The US is moving forward with a new law to impose a 5% tax on all remittances sent abroad, under the proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” introduced by Donald Trump. The bill has passed the budget committee and awaits a full congressional vote. While US citizens are exempt, non-citizens—including millions of Indian workers—will be affected. India, the top recipient of US remittances, could suffer significant economic consequences, with $32.9 billion sent from the US in 2023–24 alone.

Joe Biden, former President of the United States, has been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bones, according to his personal office. The diagnosis followed symptoms of increased urination. Tests revealed a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating an aggressive form of cancer. However, doctors noted the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which may offer avenues for effective treatment.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that countries failing to sign new trade agreements with the United States may face tariffs as high as 50%. Trump stated that the demand for trade deals is so high that individual negotiations are not feasible. Instead, within the next 2–3 weeks, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will send letters outlining new tariff structures. Countries that don’t comply will be subject to increased tariffs.

During peace talks held in Istanbul, head of the Russian delegation Vladimir Medinsky stated, “We do not want war, but we are prepared to continue fighting—one year, two years, even 21 years. We fought Sweden for that long before.”

Ukraine reportedly rejected Russia’s demand to withdraw its forces from four regions. In response to Ukraine’s strong objection, Russian negotiators warned, “Next time, the demand will include five regions.” Despite these tensions, both sides agreed to a prisoner exchange involving 1,000 individuals.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that India and Pakistan are dangerously close to a nuclear confrontation. “The situation is escalating to a point where nuclear war could break out,” he said, adding, “They’re launching missiles with maximum force.”

Trump emphasized the significance of both nations, calling them “not small powers but major nuclear forces.” He also noted, “We’ve had excellent discussions with Pakistan, and communications are ongoing. Pakistan wants to trade with us—they are smart and doing great work.” Trump stated he had instructed his team to maintain dialogue with both countries.

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a mutual exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war each, following talks held in Turkey. Russian envoy Vladimir Medinsky stated that Ukraine has requested a direct meeting between the two presidents, which is under consideration. Both sides have reportedly agreed to present a framework for a possible ceasefire. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that discussions also included a potential summit between Presidents Zelensky and Putin. Notably, former U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed interest in joining the talks, but Russian President Vladimir Putin did not respond.

Ben Cohen, co-founder of ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s and a prominent activist, was arrested at the U.S. Senate during a protest against the killings in Gaza. He was later released. Police charged Cohen with a misdemeanor, while six others were also detained and face more serious charges. The protest occurred during a budget hearing where Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was presenting his proposal. Cohen shouted slogans, accusing Congress of funding bombs that kill children in Gaza while cutting healthcare for the poor in the U.S.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Apple CEO Tim Cook not to set up manufacturing plants in India. Trump reportedly told Cook, “I don’t want you to build factories in India,” citing concerns over U.S. interests and trade imbalances.

He argued that India is one of the highest tariff-imposing countries in the world, making it a difficult market for American products. Trump added, “India can take care of itself. You can build in India if you want to take care of them. But I don’t want you to build there.”

Trump also criticized Apple's past investments in China, saying the U.S. tolerated it for years, but further offshoring—especially to India—is not something he supports.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has said that there will be no real progress on the Ukraine conflict unless he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin face-to-face. Trump had expressed interest in traveling to Turkey for direct talks with Putin as part of his initiative to end the war in Ukraine.

However, Putin did not visit Turkey on Thursday, and Trump also canceled his trip. Prior to this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had publicly invited Putin to meet in Turkey on the same day.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking in Riyadh, expressed strong hope that Saudi Arabia would soon join the Abraham Accords. “It would be a matter of great prestige for Saudi Arabia and crucial for the future of the Middle East,” said Trump. The Abraham Accords have already normalized relations between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. While Saudi Arabia has yet to establish formal diplomatic ties with Israel, discussions have taken place. Trump also warned Iran of renewed “maximum pressure” if it refuses to rejoin a nuclear agreement, pledging to drive Iran’s oil exports down to zero.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to lift sanctions on Syria, stating, “After discussions with the new Syrian foreign minister and the Crown Prince, and a call with Turkey’s President, I’ve decided to authorize the lifting of sanctions to help Syria move forward.” He noted that while the sanctions played a significant role during Bashar al-Assad’s rule, it is now time for the country to recover. Trump added that he will meet Syria’s new President Ahmed al-Sarar in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

Amid ongoing tensions, the US State Department has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran. The sanctions target three senior officials and one organization associated with Iran’s military arms research. Their assets in the US have been frozen, and they are barred from entering the country or engaging in financial transactions with any US entities. US Secretary of State remarked, “Iran is the only country in the world without nuclear weapons that possesses a stockpile of 60% enriched uranium.”

The United States and China have reached an agreement to significantly reduce mutual tariffs by 115% for a 90-day period, US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant announced. The deal follows high-level bilateral talks in Switzerland, marking the first major breakthrough since President Donald Trump imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese imports in January. As part of the new arrangement, the US will lower its tariffs on Chinese goods to 30%, while China will reduce its tariffs on American goods to 10%, with both reductions taking effect for 90 days.

U.S. President Donald Trump praised the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, calling it a historic and heroic decision. “Both countries showed wisdom and restraint, understanding that further aggression could have led to catastrophe,” he said. Trump commended their leadership and reiterated that millions of innocent lives were potentially saved. He stated that the U.S. played a key role in achieving the ceasefire and expressed pride in the outcome. Trump also announced his willingness to work with both nations to resolve the longstanding Kashmir conflict, which he described as a “thousand-year issue.”

In a statement issued by US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, it was revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a conversation with Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir on Saturday. Rubio urged both India and Pakistan to find ways to de-escalate tensions and offered US support to initiate constructive dialogue aimed at preventing future conflicts.