How Delcy Rodríguez Went From Maduro Loyalist to Trump Proxy

• Iran has claimed responsibility for launching a drone attack on U.S. facilities in Kuwait and striking two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. • The targeted tankers were reportedly under "aerial escort" from the United States at the time of the strikes.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a selfie-style video on Thursday promoting new legislation aimed at establishing a more credible examination system in India. • Dipke of the Citizens Justice League (CJP) criticized the video, mockingly stating that the Prime Minister's "skin [is] brighter than [the] country's future."

• Hamas has stated it will agree to disarm in Gaza only if Israel upholds the terms of a ceasefire agreement. • This follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump on Thursday regarding a new deal aimed at the disarmament of Hamas.

• The USD/JPY exchange rate rose 0.53% to ¥160.39 following the Federal Reserve's decision to keep US interest rates steady. • Japanese authorities intervened in the foreign exchange market by selling US dollars and buying yen to combat the currency's sharp depreciation.

• Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das has defended Ruchika Singh, a Noida woman booked for allegedly using abusive language against PM Narendra Modi during a protest at Jantar Mantar. • Das argued that while abusive language may be condemned, the legal response is disproportionate, highlighting that nearly 100 BJP MPs currently face criminal cases.

• Indonesia is experiencing a revival of authoritarian and strongman politics, driven by the rise of personalistic political parties that prioritize individual leaders over institutionalized competition. • This shift undermines the country's democratic framework by displacing structured electoral processes in favor of loyalty to powerful political figures.

• President Trump signaled on Thursday that he is prepared to withdraw the nomination of Todd Blanche for Attorney General. • The decision follows a standoff with Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who presented demands that Trump refused to meet.

• The European Union is experiencing an acceleration in its enlargement process as multiple candidate countries seek membership. • The European Commission's department responsible for enlargement is currently facing a critical lack of capacity to manage these simultaneous negotiations.

• Eurostat released a preliminary flash estimate showing that seasonally adjusted GDP grew by 0.4% in the euro area and 0.5% in the EU during the second quarter of 2026. • The growth figures are measured as an increase compared to the previous quarter, reflecting the economic performance of the EU 27 member states.

• Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned until Monday following disruptions and ruckus caused by opposition members during Day 10 of the 2026 Monsoon Session. • Rahul Gandhi led the criticism against Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, condemning alleged police brutality against protestors during the 'Sansad Chalo' march.

• The South Korean domestic stock market surged at opening, triggering buy sidecars in both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets. • Extreme heat continues in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, where temperatures are expected to reach 40°C (104°F) for a third consecutive day.