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In choosing Zohran Mamdani as their candidate for mayor, Democrats in America’s most Jewish city have nominated an outspoken critic of Israel, alarming some in New York’s Jewish community and signaling a sea change in the priorities of one of the party’s most loyal voting groups.

The 33-year-old democratic socialist’s surprisingly strong performance against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo makes clear that taking a stance against Israel is no longer disqualifying in a Democratic primary. The state Assembly member has declined to support the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish state, refused to denounce the term “global intifada” and supports an organized effort to put economic pressure on Israel through boycotts and other tactics.Yet he excelled in the city with the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, and with the support of many Jewish voters.

Mamdani’s success reflects the ideological realignment of many American Jews since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel that led to Israel’s invasion of Gaza. Many Democratic voters, including Jews, have grown dismayed by Israel’s conduct in the war and are deeply critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. That is especially true among younger, more progressive voters, many of whom have rejected the once-broadly accepted notion that anti-Israel sentiment is inherently antisemitic.

For others, Mamdani’s showing has spurred new fears about safety and the waning influence of Jewish voters in a city where anti-Jewish hate crime has surged. Last year, Jews were the target of more than half of the hate crimes in the city.

Pakistani Taliban, an umbrella group of several Islamist terrorist groups, has long been waging a war against Pakistan in a bid to overthrow the government and replace it with its Islamic system of governance.At least 16 security officials were killed on Saturday in a suicide bombing in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Islamabad has blamed New Delhi for the attack that also left over two dozen people, including civilians, wounded. 

However, a suicide bomber wing of Hafiz Gul Bahadur’s armed group, a faction of the Pakistan Taliban, or TPP, has claimed the attack, according to a report by the news agency AFP. 

About The Attack

“A suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a military convoy,” according to a local government official in North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media.

He told AFP that 16 soldiers were killed, raising the previous number of deaths from 13.

“The explosion also caused the roofs of two houses to collapse, injuring six children,” a police officer said. 

Pakistan’s Blame Game

The Pakistani military said the attack was carried out by terrorists backed by India, an allegation New Delhi rejected.

According to a report by The Dawn, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan’s military, said in a statement that “in their desperation, an explosive-laden vehicle was rammed by the Indian sponsored kharijis into one of the vehicles of the leading group.” 

India’s Trong Reply

The Foreign Ministry on Sunday strongly rejected Pakistan’s claim that India was behind the Waziristan suicide bomber attack.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, has warned Iran would likely be able to resume producing enriched uranium within months, despite damage to several nuclear facilities from US and Israeli attacks. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi on Saturday noted that despite damage from attacks, the Islamic republic’s nuclear infrastructure is “still standing” and it can revert to their previous capabilities in “a matter of months.”

The Middle East was rattled over the last few weeks after Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iran’s nuclear and military facilities on June 13, saying it was aimed at keeping  Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon – an ambition the Islamic republic has consistently denied.

The United States subsequently joined Israel in bombing three key facilities used for Tehran’s atomic program, with the US President Donald Trump claiming the sites were completely “obliterated”, insisting Iran’s nuclear program had been set back “decades”.

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, also acknowledged that the extent of the damage to the nuclear sites is “serious”, but the details are unknown.They can have, you know, in a matter of months, I would say, a few cascades of centrifuges spinning and producing enriched uranium, or less than that,” Grossi said in an interview with CBS News Friday.

“Iran had a very vast ambitious program, and part of it may still be there, and if not, there is also the self-evident truth that the knowledge is there. The industrial capacity is there. Iran is a very sophisticated country in terms of nuclear technology, as is obvious,” he added.

Another key question is whether Iran was able to relocate some or all of its estimated 408.6-kilo (900-pound) stockpile of highly enriched uranium before the attacks. The uranium in question is enriched to 60 per cent — above levels for civilian usage but still below weapons grade. That material, if further refined, would theoretically be sufficient to produce more than nine nuclear bombs.

Grossi admitted to CBS: “We don’t know where this material could be.” 

Iran has cast doubts on the durability of the US-brokered ceasefire with Israel, warning it is ready to respond if hostilities with the Jewish state resume. Tehran also demanded that the United Nations recognise Israel and the United States as being to blame for their recent 12-day war.

“We did not start the war, but we have responded to the aggressor with all our power,” Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, Abdolrahim Mousavi, was quoted as saying by state television, referring to Israel.

“We have serious doubts over the enemy’s compliance with its commitments, including the ceasefire. We are ready to respond with force” if attacked again, he added, six days into the ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump.

The conflict between the arch-foes in West Asia saw the most serious escalation on June 13, when Israel launched a bombing campaign in Iran that killed top military commanders and scientists linked to its disputed nuclear programme. Israel claimed it aimed to keep the Islamic republic from developing a nuclear weapon — an ambition Tehran has consistently denied, insisting it has the right to develop nuclear power for civilian purposes like energy.

The fighting culminated after the US–a staunch ally of Jerusalem– joined Israeli forces to attack three nuclear facilities in Iran, following which Tehran targeted a US military base in Qatar. The fighting also derailed nuclear talks between Iran and the United States.

Trump has threatened further strikes should Iran enrich uranium to levels capable of manufacturing nuclear weapons.

Iran Demands Responsibility

In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres published on Sunday, Iran demanded that the United Nations recognise Israel and the United States as being to blame for this month’s war.

The Maharashtra government has cancelled two resolutions on the three-language policy for schools, at a time political parties have strongly criticised the government’s attempt at “Hindi imposition” in the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that a panel will deliberate on the policy’s future.

After a state Cabinet meeting, Mr Fadnavis announced, “We have decided that a committee will be formed under the leadership of educationist Dr Narendra Jadhav to determine from which standard the languages should be implemented, how the implementation should take place, and what choices should be given to students. Based on the report submitted by this committee, the state government will make a final decision on the implementation of the three-language policy. Until then, both the Government Resolutions issued on April 16 and June 17 have been cancelled.”The June 17 GR stated that Hindi “generally” the third language, and not mandatory, for Classes 1 to 5 in English and Marathi medium schools. It came after the Fadnavis government had issued a GR on April 16, making Hindi a compulsory third language for students in classes 1 to 5 studying in English and Marathi medium schools. The second GR reopened the ‘Hindi imposition’ row, which refers to claims by non-Hindi-speaking states – that Hindi is being forced on non-native speakers to the detriment of their languages.

Both GRs were criticised by the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, and NCP (SP).

New research has ranked the world’s most dangerous countries to travel to, revealing that the Philippines is the most unsafe vacation destination on the planet for 2025. Financial comparison site Hellosafe compiled the “travel safety index” based on 35 different criteria. The rate of natural disasters, violence in society, involvement in armed conflicts and health infrastructure were all covered to determine the safest destinations to travel to. Based on these indicators, countries were rated on a scale from 0 to 100, with 0 representing the safest and 100 being the most dangerous. 

“This index is not intended to reflect the tourist attractiveness of a country, but rather a global index of security and safety based on the largest possible number of objective criteria,” Hallosafe said, per the New York Post. 

Researchers revealed that the Philippines is the world’s most unsafe holiday destination with a score of 82.23 out of 100, which the index attributed to “high levels of violence within society”.

But despite its position at the bottom of the safety ranking, the country remains a popular tourist hotspot. According to the Post, more than 5.4 million international holidaymakers travelled to the Philippines in 2024, with many heading to the popular beach spots such as Boracay and Palawan. 

Next on the list in the danger rankings is Colombia. This South American country has a high rate of violence within society, which earned it second place.

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Mexico is the third most dangerous tourist destination in the world. Much like Colombia, the country earned its place on the ranking due to high levels of violence within society. 

Pakistan, Russia, Yemen, Somalia, Iran and Syria also feature in the most dangerous top 10 destinations. Greece, France and the UK also rank among Europe’s most dangerous countries, while the United States is listed as the 14th most dangerous in the world. 

Coming to the world’s safest countries, Iceland ranked number 1 on the list, followed by Singapore and Denmark. Meanwhile, Austria and Switzerland rounded out the top five. The Czech Republic, Slovenia, Finland, Ireland and Hungary also make the top 10 safest countries in the world.  

An SBI Bank Manager in Bengaluru refused to speak in Kannada, Karnataka’s official language, as a customer kept insisting and reminding her that “this is Karnataka”, sparking the language row.

The incident, the video of which is now in wide circulation, was reported from Chandapura, a suburb in south of Bengaluru.

Here’s how the conversation between the bank official and the customer went:

Customer: Wait a second, this is Karnataka.
Bank Manager: You have not given me employment.
Customer: This is Karnataka, madam.
Bank Manager: So? This is India.
Customer: Kannada first, madam.
Bank Manager: I will not speak Kannada for you.

The man did not give up: demanding that the woman officer speak in Kannada.

Customer: So you will never speak in Kannada?Bank Manager: No. I will speak Hindi. 

The two kept going at each other for a few minutes, with neither party yielding.

Bank Manager: Hindi
Customer: Kannada
Bank Manager: Hindi
Customer: Kannada

The conversation was stuck with the two people refusing to speak in the language the other wanted.

“Madam this is Karnataka, you should speak Kannada. It’s not about the chairman, there is an RBI rule that in that particular state you must speak the respective language,” said the man, reminding the officer. 

“I will never speak Kannada,” declared the Bank Manager, ending the conversation.

“Super, madam, super,” the customer shot back sarcastically.I will never speak Kannada,” declared the Bank Manager, ending the conversation.

“Super, madam, super,” the customer shot back sarcastically.

The man, who kept recording the exchange between them, urged people to teach this bank a lesson.

“Viewers, this is the SBI branch in Chandapura, you should all teach a lesson to this branch, we should all be united,” he said. 

Pro-Kannada activist groups, which are up in arms over the incident, will stage a protest tomorrow.

They are planning to march to the SBI main branch and submit a memorandum in this regard.

In recent times, the Kannada language row in Karnataka has sparked significant debate, particularly in Bengaluru, a city known for its multicultural population. While advocates suggest people learn the language, claiming it’s a way of respecting the local culture, critics argue that such a demand is exclusionary in a cosmopolitan setting. Now, an X post by a Delhi-based content creator has reignited the language debate online. It all started after Madhur, known online as @ThePlacardGuy on the microblogging platform, shared a picture of a Karnataka autorickshaw with a message addressed to non-Kannada speakers. You are in Karnataka, learn Kannada. Don’t show your attitude, you f****r. You come to beg here,” the message printed at the back of the three-wheeler read. The content creator shared the picture on X on Wednesday, along with a public plea, encouraging people to choose the capital city for work opportunities. 

“I’m once again saying, Come to Delhi, and don’t speak in Hindi if you don’t know/want, speak in English or sign language or whatever convenient. Nobody will be rude to you for not talking in Hindi. And certainly nobody would tell you that you came to delhi to beg,” Madhur wrote. We know if you came to delhi for work, it’s because delhi people were not skilled enough for that task, that’s why someone who knew the job better than a Delhiite got that job/started that business. No hate for not speaking in Hindi, you’re all welcome!” the X user added. 

He explained that the movement of migrants helps a city’s economy. “it’s not just Delhi who is giving you job/bread/money, it’s both ways, you’re giving employment to Delhiites too, the cabbies, sabzi walas, delivery boys, your house’s owner, everyone is earning their living because of you,” he wrote. “We’re thankful that you choose Delhi as your destination. Enjoy your time here! Cheers,” Madhur expressed. 

The post quickly caught the attention of social media users, garnering mixed reactions. While some agreed with the content creator, others opposed the plea. I agree. Delhi has many problems like pollution, water , safety but not this one. We welcome each and every one and even we are happy if we see that people from other states come and live here,” wrote one user. 

“these cartoons must understand it wasn’t some gold mine in Karnataka that has lured people there, it is the presence of those very people of different states that has made Bengaluru the cosmopolitan it is,” commented another. 

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“This abusive words against those who speak another language should stop.. Am against language chauvinism and i despise language chauvinist du-mbs,” expressed a third user. However, one user said, “The concern stems from the fact that many people who move to Karnataka from the North often stay for years, build their livelihoods, yet make little to no effort to learn the local language. Even basic conversational Kannada is often ignored. In many cases, there’s an expectation that everyone, even a local rickshaw driver should speak Hindi or English. Is that a fair expectation? Local communities generally ask only for minimal effort, to learn enough Kannada to communicate respectfully and functionally. It’s not an unreasonable request.” 

“I was all the way bullied for not being able to speak Hindi when I was in Delhi and FYI, I was just a kid ! My mom was laughed upon, for speaking “tooti footi hindi”, I was called Madrasi with full on ragging. You really think people are saints there and aren’t rude?” shared another. 

“My mother tongue is telugu and I have lived all my life in Bangalore. Kannadigas as super hospitable. Without disrespecting, if try a couple of words, they treat you with so much of warmth,” expressed one user. 

Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, Mohammad Bagheri, and Senior Revolutionary Guards commander Gholam Ali Rashid were killed after Israel targeted multiple locations in Israel, the state television reported.Iran has retaliated after Israel’s deadly air strikes hit multiple areas, including military and nuclear facilities, across the Islamic Republic on Friday. Israel’s military said Iran launched about 100 drones toward Israel, and it was making an effort to shoot them down.

“Iran launched approximately 100 UAVs towards Israeli territory, which we are working to intercept,” said military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin. He added that Israel’s strikes on Iran involved 200 fighter jets striking about 100 targets across Iran.

Iran’s armed forces said there were “no limits” on their response to Israel.

“Now that the terrorist regime occupying Al-Quds (Jerusalem) has crossed all red lines… (there are) no limits in responding to this crime,” the armed forces general staff said in a statement.Iran had vowed a “strong response” to Israeli aggression. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said the Jewish state would suffer severe consequences for the attacks that killed two senior military commanders and top nuclear scientists in Iran.

“With this crime, the Zionist regime has set itself for a bitter and painful fate, and it will definitely receive it,” Khamenei said in a statement.

Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, Mohammad Bagheri, and Senior Revolutionary Guards commander Gholam Ali Rashid were killed after Israel targeted multiple locations in Israel, the state television reported. Tasnim news agency also reported that nuclear scientists Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi “were targeted and martyred”.

Khamenei said that the Jewish nation would face “severe punishment” for its actions against Tehran and said, “Israel opened its wicked and blood-stained hand to a crime in our beloved country, revealing its malicious nature more than ever by striking residential centres.”Tehran said at least 95 people were wounded in the attacks that killed several civilians, including women and children. 

“So far, 95 people were injured and taken to medical centres in 12 different provinces that were targeted,” national emergency services spokesperson Mojtaba Khaledi told state TV.

“Will Not Remain Silent”

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran will not remain silent following Israel’s brazen attacks. he warned that a “powerful” response by the Islamic Republic will make “the enemy regret its foolish act.”The Israeli military said its air strikes killed most of the senior leadership of the Revolutionary Guards’ air force as they gathered at an underground command centre.

Shortly after the Israeli defence ministry announced that “most of the Revolutionary Guard air force leadership was neutralised,” the military clarified that several senior commanders had been “eliminated”.

It said that air force commander Amirali Hajizadeh, the drone force commander, and the aerial command chief were all killed by an Israeli air strike.Iran’s communications ministry said the internet restrictions have been introduced nationwide following Israel’s wave of strikes.

“Temporary restrictions have been imposed on the country’s internet,” the ministry said in a statement carried by ISNA news agency, adding that the curbs “will be lifted once the normalcy returns.”

Iran’s “Legitimate Right” To Respond

Tehran said that it has a “legal and legitimate right” to respond to Israel’s deadly attacks. In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said, “Responding to this aggression is Iran’s legal and legitimate right in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.”

Iran’s armed forces “will not hesitate to defend the Iranian nation with all their might,” the statement added.

Telugu actor and producer Vishnu Manchu has added his voice to the discussion around Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour shift work demandThe 8-hour shift debate has been making waves in the Indian film industry, ever since reports emerged that Deepika Padukone had requested an 8-hour workday for Spirit, citing her responsibilities as a new mom.

The request, according to reports, led to her exit from the Sandeep Reddy Vanga-Prabhas film, with Triptii Dimri stepping in. The director’s veiled jabs on social media further intensified the conversation, dividing opinions.Several stars, including Ajay Devgn and filmmaker Ram Madhvani, have since spoken up in support of actors seeking shorter, more balanced workdays — provided expectations are set in advance. Now, Telugu actor and producer Vishnu Manchu has added his voice to the discussion, drawing from his experience producing and starring in the ambitious mythological drama Kannappa.

Speaking about how such arrangements can work smoothly, Vishnu cited Akshay Kumar, who plays Lord Shiva in Kannappa, as an example of professionalism.

“Akshay Kumar worked on Kannappa for 8 hours,” Vishnu said.When asked if that was okay, he added, “Yeah, that was okay. We brought it in. We wanted him to portray a certain character, and we knew that he’ll be working only for 8 hours. We designed our entire shoot in a way that we can accommodate him in those eight hours. If I come into a shoot and then put in clauses like I will shoot for 8 hours, then it’s wrong. But if it’s done beforehand and the filmmaker and actor has agreed on it, then it can be worked around.”

Praising Akshay’s dedication, Vishnu added, “Before he starts shooting, he would be in his vanity, done with his makeup. Once Akshay Kumar comes on set, he never leaves. I have hardly seen him go into his vanity — maybe to use the restroom. He’s always there, even when they’re prepping the set, sitting, having lunch with everybody on set, and never going into the vanity.”