University of Melbourne ‘sharply’ changed protest policies after pro-Palestine sit-ins, commission hears

• President Trump is struggling to secure concessions from Iran as a recently brokered cease-fire memorandum of understanding has collapsed. • Unlike other international adversaries, Iran has remained resistant to Trump's typical tactics of tariff threats and aggressive social media posts.

• President Trump signed an executive order on Monday, July 13, 2026, reducing the size of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah by over 90%. • The affected areas span more than 3.2 million acres of land in southern Utah, much of which is considered sacred by Native American communities.

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has officially launched India's campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term. • During the launch, Jaishankar met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss critical global developments, including the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia.

• External Affairs Minister (EAM) Jaishankar unveiled India's campaign for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), promoting a "Shanti" vision for global peace and security. • Jaishankar emphasized India's commitment to an equitable world order and its role as a development partner, highlighting active Indian-funded projects across 79 countries.

• President Donald Trump announced the launch of "major combat operations" against Iran on February 28. • The offensive consists of massive joint airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel.

• UN aid coordination office OCHA reported on Tuesday that humanitarians are facing significant challenges delivering aid to communities near the “Yellow Line” in northern Rafah, Gaza. • The announcement follows a consultation between the UN and representatives from 17 displacement sites, which currently host approximately 3,000 families.

• A precarious ceasefire between the US and Iran is beginning to fray, leading to a resumption of hostilities and increasing geo-economic instability in the region. • The conflict has disrupted global supply lines, causing oil prices to climb by over 3% in a single day to reach their highest level in four weeks.

• India has officially backed Palestine’s bid for membership in the United Nations, reaffirming its diplomatic support for the Palestinian people. • The Indian government reiterated its commitment to a two-state solution as the primary means to resolve the long-standing conflict between Palestine and Israel.

• The U.S. has launched additional military strikes against Iran amid escalating tensions in the region. • President Trump reversed a previous decision to impose a 20% fee on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, opting instead for trade and investment deals with Gulf states.

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar officially launched India's bid for the single Asia-Pacific seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028–29 term. • The campaign, initiated at the UN Headquarters, involves New Delhi actively seeking international support to secure the position.

Ex-minister who helped write draft calls for bolder action on voting reform, crypto donations and social mediaThe government was “timid” and “incremental” when deciding what to include in its elections bill, a former minister who helped write it has said, as she urged the incoming prime minister, Andy Burnham, to go further.Rushanara Ali, who resigned as democracy minister last August, said the draft legislation still contained big gaps when it came to voting reform, cryptocurrency donations and social media regulation. Continue reading...

Alleged attack may have been motivated by a social media post, police prosecutor tells courtFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA Brisbane child accused of stabbing a fellow student was allegedly subjected to months of “racist” abuse and threats, a court has heard.The 16-year-old child was arrested after allegedly stabbing a 17-year-old schoolmate on Tuesday. Continue reading...