The Express

President Donald Trump threatened to 'annihilate' Iran during remarks in New York, while Iran's delegate sat with a stone-cold stare. The stark moment, captured on camera, drew wide attention online, with viewers noting the delegate's unflinching expression as Trump issued one of his harshest public threats yet against the Islamic Republic amid escalating tensions.

A man on trial for murder has had his AI-generated music played during court proceedings, drawing widespread attention online. Commentators are debating the unusual use of a defendant's own creative work in a courtroom setting, and what it says about AI-generated art, defendants' self-expression, and courtroom procedure. Reactions range from dark amusement to criticism of how courts are handling novel forms of digital media as evidence or character material.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed frustration over the situation in Sudan after an official denied claims that the country rejected a ceasefire. The exchange highlights growing American impatience with parties to the conflict and uncertainty over diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting.

The Indian Express has published a special investigation into the Election Commission of India, reporting that the election commissioners are divided on key issues related to how the body functions. The report offers an inside look at disagreements within the institution responsible for conducting India's elections. The findings have drawn significant attention, with readers discussing the implications for the credibility and independence of India's electoral watchdog.

The war in Gaza is now extending beyond politics and news coverage into sport, music and entertainment. Stadiums, concerts and celebrity events are increasingly affected, with artists, athletes and public figures facing pressure over statements, cancellations and political displays related to the conflict. Observers say the cultural sphere has become a new arena where public opinion on the war is expressed and contested.

South Korea has expressed strong displeasure with Ukraine over the case of two North Korean soldiers captured while fighting alongside Russian forces. Seoul is reportedly frustrated by how Kyiv has handled the prisoners, who are believed to be the first North Korean troops taken alive. The dispute touches on sensitive questions about whether they should be sent to South Korea, where they could be questioned and offered resettlement, and what their capture reveals about North Korea's direct involvement in the war.

Germany's foreign minister visited the International Criminal Court in The Hague, pledging Berlin's full support for the institution despite US sanctions imposed under the Trump administration. The visit signals Germany's continued commitment to international justice, though it comes after Berlin also announced its own sanctions targeting ICC officials, creating a mixed picture of Europe's stance toward the court.

Donald Trump's reaction during a military jet flyover staged as part of a welcome ceremony for Chinese leader Xi Jinping is drawing widespread attention. Footage of the moment has been shared heavily online, with viewers focused on Trump's facial expressions and body language as the jets passed overhead during the official event.

An Indian Express investigation reports that two Election Commissioners of India raised formal objections during Commission proceedings, revealing internal disagreements at the top of the poll body. The report details the nature of their objections and how decisions were nonetheless carried, drawing significant attention amid ongoing scrutiny of the Commission's independence and conduct during election management.

Blue Origin's chief executive says the company has a path to launch this year while it rebuilds its launch pad. The statement suggests the company is working to return to flight operations following work on pad infrastructure, with the executive expressing confidence in meeting a 2024 launch timeline despite the ongoing rebuilding effort.

Chivas de Guadalajara are dominating transfer chatter in Mexico, with reports that Campillo is being followed in Greece as part of the club's recruitment efforts. Other stories around the club include Erick Carrillo potentially heading out on loan and striker Denzell expressing optimism about his future. Fans are closely following every update during the transfer window.

The United Nations University argues that artificial intelligence regulation should be grounded in human rights rather than technology-specific rules. The piece contends that existing international human rights frameworks — covering privacy, non-discrimination and freedom of expression — already provide a basis for holding governments and companies accountable as AI systems spread into public services and daily life, and calls for these principles to anchor new governance efforts.

Reports circulating in India say the government is planning to block the creation of social media accounts for anyone under 18. The claim is spreading widely on Indian social media, with users debating its enforceability, its impact on free expression, and whether platforms such as Instagram and X would be required to verify ages. Officials have not confirmed details of any proposed rule or timeline.

Large crowds of devotees have flooded Kaichi Dham, prompting the director of the devotional production 'Hanuman Aansh' to express concern and share a message for pilgrims. The surge of visitors to the revered Hanuman temple site is drawing attention across India, with the filmmaker's warning being widely circulated among devotees planning to visit.

World Animal Day is drawing attention in Italy, with coverage focused on the 'five freedoms' that define animal welfare standards. Sky TG24 outlined the framework, which covers freedom from hunger and thirst, from discomfort, from pain and disease, to express normal behaviour, and from fear and distress, as a benchmark for how animals should be treated in farming, captivity and care.

The Sudan Stability Programme (SSP) has issued a call for expressions of interest, inviting organisations to apply. The announcement was published on a funding opportunities platform for NGOs. Details on funding amounts, eligibility and deadlines were not included in the notice, but the call signals ongoing international support efforts aimed at stability in Sudan amid the country's continuing crisis.

Student riots are breaking out in France, with reports and footage of confrontations spreading widely on social media. Commentary expresses surprise at the scale and intensity of the unrest, though the specific trigger, locations and demands of the students remain unclear from initial reports. Observers are watching to see how French authorities respond to the escalating protests.

The FAA has given the all-clear on Boeing 737 software, according to aviation outlet aeroTELEGRAPH, saying no safety problem was found. Airlines, however, have long expressed skepticism about Boeing's software practices following repeated delays and quality issues. The story is drawing attention in Germany and the Netherlands as interest in Boeing's ongoing regulatory and operational troubles continues.

South African officials have publicly called on Elon Musk to launch his Starlink satellite internet service in South Africa, expressing hope that the billionaire will act on the appeal. The plea highlights ongoing frustration over the service's absence in Musk's home country, where regulatory requirements around local ownership have so far kept Starlink out of the market.

Italian singer-songwriter Roberto Vecchioni has spoken publicly about an illness, telling fans to stay close to him and saying he will not be able to sing for a while. In remarks reported by Vanity Fair Italia, the 81-year-old artist also expressed his desire to keep singing once he recovers, prompting an outpouring of support from fans across Italy.

Google has brought Fitbit Air, a screen-free fitness tracker similar to Whoop's wearable, to India, with the device debuting on Flipkart as part of the Big Billion Days sale. The launch, covered by The Indian Express and Inshorts, coincides with price drops on other wearables such as Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Attention is focused on how the minimalist, app-first design will fare in the price-sensitive Indian market.

Yang Min-hyeok has issued a public apology over comments he made concerning a military service exemption linked to the Asian Games. The remarks drew criticism, prompting him to express regret. Coverage in South Korea, including Chosun Ilbo, notes the sensitivity of military exemption issues tied to sporting achievement, a long-standing topic of public debate there.