As the government shutdown enters its second month, the Trump administration has started laying off federal employees in what is seen as a drastic move. A spokesperson for the Office of Management and Budget has confirmed that the layoffs, also known as RIFs, are significant and have already begun. This news further highlights the ongoing impasse between the Trump administration and Congress over funding for a border wall.
The White House has spoken out against the Nobel Committee's decision to award Venezuelan pro-democracy activist, María Corina Machado, the Peace Prize instead of US President Donald Trump. The Committee recognized Machado for her work promoting democratic rights in Venezuela, but Trump has been vocal about his desire for the award. The White House communications director criticized the Committee for prioritizing politics over peace, while Trump's supporters continue to push for him to receive the prize for his role in diplomatic efforts, such as brokering a ceasefire in Gaza.
The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has appointed actor Deepika Padukone, founder of The Live Love Laugh Foundation, as the first-ever "Mental Health Ambassador." In her role, Deepika will work closely with the Ministry to raise awareness, promote de-stigmatization, and encourage help-seeking behavior for mental health care. This appointment comes as The Live Love Laugh Foundation celebrates its 10-year anniversary. Additionally, Deepika will collaborate with the Ministry in building other strategic interventions for equitable mental health care access.
Despite previously claiming that he would not receive the Nobel Peace Prize as they only give it to liberals, former US president Donald Trump appears to have predicted the result months in advance. In June, Trump had taken credit for ending a conflict in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as claiming involvement in other ceasefire discussions. However, he has not publicly commented on the recent announcement that the prize has gone to another candidate. This comes after Trump had previously expressed disappointment for not receiving the coveted award multiple times.
Newly named Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado, who has been a key figure in the opposition movement in Venezuela, dedicated the award to former U.S. President Trump. She described his support as "decisive" in their fight for freedom and democracy. The 58-year-old, who has been in hiding since 2024, said this recognition was a moral victory for all Venezuelans who continue to fight for democracy. The Nobel Committee praised her courage in the face of immense challenges and darkness.
US President Donald Trump has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize multiple times, sparking debate about his likelihood of winning. However, experts and Nobel veterans suggest his chances remain slim due to the award's emphasis on sustainable peace, cooperative diplomacy, and avoidance of public lobbying. As the committee prepares to announce this year's winner in October, attention is on Trump's contributions to global peace and his ongoing desire for recognition, with potential obstacles including his scepticism toward multilateral institutions and past controversies surrounding other recipients.
There has been a sudden surge in President Donald Trump's chances of winning the Nobel Peace Prize after he brokered a major peace deal between Israel and Hamas. However, he still remains an underdog with a 6% chance of winning according to traders at the regulated exchange and prediction market site Kalshi. Ahead of him are the Sudan's Emergency Response Rooms, a community-led network that has been providing healthcare in the country since a civil war began in 2023. Just behind him is Yulia Navalny, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who is bravely continuing her campaign against the repressive Russian regime.
The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Dimapur, following the recent assault of a minor boy, reprimanded the accused and made him sign a bond agreeing to perform community service and undergo counselling. The committee warned that failure to comply with the bond would lead to invoking the Juvenile Justice Act. While the victim's family has decided not to pursue the case any further, the accused will be monitored by the DCPU and is required to submit activity reports to the CWC.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Mumbai for a special cultural event celebrating the strong ties between the two countries. One of the highlights of the evening was a classical rendition of the popular song "Sapphire" by British popstar Ed Sheeran and Indian singer Arijit Singh. PM Modi took to social media to share a video of the performance and praised it as a shining example of the cultural partnership between India and the UK.
Amneet P Kumar, the wife of late Haryana Police officer Y Puran Kumar, has filed a complaint with the Chandigarh Police, alleging that her husband's death was the result of targeted mental harassment and public humiliation by senior officials. In her complaint, she names a senior police officer of Rohtak and a top-ranking official and demands an FIR for abetment of suicide. Amneet claims her husband had been warning her about a conspiracy to implicate him in a false bribery case.