U.S. President Donald Trump has reduced tariffs on Japanese car imports from 27.5 percent to 15 percent, cutting them by nearly half. The deal, reached after months of negotiation, also includes Japan committing $550 billion in U.S. investments and gradually opening its markets to American products, including cars and rice. The 15 percent tariff will apply to almost all Japanese imports, including vehicles and pharmaceuticals, easing uncertainty for major automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.

The United States has sanctioned three Palestinian human rights organizations—Al-Haq, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), and the Al-Mezan Centre for Human Rights—accusing them of assisting the International Criminal Court (ICC) in actions against Israeli citizens. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move protects US sovereignty, military, and allies. The groups have long documented alleged Israeli abuses in Gaza and the occupied territories. Similar sanctions were imposed under the Trump administration after ICC warrants against Israeli leaders.

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War through an executive order. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would be titled “Secretary of War,” and his deputy “Deputy Secretary of War.” The move reverses a 1949 decision meant to signal restraint in nuclear-era conflicts. Critics warn the change could cost billions as documents, signage, and systems are updated. Trump has also reversed other renamings, including restoring bases once stripped of Confederate-linked titles.

During a military parade in Beijing, Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, along with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, were spotted walking together. Reports suggest Putin discussed how modern biotechnology, including organ transplants, could extend human lifespan. Xi’s interpreter added that humans could potentially live over 150 years this century. The parade also included 24 other world leaders. Analysts suggest the joint appearance may send a message to Western nations, while former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the meeting.

Austrian NATO committee member Gunther Fellinger has ignited outrage by calling for the breakup of India along religious, linguistic, and regional lines. Posting a map on social media, he suggested North India as Khalistan and proposed separate states for other regions. He claimed discussions with Sikh activists focused on achieving Khalistan’s independence and freeing India from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s influence. The remarks have drawn sharp criticism, highlighting tensions over foreign interference and divisive narratives targeting India’s sovereignty and unity.

Russia’s Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev reacted strongly after Western countries transferred seized Russian assets to Ukraine. He stated that even if legal recovery fails, Russia will reclaim the assets “in kind” through land, property, and other resources. Medvedev criticized Britain’s $1.3 billion transfer to Kyiv as supporting “neo-Nazis” and claimed it gives Russia a legal right to demand compensation. He clarified this excludes Donbas and Novorossiya, which he said are already Russian territories.

Russia has announced the expulsion of an Estonian diplomat in Moscow after Estonia declared a Russian envoy persona non grata last month. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Estonia’s chargé d’affaires Marek Uhtegi was summoned and informed of the decision. The ministry condemned Tallinn’s “hostile” step, stressing that any unfriendly actions would draw reciprocal measures. The move marks the latest escalation in tense relations between the two countries, as both sides continue to trade diplomatic expulsions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that single dominance in world politics will no longer continue, indirectly pointing at the United States. Speaking in Beijing, he stressed equal rights for all nations and balance in international relations. Putin cautioned against punishing powers like India and China, recalling the West’s colonial past. His comments coincide with Donald Trump’s administration imposing double tariffs on Indian goods over Russian oil imports, drawing criticism from New Delhi and heightening tensions in U.S.–India relations.

U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at possible new sanctions on Russia if the war in Ukraine continues. Speaking with Polish President Andrzej Duda in the Oval Office, Trump said that if he is dissatisfied with Vladimir Putin’s response, “something will happen.” He denied being soft on Moscow, citing sanctions on India for Russian oil as proof of his firm stance. Trump plans to speak with Ukrainian President Zelensky soon to determine the next steps.

A U.S. federal court has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to suspend nearly $2 billion in Harvard University research funding, calling it illegal and a violation of the university’s right to free expression. Judge Allison Burroughs ruled that while anti-Semitism exists at Harvard, it was not the real reason for the funding cuts, and issued an injunction to ensure ongoing grants are not withheld. Harvard considers this a major legal victory, though an appeal from the administration is expected.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the war in Ukraine can end either through negotiations or military force. While he prefers dialogue, he stressed that all objectives will be met if necessary by force. He reiterated that Ukraine must abandon NATO ambitions and end discrimination against Russian speakers. Putin is open to talks if President Zelensky visits Moscow, though Ukraine has rejected Moscow as a venue. The conflict continues amid Russia’s annexation of four regions and ongoing Western sanctions.

Russia has identified three issues in its relationship with China, President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ahead of a military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end. Putin highlighted strong ties with Belarus, noting trade has surpassed $50 billion, and praised the U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska. He also met Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to discuss bilateral relations, emphasizing Russia’s readiness to advance its partnerships despite challenges.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that India has offered to trade with the United States without any tariffs following the imposition of U.S. duties. Speaking on The Scott Jennings Radio Show, Trump criticized countries like China, India, and Brazil for harming U.S. interests with tariffs. He described India as the highest-tariff country and claimed that the tariff imposition prompted India’s proposal. Trump emphasized that tariffs are necessary for economic strength and insisted the offer would not have come without U.S. action.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying Zelensky can come to Moscow anytime. However, he questioned whether the current situation is suitable for talks. Putin emphasized that proper preparation is essential for a productive meeting. Ukraine swiftly rejected the offer as unacceptable. The Russian leader warned that if Ukraine refuses any agreement, Russia will continue pursuing its objectives. He stressed Russia’s fight is for security and people’s rights, not territorial occupation.

The U.S. military has destroyed a drug-laden vessel operated by Venezuela’s notorious Tren de Aragua gang, killing 11 people, former President Donald Trump confirmed.

“We just destroyed a drug boat carrying large quantities of narcotics. Many more are coming from Venezuela,” Trump said, sharing drone footage showing the high-speed vessel exploding in flames.

Typically, such boats are intercepted and crews arrested, but this time the U.S. military opted to sink the vessel outright—a move likely to escalate tensions with Venezuela.