissent and the use of force against demonstrators. The campaign gained further momentum after prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose three-week hunger strike became a symbol of the protests, was taken to a hospital by police over the weekend. Rabina Kashyap, a 26-year-old professional, said she joined the protest on Tuesday after watching footage of police using tear gas and batons against students. “I have nothing to do with this protest. But this is India, my country, and these are my people. So I will stand with them,” she said.

Israel has been rapidly constructing a large earthen barrier inside the Gaza Strip, according to satellite images, reinforcing its control over more than half of the territory and raising concerns that the temporary military line could become a more permanent boundary. Satellite imagery reviewed by The Associated Press shows that more than 23 kilometres of the barrier have been built in recent months through areas where Palestinian communities were demolished. The structure stretches across much of Gaza, which is about 40 kilometres long and home to more than two million people. The Israeli military confirmed it has built a physical barrier along the so-called "yellow line" — the area where its forces withdrew under the ceasefire agreement reached with Hamas in October. The line was intended to be a temporary military boundary until a broader Israeli withdrawal could take place. However, with the ceasefire process stalled, many Palestinians fear the barrier could eventually become a permanent border dividing the enclave. The Israeli military said it has also established a security zone along the line equipped with surveillance and other technology. It said the barrier is intended to prevent infiltration and protect Israeli troops and nearby Israeli communities but declined to say how far the construction will extend. Construction progressing rapidlySatellite images indicate the barrier is expanding quickly. In southern Gaza, one section of the earthworks grew from about 500 metres to roughly 2.4 kilometres between July 1 and July 15, cutting across the area between the Israeli-controlled ruins of Rafah and the Muwasi area, where many displaced Palestinians are living in tent camps. The longest continuous section of the barrier now stretches nearly 17 kilometres from Khan Younis toward Gaza City. Construction on that section began in February and has continued steadily, with more than one kilometre added between late June and early July. Smaller, disconnected sections have also been built near the heavily damaged town of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza. Large areas under Israeli controlMost of Gaza's population is now concentrated west of the yellow line, where many people are living in overcrowded tent camps and relying on humanitarian aid. Satellite images show that on the Israeli-controlled side of the line, many towns, including much of Rafah, have been flattened by bulldozers and explosives. Roads, military bases and other infrastructure have been built in their place. Israel says it is destroying Hamas infrastructure as part of its military operations. The exact route of the yellow line has never been clearly defined. The Israeli military said it is working to mark the boundary more clearly to reduce accidental crossings. Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire on Palestinians approaching or crossing the area. The military says it targets people suspected of posing a threat, although reports indicate that civilians, including children, have also been killed near the line. Ceasefire remains stalledAccording to Palestinian health officials, more than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military operations since the ceasefire began, most in airstrikes and drone attacks. During the same period, militant attacks have killed five Israeli soldiers. On Tuesday, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City killed a couple and their four children, aged between 6 and 13, according to Shifa Hospital. The Israeli military said it had targeted Hamas militants operating in the area. The ceasefire agreement calls for Israel to eventually withdraw its forces to the edges of Gaza, where an international security force would take over. However, implementation has stalled amid continued disagreements between Israel and Hamas. Israel says Hamas has failed to disarm, while Hamas accuses Israel of violating the ceasefire. The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 73,000 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which says women and children account for about half of the fatalities.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and party president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday led a protest march towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, intensifying pressure on the Centre over alleged leaks of NEET and other examination papers. The demonstration came a day after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led march to Parliament, which ended in clashes between protesters and security personnel. Congress workers assembled outside Kharge's residence at 10, Rajaji Marg before marching towards the Prime Minister's official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, located just over a kilometre away. Monday's protest, attended largely by students and youth, witnessed police and Rapid Action Force personnel using batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. The CJP claimed that several demonstrators sustained injuries during the crackdown and reiterated its demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the alleged examination paper leaks. The Delhi Police, however, alleged that protesters turned violent, accusing them of pelting stones, damaging police vehicles and engaging in widespread disorder. According to police, 118 personnel, including senior officers, were injured during the unrest. Source: NDTV  

At least 10 workers were killed and more than 18 others are feared trapped after a landslide inside a tunnel under construction triggered a suspected methane gas leak in India's northeastern state of Sikkim, officials said. So far, 12 workers have been rescued, while search and rescue operations are continuing with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other emergency agencies. The incident occurred around 3:09 pm on Monday at the Samardung tunnel in South Sikkim, where Patel Engineering is constructing a section of the Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project. According to the Chief Minister's Office, rescue efforts are ongoing, although the exact number of workers trapped inside the tunnel has yet to be confirmed. Preliminary reports suggest that a landslide inside the tunnel blocked the passage, trapping several workers. Rescue operations have been slowed by a suspected methane gas leak, making it unsafe for emergency personnel to reach the affected area. Alongside the NDRF, teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim Police, and the Fire and Emergency Services have been deployed. Authorities have also restricted traffic around the site to support rescue work. Namchi District Collector Anupa Tamling said rescue teams from Siliguri and Pakyong, along with the SDRF, were mobilised immediately after the incident was reported. She said firefighters and police officers tried twice to enter the tunnel without protective equipment but had to retreat because of dangerous conditions. The first NDRF team later evacuated those emergency workers, while a second NDRF team entered the tunnel to continue the rescue operation. Officials said methane levels inside the tunnel initially remained so high that rescuers could not reach the area where the trapped workers are believed to be. Tamling said the exact cause of the landslide is still unknown. According to workers who escaped, they heard a loud blast-like sound inside the tunnel before running to safety. She cautioned that the number of people trapped remains provisional, adding that the administration's top priority is to rescue everyone safely. Sources said several members of the first rescue team suffered dizziness and breathing problems after being exposed to methane gas. They were safely brought out and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Two tourists were injured in a knife attack near the Acropolis, Greece's most visited tourist site, on Tuesday morning, police said. The attacker stabbed a Greek American man and woman near the entrance to the Acropolis Museum at the foot of the historic Acropolis hill. According to police, the woman suffered minor injuries to her leg, while the man was more seriously injured after being stabbed in the arm. Authorities quickly detained the suspect, and both victims were taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment. Police have not yet identified the attacker but said he appeared to be experiencing psychological problems. The motive for the attack is still under investigation. Violent attacks of this nature are uncommon in Greece. In April, an 89-year-old man was arrested after allegedly opening fire with a shotgun at a social security office and a courthouse in central Athens, injuring at least four people in an incident reportedly linked to grievances over social security. The Acropolis, home to the nearly 2,500-year-old Parthenon and several other ancient monuments, is one of Greece's most famous landmarks. Around 4.6 million people visited the site last year.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the toughest possible action against those responsible for the alleged NEET examination paper leak, saying preventing such incidents is a national responsibility. Speaking after the NDA Parliamentary Party's 'Mangal Milan' meeting on Tuesday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju quoted Modi as urging all stakeholders to work together to build a secure and foolproof examination system. According to Rijiju, the Prime Minister also asked NDA allies to remain united in supporting legislative business and urged opposition parties to cooperate in Parliament despite political differences, saying all lawmakers share responsibility for the country's future and the welfare of its youth. Modi's remarks came a day after police used tear gas and batons to stop hundreds of students from marching toward Parliament during protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak. The demonstration was led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical political group that emerged earlier this year. The protesters demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the controversy. NEET, India's nationwide medical entrance examination, is taken by more than two million students each year. The exam was cancelled in May after allegations that the question paper had been leaked before the test. Authorities later held a fresh examination. The controversy was followed by complaints over the online marking system used for examinations taken by nearly two million CBSE high school students, with some alleging incorrect grades and mismatched results. Rijiju said Modi noted that the government acted quickly after reports of the NEET paper leak surfaced, leading to arrests and action against those allegedly involved. He added that the Prime Minister said the re-examination was organised promptly to protect students' academic future. The student protests intensified after activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to hospital on Saturday, ending his 21-day hunger strike in support of the movement. Wangchuk later announced he would continue his fast from the hospital, criticising the authorities' handling of peaceful demonstrators. The CJP said two of its leaders later met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and submitted a letter outlining their demands after the government initiated contact. Nadda confirmed the meeting, describing it as cordial. The first day of India's Monsoon Session of Parliament was disrupted by opposition protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and other issues, including allegations related to donations for the Ram temple. Source: NDTV

Police fired tear gas and used batons to disperse thousands of supporters of India’s youth-led Cockroach movement on Monday as they attempted to march to Parliament, demanding the resignation of the country’s education minister. The confrontation erupted after protesters tried to break through police barricades near the demonstration site in central New Delhi, leading to one of the most intense clashes since the movement emerged. Despite the crackdown, many demonstrators continued advancing toward Parliament in smaller groups. Saurav Das, spokesperson for the Cockroach Janta Party, claimed that movement leader Abhijeet Dipke had been detained by police and accused authorities of using excessive force against peaceful protesters. Delhi Police said the march had not received official permission and that restrictions were necessary to ensure security around Parliament, where the monsoon session commenced on Monday. The gathering at Jantar Mantar, a designated protest venue close to Parliament, drew students, professionals and families. Many protesters carried food and water for what they anticipated would be a prolonged demonstration, while others waved Indian flags and chanted slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Movement fueled by exam leak controversyThe Cockroach Janta Party was formed in May after India’s chief justice likened some unemployed young people to “cockroaches” during an unrelated court hearing. Supporters adopted the label as a symbol of protest, transforming it into a youth-led movement that has gained widespread attention on social media. The campaign gathered momentum following repeated leaks of major entrance examinations for medical colleges and government jobs, triggering outrage among students and job seekers. Public support grew further after police shifted hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital on Saturday. For the past month, protesters identifying themselves as “cockroaches” have been camping at Jantar Mantar, joined by members of several student organisations. They are demanding the resignation of the education minister, reforms to the examination system and compensation for families of students who died by suicide after the exam paper leaks. Government shows signs of engagementAlthough senior ministers have largely dismissed the movement, Monday saw the first indication of possible dialogue. A representative of the protesters said movement leaders met Health Minister J.P. Nadda, though the government had not confirmed the meeting. Meanwhile, Wangchuk appealed for permission to temporarily leave the hospital and participate in the march. In a handwritten note, he said he would end his nearly three-week hunger strike only if the government accepted responsibility for failures in the education system and the exam paper leaks, or if protesters were allowed to reach Parliament and lawmakers agreed to raise the issue in both Houses. Growing political challengeThe demonstrations have emerged as one of the most significant public challenges to Modi’s government during its third term, attracting support from opposition parties, rights groups and several Bollywood personalities. Critics say the government has increasingly restricted space for dissent, pointing to arrests of activists and forceful police action against demonstrators. Among the protesters was yoga instructor Jyoti Rajput, who said she joined the movement because authorities had failed to address students' concerns. Many participants said the campaign has evolved beyond the issue of examination leaks into a broader demand for transparency, accountability and greater responsiveness from the government. “I voted for this government, so I believe it is accountable to answer our questions,” protester Sneha Eppili said. “That is the basic right I deserve.”

The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has climbed to at least 930, the country's Ministry of Health said on Monday, reporting 37 new fatalities within a 24-hour period from Friday to Saturday—one of the highest daily increases since the outbreak began. According to the ministry, 2,344 Ebola cases had been confirmed as of Saturday. The outbreak, declared in eastern Congo on May 15, has become the fastest-growing Ebola epidemic on record. It is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Ebola is a highly infectious disease that can spread from wild animals to humans and is transmitted between people through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, including blood, vomit and semen, as well as contaminated items such as clothing and bedding. Although rare, the disease is often severe and can be fatal. Response efforts have been hampered by security concerns in Ituri, the province hardest hit by the outbreak. The virus has spread across five eastern provinces, a region plagued by ongoing rebel violence. Authorities said at least 12 attacks, largely driven by misinformation and public distrust, have targeted healthcare workers and medical facilities since the outbreak was declared. In addition, many health workers have gone on strike over unpaid wages. The outbreak has also claimed the lives of at least 36 healthcare workers infected with the virus. Last week, the World Health Organization warned that around 80 percent of newly detected Ebola cases were linked to unknown transmission chains, indicating that the disease is spreading more rapidly than health authorities can trace despite expanded response efforts. In its latest update, Congo’s Health Ministry said 724 patients are currently being treated in isolation units and hospitals. It added that response measures are being strengthened in the affected health zones and that 22 patients had recovered during the previous 24 hours.