The World War II Memorial in Washington DC was vandalized on Thursday with bubbly soap and graffiti. The incident caused visible damage to the prominent national monument, which honors veterans of the Second World War. The US government condemned the act and pledged to identify and pursue the perpetrator responsible. Authorities have launched efforts to investigate the vandalism and restore the memorial.
England white-ball captain Harry Brook has indicated he would be open to returning to the IPL in the future, despite currently serving a ban. Brook acknowledged the tournament's significant value in helping cricketers develop and improve their game. He clarified that representing England remains his primary commitment and top priority. However, his comments mark a notable shift from his earlier stance, effectively leaving the door open for a potential IPL comeback.
US President Donald Trump announced steep tariffs of up to 100 percent on imported drones and their components on Thursday. The move is aimed at reducing American dependence on foreign drone imports. China currently dominates the global drone manufacturing industry, making it the primary target of the new trade measure. The tariffs are part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to protect and strengthen domestic industries against foreign competition.
The Shiromani Akali Dal has confirmed it will continue its planned 'Punjab Bachao' rally series despite a recent attack on party president Sukhbir Singh Badal. The decision signals the party's intent to maintain its political momentum in Punjab. However, the party has not yet clarified whether Sukhbir Singh Badal will personally lead or speak at the upcoming rallies. No further details have been disclosed regarding the nature of the attack or security arrangements going forward.
Multiple wildfires broke out across central England, destroying several homes and forcing residents to evacuate. Firefighters worked to battle the blazes as authorities reported extensive damage to the affected areas. The fires coincided with the region experiencing its hottest day of the year, with high temperatures likely contributing to the rapid spread. Emergency services were stretched across multiple fire sites simultaneously as efforts continued to bring the situation under control.
India's Parliament concluded its Monsoon Session with significantly low productivity, with the Lok Sabha recording only 19% and the Rajya Sabha 39% of functional output. Disruptions plagued both Houses throughout the session, severely limiting legislative work. The opposition INDIA bloc made a pointed gesture by skipping the customary farewell tea hosted at the end of the session. The boycott signaled the deep political tensions that contributed to the repeated washouts during the session.
A couple renovating their £780,000 home in Canterbury, England, uncovered a Second World War bomb shelter buried beneath their garden. Rather than filling in the structure, the homeowners, identified as KJ and Mike, chose to repurpose it as a colourful underground bar. The discovery came as part of a broader renovation project that included a two-storey extension and updated modern interiors. Unexpected expenses, including those tied to the shelter conversion, pushed the total renovation costs £80,000 over the original budget.
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) reported that two of its vessels were attacked while passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday evening. The United Arab Emirates officially accused Iran of being responsible for the strikes. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping route, making the attack a matter of significant international concern.
