U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that international recognition of Palestine would “only create more problems” and jeopardize ongoing ceasefire efforts.

Speaking after a meeting with Ecuador’s leadership, Rubio dismissed such recognition as “fake and unrealistic.” While refraining from commenting directly on Israel’s West Bank annexation plans, he called them “entirely predictable.”

Rubio accused moves to strengthen the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank of emboldening Hamas in Gaza. His remarks came just days after French President Emmanuel Macron announced at the UN that France would formally recognize a Palestinian state.

Honda is introducing the Fastport E-Quad, a four-wheeled pedal-powered vehicle with electric assistance, designed for urban delivery in congested cities like New York and Los Angeles. The lightweight quadracycle carries more cargo than bicycles or scooters, navigates traffic easily, and comes in two sizes, with the larger model carrying up to 295 kg. Developed by Honda’s U.S. startup lab, the E-Quad aims to support logistics and delivery services, with small-batch production starting in Ohio and full-scale rollout planned next summer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has brushed off viral rumors about his death, calling them “fake news” and a reflection of declining media credibility.

“Millions of people were apparently discussing my so-called death. Really? I hadn’t even seen it,” Trump remarked when asked by a journalist. He noted that after holding several press conferences last week, he skipped two days—prompting speculation about his health.

“President Biden could disappear for months, and no one would say a word. Yet with me, they immediately invent stories,” Trump said with a laugh. “I’ve been active with interviews, events, and posts on Truth Social. Clearly, I’m alive and well.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated career diplomat Brent Christensen as the next ambassador to Bangladesh. The proposal was submitted to the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, where approval is pending.

Christensen currently serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Arms Control and International Security. Between 2019 and 2021, he was posted at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs. A graduate of the National War College, he earned a Master’s degree in National Security Strategy in 2022.

Before joining the Foreign Service in 2002, Christensen worked as a management consultant in Houston and New York City.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade advisor, Peter Navarro, has criticized India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that while Modi is a capable leader, he is aligning with leaders like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. Navarro said Brahmins are benefiting at the expense of ordinary Indians and urged that this practice stop. He also linked India’s purchase of Russian crude oil to economic support for Russia, prompting the U.S. to impose tariffs on Indian goods.

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka has issued a strict warning that anyone involved in visa fraud will be permanently barred from entering the United States. The embassy emphasized that visa fraud and illegal immigration are serious offenses and those involved could face criminal charges. Applicants are urged to be truthful during visa applications and interviews, as even minor offenses or previous violations can result in visa denial. Secure borders are essential for national survival, the embassy added.

President Donald Trump said he will issue an executive order requiring voter ID for all ballots, with no exceptions. He stated only seriously ill individuals and military personnel abroad may vote by mail. Trump, who continues to claim without evidence that the 2020 election was stolen, has long opposed electronic voting machines, favoring paper ballots. Legal experts question his authority since states oversee elections. The 2026 midterms will be the first national test of his policies after returning to power.

A Harvard/Harris poll reveals a sharp generational divide in U.S. views on the Israel–Hamas conflict. While 74% of Americans overall back Israel, 60% of voters aged 18–24 support Hamas instead. Most Americans condemn Hamas’s actions, yet many young voters blame Israel for Gaza’s famine. Public opinion is split on whether Israel’s actions amount to genocide. Analysts say Gen Z’s reliance on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for news drives this shift, framing the conflict as a humanitarian issue rather than geopolitics.