World
Israel Targets Syrian Tanks Amid Intense Clashes in Sweida

Israel’s military confirmed on Monday that it targeted Syrian army tanks in southern Syria, coinciding with violent clashes involving Syrian government forces, local Bedouin tribes, and Druze militias. These confrontations have led to dozens of fatalities in the Sweida province, as fighting erupted between local militias and tribal factions.
According to the Syrian Interior Ministry, more than 30 people have been killed and nearly 100 wounded. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported an even higher toll, stating that at least 64 individuals died, including two children and six members of the government security forces. The violence reportedly began with confrontations between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin clans, with some government forces actively supporting the Bedouins.
Noureddine al-Baba, a spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, addressed the situation on state-run Al-Ikhbariya TV, noting, “Some clashes occurred with outlawed armed groups, but our forces are doing their best to prevent any civilian casualties.” Tensions escalated following a series of kidnappings between the two groups, starting with the robbery of a young Druze man at a checkpoint set up by the Bedouins. Rami Abdurrahman, the director of the Syrian Observatory, indicated that the conflict intensified after the abduction of a Druze vegetable seller, which led to retaliatory actions and further kidnappings.
In response to the ongoing unrest, Syria’s defense and interior ministries have deployed additional forces to the region. The Interior Ministry characterized the situation as a “dangerous escalation” arising from the absence of effective official institutions. This has exacerbated chaos and deteriorated the local security condition, despite repeated calls for calm from community leaders.
Historical Context and International Response
Israel has a history of intervening in Syria, particularly in defense of the Druze community. In May, Israeli forces conducted an airstrike near the presidential palace in Damascus, which was perceived as a warning to interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. This strike followed earlier clashes between pro-government forces and Druze militias in the town of Sahnaya and the predominantly Druze suburb of Jaramana. Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have made statements asserting that Israel “will not allow the deployment of Syrian government forces south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community.”
Approximately half of the world’s 1 million Druze reside in Syria, with significant populations also in Lebanon and Israel. In Israel, the Druze community is often regarded as a loyal minority, with many serving in the military. Since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad during a Sunni Islamist-led offensive in December, some Druze segments have grown increasingly cautious of the new authorities in Damascus. This wariness has led to multiple clashes between Druze militias and government-affiliated forces.
The Druze, a small religious sect that emerged in the 10th century as an offshoot of Ismailism, are concentrated primarily in southern Sweida province and surrounding areas. During Syria’s civil war, which has lasted nearly 14 years, the Druze community formed militias to protect themselves from threats posed by Islamic State fighters and other extremist groups.
Israeli forces have consistently maintained a hardline stance towards Syria’s current leadership, citing concerns about the presence of Islamist militias near its borders. They have previously seized parts of the UN-patrolled buffer zone on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights and conducted hundreds of airstrikes against military targets within Syria.
The Trump administration had advocated for the normalization of relations between the new Syrian government and Israel. Although Syrian officials have confirmed indirect discussions with Israel aimed at reducing tensions, they have not acknowledged claims of direct negotiations. U.S. envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, mentioned that he believes any normalization will occur “like unwrapping an onion, slowly.”
The ongoing conflict in Sweida highlights the complex interplay of local, national, and international dynamics in Syria, where the Druze community continues to navigate a precarious situation amidst escalating violence.
World
Trump Suggests Firing Powell Unlikely, Impacting US Markets

Former President Donald Trump has indicated that he considers the possibility of firing Jerome Powell, the Chair of the US Federal Reserve, to be “unlikely.” This statement comes as a significant shift in tone for Trump, who has previously criticized Powell’s handling of monetary policy. The remarks have led to fluctuations in the US financial markets.
During a recent interview, Trump suggested that he is willing to allow Powell to serve out his term, which is set to end in May 2026. This decision has provided some stability to investors who were concerned about potential changes in leadership at the Federal Reserve. The markets reacted positively to his comments, with major indices showing gains shortly after the announcement.
Trump’s previous stance on Powell has been contentious, often expressing dissatisfaction with the Fed’s interest rate policies. His shift in rhetoric may reflect a broader strategy to ensure economic stability as he maintains his influence within the Republican Party. Some analysts believe that the former president’s comments could signal a more cooperative approach to economic policy, particularly as the US navigates ongoing inflationary pressures.
The New York Stock Exchange experienced fluctuations in the wake of Trump’s comments. The S&P 500 index rose by approximately 1.2% shortly after his remarks, indicating investor relief over the uncertainty regarding Powell’s position. Analysts suggest that maintaining continuity at the Federal Reserve is vital for market confidence, especially in light of the ongoing economic challenges.
In the context of the upcoming presidential elections, Trump’s ability to influence economic policy remains a point of interest. The Federal Reserve plays a crucial role in shaping monetary policy, and any potential changes in leadership could have significant implications for the US economy. As Trump positions himself for a possible return to the White House, his relationship with the Federal Reserve will likely come under scrutiny.
Investors will be keeping a close eye on how this development unfolds in the coming months. With Powell’s term lasting until 2026, the focus will remain on how the Fed navigates interest rates and inflation during a politically charged environment. Trump’s recent comments may provide a temporary reprieve for financial markets, but the long-term implications of his influence on monetary policy will continue to be a topic of discussion among economists and investors alike.
As the economic landscape evolves, the relationship between political figures and monetary policy will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of the US economy. The coming months will likely see further debates about the direction of the Federal Reserve and its leadership, with Trump’s influence remaining a significant factor.
World
SBI Announces QIP Floor Price at ₹811.05 Per Share

The State Bank of India (SBI) has set the floor price for its Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) at ₹811.05 per share. This price reflects a discount of approximately 2.5% from the bank’s current share price, which indicates the institution’s strategic approach to attract investors.
In a move aimed at strengthening its capital base, SBI’s decision comes at a time when the bank is looking to enhance its financial standing in a competitive market. The QIP process allows SBI to raise funds from institutional investors, which can be utilized for various growth initiatives and to bolster its capital adequacy ratio.
SBI has been proactive in capital management, ensuring that it maintains a robust balance sheet. The bank’s recent performance indicates a steady growth trajectory, and this initiative is expected to further support its expansion plans. The floor price was determined based on the average closing price of SBI shares over a specified period, adhering to regulations set by the Securities and Exchange Board of India.
Investors often perceive QIPs as a sign of a company’s confidence in its future prospects. By setting a floor price below the current market value, SBI aims to encourage participation from institutional investors, who may view this as an attractive opportunity to invest in one of India’s largest banks.
As the financial sector evolves, SBI’s efforts to remain competitive and capitalize on market opportunities reflect its ongoing commitment to growth and stability. The bank’s management is optimistic about the response to this QIP, which is expected to conclude shortly, allowing for a timely infusion of capital.
In conclusion, with the floor price set at ₹811.05, SBI is positioned to leverage its strong market presence to attract significant investment, thereby enhancing its operational capabilities and supporting future growth initiatives.
World
Man Arrested for Stealing Sex Toys and Ice Cream from Walmart

A 40-year-old man has been arrested in Pinellas County, Florida, after allegedly stealing a variety of adult toys and ice cream from a local Walmart store. The suspect, identified as Jeffrey Laforge, was taken into custody on July 11, 2025, following surveillance footage that captured the theft.
According to a report from The Smoking Gun, Laforge faces felony theft charges related to two separate incidents involving the same store. The items he allegedly stole were valued at approximately USD 280. These included vibrators, flavored lubricant, a tush toy, and an oral stroker, all of which were reportedly removed from their packaging prior to his exit from the store without payment.
During this incident, Laforge also added a Reese’s peanut butter ice cream to his haul. The police described the theft as a peculiar blend of items, raising questions about the motivations behind the theft. While it remains unclear whether Laforge intended to use the items personally or resell them, his actions have drawn significant attention.
Details of the Arrest
Laforge is currently being held in jail with a bond set at USD 10,000. The nature of the charges is categorized as a misdemeanor since the total value of the merchandise was below USD 1,000. This situation marks a notable incident in local law enforcement, highlighting unusual patterns of theft that have emerged in recent months.
Further investigations revealed that Laforge has a history of theft convictions, which may influence the legal consequences he faces. Law enforcement officials are assessing the full extent of his criminal record as they prepare for the upcoming court proceedings.
This case underscores not only the challenges faced by retail operations in maintaining security but also the diverse motivations that can drive theft in stores. The combination of adult items and food adds an unusual twist to what is typically expected in retail theft cases.
As the legal process unfolds, the community will be watching closely to see how this unusual case is resolved, reflecting broader trends in retail security and theft prevention strategies.
World
Trump Expresses Disappointment in Putin, Affirms NATO and UK Ties

In an exclusive interview with the BBC on July 15, 2023, US President Donald Trump expressed his disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin while affirming his commitment to NATO and strengthening ties with the United Kingdom. Following Russia’s recent military actions in Ukraine, Trump discussed his feelings about Putin and the ongoing geopolitical situation, as well as his plans for an upcoming state visit to the UK.
Trump’s comments come in the wake of his announcement to send weapons to Ukraine and impose tariffs on Russia if a ceasefire is not achieved within 50 days. When asked about his trust in Putin, Trump remarked, “I trust almost no one,” highlighting his skepticism regarding the Russian leader. He reflected on his attempts to broker peace, stating he had hoped for a resolution “four different times,” but was disappointed each time. “We’re working at it,” he added, noting that despite efforts, tensions remain.
Trump’s Views on NATO and UK Relations
Once critical of NATO, labeling it “obsolete,” Trump now acknowledges a shift in the alliance’s status. He praised NATO members for increasing their defense spending to 5% of GDP, stating, “Nobody thought that was possible.” This newfound support for NATO marks a significant change from his previous stance, suggesting a recognition of the alliance’s importance in current global security dynamics.
In discussing his relationship with the United Kingdom, Trump spoke positively of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, despite noting Starmer’s liberal stance. He expressed confidence that the UK is “getting Brexit straightened out,” reflecting a commitment to maintaining strong bilateral ties.
As he prepares for his state visit to the UK, Trump expressed his eagerness to “respect King Charles” but ruled out delivering a speech in Parliament, suggesting that he prefers to allow the British government to enjoy the occasion without his participation.
Immigration Policies and Resilience
During the interview, Trump also defended his immigration policies, emphasizing that deportations are actively underway. Reflecting on his tenure, he mentioned that he prefers to think as little as possible about the assassination attempt he survived a year ago, pointing to his resiliency in the face of challenges.
Overall, Trump’s remarks underscore his complex relationship with Putin, as well as his evolving views on NATO and his appreciation for the UK. As global tensions continue to evolve, his statements may reflect broader implications for international relations.
-
World2 days ago
Torrential Rains Cause Flash Flooding in New York and New Jersey
-
Top Stories2 days ago
Konkani Cultural Organisation to Host Pearl Jubilee in Abu Dhabi
-
Science2 days ago
Nothing Headphone 1 Review: A Bold Contender in Audio Design
-
World2 days ago
Prachanda Offers Support for Constitutional Amendments in Nepal
-
Business2 days ago
Indian Stock Market Rebounds: Sensex and Nifty Rise After Four-Day Decline
-
Politics2 days ago
Jr NTR’s Drastic Weight Loss Raises Eyebrows Ahead of War 2
-
Top Stories2 days ago
Patna Bank Manager Abhishek Varun Found Dead in Well
-
World1 day ago
Heavy Rain Causes 220 Road Closures in Himachal Pradesh
-
Politics1 day ago
Police Identify Human Remains in Hyderabad as Ameer Khan
-
Top Stories2 days ago
Air India Crash Investigation Highlights Boeing Fuel Switch Concerns
-
Science1 day ago
Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3 Lead U.S. EV Sales Despite Decline
-
Lifestyle3 days ago
Shilpa Shetty Dazzles in Ajrakh-Printed Saree for Film Promotion