Archive July 28, 2025

Three suspected rebels killed in firefight in India-administered Kashmir

During fighting in a national park, the military claims that Indian security forces killed three suspected rebels in India-administered Kashmir.

About 30 kilometers (18 miles) east of Srinagar, the disputed region’s main city, the incident took place on Monday in Dachigam, in the mountains.

The Indian army said in a statement posted on social media that “Three terrorists have been neutralized in an intense firefight.” The “operation continues”

India and Pakistan, which both claim Kashmir in full and have a Muslim majority, have engaged in three wars to control it since 1947 when they were granted independence from British rule.

Kashmiri rebels have been fighting Indian rule since 1989, requesting regional integration or regional integration with Pakistan. Pakistan is accused of supporting the rebellion, but Islamabad claims that it only gives Kashmiris diplomatic support.

The three men who were killed on Monday, according to reports in Indian media, are thought to be responsible for the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, a resort town in India, that resulted in the death of 26 people.

More than 70 people were killed on both sides of the four-day military conflict with Pakistan in April, which Al Jazeera was unable to immediately confirm the men’s involvement in.

On the condition of anonymity, a police officer told the AFP news agency that all the victims were “foreigners.” The Indian military did not immediately identify them.

The Resistance Front (TRF), which is accused of being responsible for the Pahalgam attack, was officially designated a “foreign terrorist organization” by the US this month.

More than 350, 000 people from across India have travelled there on July 3 as part of an annual pilgrimage that started there. The incident occurred on Monday near the Hindu shrine of Amarnath.

In India-administered Kashmir, fighting between rebels and Indian government forces has drastically decreased over the past five years, but many local fighters have died, according to officials, since the Pahalgam attack.

India refutes US assertions.

In a related development, India’s defense minister Rajnath Singh claimed on Monday that New Delhi had successfully ended its military conflict with Pakistan in May because it had pursued all goals and had not relied on outside pressure.

US President Donald Trump claimed that he had broken the deal between the two neighbors in a discussion in parliament on April 22. However, Singh’s remarks at the time effectively rejected Singh’s assertion.

Because all the political and military objectives identified before and during the conflict had been fully realized, Singh said, “India halted its operation.” It is completely false to suggest that the operation was called off due to pressure.

According to New Delhi, Pakistanis were responsible for the Pahalgam killings. Pakistan demanded an impartial investigation and denied involvement.

Before Trump announced they had agreed to a ceasefire, the two sides engaged in a military conflict in May that involved fighter jets, missiles, drones, and other munitions, killing dozens of people.

India claimed that the US had no influence in the negotiations and that New Delhi and Islamabad had reached a truce to put an end to the conflict, while Pakistan thanked Trump for brokering it.

The government’s inability to capture the assailants and the government’s failure to stop the attack, which the opposition in India claim is a problem, are issues they are expected to raise during the parliament discussion.

They also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reportedly agreeing to end the fighting and being under pressure from Trump.

How European leaders are reacting to EU-US trade deal

A comprehensive trade agreement between the US and the European Union prevents a full-fledged transatlantic trade war by imposing a 15% import tariff on the majority of EU goods.

Before the steep tariffs’ introduction deadline of August 1st, US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reached a deal on Sunday in Scotland.

The US leader hailed the deal as the “biggest deal” ever made, and the EU chief praised it as a much-needed “stability” and “predictability,” according to both von der Leyen and Trump.

What, however, are European leaders’ opinions regarding the deal with the world’s largest trading partner? What responses have people had?

Denmark

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated that “the trade conditions will not be as good as they were before, and it is not our choice. However, a balance must be struck to stabilize the situation and allow both sides to live with.”

Finland

The deal, according to Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, “provides much-needed predictability to Finnish companies and the world economy.” “Trade barriers must be continued.” He claimed that only free transatlantic trade benefits both parties the most.

France

An alliance of free peoples, organized to affirm their shared values and advance their shared interests, resigns to submission, according to French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou.

Germany

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz claimed the agreement had prevented a trade war that had had had a significant impact on the export-focused German economy. The automotive industry, where the current tariffs of 27.5 percent will be almost halved to 15 percent, is one example.

Berlin sees the need for further negotiations, according to a government spokesman. At a press conference in Berlin, the spokesperson stated, “We see a need for further negotiations. It is undoubtedly no secret.” He added that “the EU Commission and the German government are now fully committed to this” and that more details of the agreement were still to be worked out.

Hungary

Viktor Orban, the prime minister of Hungary, criticized the agreement. We suspected this would occur because the US president is a heavyweight in negotiations, while Madame President is featherweight, he said, adding that “this is not an agreement.” Donald Trump ate von der Leyen for breakfast, which is what happened, according to him.

Ireland

The deal, according to Irish Trade Minister Simon Harris, provides “a measure of much-needed certainty for Irish, European, and American businesses, who together represent the world’s most integrated trading relationship.”

Ireland regrets the agreement’s inclusion of the 15% base tariff, but he said it is important for us to now have more certainty about the foundations of the EU-US trade relationship, which are essential for jobs, growth, and investment.

Italy

Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister of Italy, said, “It’s good that there is an agreement, but I can’t judge it in the best way if I don’t see the details.” She stated at a summit in Ethiopia that “trade escalation would have had unanticipated and potentially devastating consequences.”

Meloni, a Trump ally on a number of issues, earlier this month, warned of a “trade war within the West.”

Romania

Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan “salutes that a trade agreement was reached and… feels it is a good omen,” the Romanian government’s press office said in a statement. It eliminated the uncertainty and disruptions that had previously caused transatlantic trade relations, according to the statement.

Spain

Pedro Sanchez, the prime minister of Spain, declared he was in favor of the agreement but “without much enthusiasm.”

“I value the European Commission president’s approachable and cooperative behavior. In any case, he declared at a press conference that he supports this trade agreement without being enthusiastic.

Sweden

“This agreement may be the least least bad option, but it does not make anyone richer.” According to an initial assessment, the agreement appears to have some predictability, according to Swedish Trade Minister Benjamin Dousa.

Lauren James’ salary compared to Chelsea star brother’s after nail-biting Euro 2025 win

England’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 campaign featured a significant player, and it led to a stunning victory over Spain on Sunday in Switzerland.

Lauren James and her older brother, Reece James, made history as the first brother and sister to earn senior caps for England(Image: Manu Fernandez – Pool/Getty Images)

Lauren James and her older brother, Reece James, made history as the first brother and sister to earn senior caps for England in 2022. The superstar siblings, who also play for Chelsea, have made their mark in the sports world in a seismic way with an impressive haul of silverware.

Lauren, known as L.J., 23, was a key player for England in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 campaign, resulting in a stunning win against champions Spain on Sunday. Meanwhile, Reece, 25, is one of the Premier League’s most recognisable figures. The Chelsea men’s star has his own array of trophies, including the Champions League, Club World Cup and Conference League, but he’s yet to snap up any silverware with the senior international team.

Despite their numerous successes, the siblings’ pay is vastly different. With brands like Beats by Dre, Sure, and Nike, Lioness Lauren is said to earn a hefty £350, 000 annually with the reigning WSL champions. She is also thought to be worth around £1.8 million through sponsorship deals to bolster her income.

READ MORE: Lucy Bronze mum’s powerful response when Lioness told ‘You can’t play football with boys’

Lauren and Reece James
Reece James earns way more than his sister, Lauren, but the Lioness has won Euro 2025 with the Women’s team(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

After their stunning win in Switzerland on Sunday, England Women’s squad is also reported to be sharing £1.75 million.

Reece’s current contract at Stamford Bridge reportedly pays a jaw-dropping £250, 000 per week while his annual salary rises to a staggering £13 million.

Lauren is keen to establish her individual identity despite the fact that both of her siblings sport Chelsea and England outfits. She claims that men’s football still has a “much bigger profile.”

In an interview with the BBC ahead of the Women’s World Cup in 2023, she said: “Even just, ‘That’s Lauren James, that’s Reece’s sister.’ But I want to carve out [my own name] and be known as, ‘This is Lauren James.’

Men’s football is currently much more popular, and I’m sure there are times when I’ve said, “Oh, that’s so and so’s sister,” I believe it’s just natural. But knowing that I have a career, it doesn’t bother me too much.

Lauren James
L.J is on her own journey(Image: The FA via Getty Images)

However, she said, “From the outside, it is a bit like “wow,” but from our point of view, it is difficult to take it in. “Reflecting on their incredible achievements,” We are just following our own paths and enjoying our football.

“Both of us support one another, and he will support me wherever he can, and I will go to his games.” However, we kind of rely on it. We both know what to do with football, so we just let the other one handle it.

Continue reading the article.

Reece also mentioned his sister, saying, “Me and Lauren played in a number of tournaments together where we would be in the same team.” It was great playing with her because we both won a lot of tournaments together.

READ MORE: 71-year-old ‘looks forward’ to anti-ageing treatment that’s like a ‘£221 spa facial’

Sam Thompson ‘escorted out of club’ by bouncer as date leaves with another man

Sam Thompson, a former Made in Chelsea star, recalls the moment his ex-girlfriend “stepped over” him after falling over outside a club and being “ushered out” by security.

Sam Thompson recalled a moment an ex-girlfriend ‘stepped over’ him(Image: ITV)

Sam Thompson fell over and was “escorted out of a nightclub” by a bouncer after drinking too much following a break-up. The former Made in Chelsea star says he had gone to the club with a girl in a bid to “make his ex jealous” at the time.

Sam, 32, claims he overdrinked too much and was ushered outside. However, his night turned into a dramatic one when he stumbled out of the woods and fell to the floor.

On his Staying Relevant podcast with best pal Pete Wicks, Sam explained he then discovered his date for the night was “hooking up” with someone else at the bar. To make matters worse for Sam, he says his former flame “stepped over him” on her way out of the bar.

Pete witnessed a woman falling over during rush hour, and Sam made the revelation. After the woman tripped when her heel became stuck, Peter explained that people were “literally stepping over” her belongings.

“I’ve actually been stepped over before,” Sam said. An ex-girlfriend stepped over me, and it was even worse.

Pete Wicks and Sam Thompson
Sam and Pete have become close friends(Image: instagram/@p_wicks01)

I recently broke up with an ex-girlfriend and I was in a nightclub, where I get p****d very easily, and the bouncer led me out of the club. The woman I had brought on a date to make her jealous in the nightclub ended up dating someone else.

“To drown out my sorrows, I really p****d, then I was escorted out of the nightclub, and they were telling me to leave because I’m too p****d.” She walked out with another man and crossed my foot in the small gutter right next to the entrance.

Sam continued to claim that his embarrassing incident occurred “years, years, years ago.” Steph Robinson, a former reality TV star, is reportedly dating the former reality TV star.

Earlier this year he had been linked to former Love Island star Samie Elishi, but the pair are said to have split a couple of weeks ago. According to the MailOnline, Sam has grown close to Steph, who boasts 170,000 followers on TikTok.

Sam Thompson
Sam rose to fame on Made in Chelsea(Image: mirror.co.uk)

After splitting from Samie, Sam is said to have said he is “not ready” to resume dating. He stated in a previous podcast interview that he would work on himself. I’m not ready to date, and I’ve come to the conclusion.

Continue reading the article.

He said his sister Louise hopes he would date someone like Harry Potter star Emma Watson. He added: “Louise thinks I should go out with Emma Watson, who plays Hermione Granger in Harry Potter.”

Pete made the joke that “I believe you have a better chance with the ginger fella.” Then Ron! No, Louise believes I should choose a British thespian because she believes it is “a little different, classy, but well done.”

Specsavers ‘reignites Oasis feud’ leaving Britpop fans in stitches

Oasis are currently touring in order to kick off their Live ’25 tour, but a cheeky Specsavers advertisement outside Wembley Stadium has brought back the Britpop band’s feud with Blur.

An advert has reignited the Britpop battle between Blur and Oasis (file)(Image: Samir Hussein, Samir Hussein/WireImagevia Getty Images)

Oasis fans are thrilled as they continue their Live ’25 tour thanks to a cheeky billboard advertisement near Wembley Stadium. A nostalgic Britpop rivalry has been reportedly resurrected by the advertisement, which is only a short walk away from Liam and Noel Gallagher’s London show.

Britpop, which combines various British bands from the 1990s, reached its height when Oasis and another recognizable band squared off in a notorious chart battle. Oasis appear to have had the last laugh despite initially dominating that band’s initial success with their most sold-out shows creating quite the sensation. On TikTok, a playful advertisement pokes fun at the conflict between the two organizations.

Without prior authorization, content cannot be displayed.

Not Specsavers are putting up the “OG Blur rivals” ad next to the Oasis gig tonight, according to the video’s caption. On a screen directly opposite the Oasis’ London shows, the Specsavers advertisement appears.

Specsavers themselves have cheekily acknowledged their “original Blur rivals” status with the line “We saw an opportunity and we took it” in a TikTok post.

Fans have been chuckling about the clever placement as they leave the concert.

On the way to the train, one fan said, “We were giggling about this.” Another accolade is “A+ marketing.” “That’s genius,” a third person said.

However, the person who posted the original TikTok seemed less impressed, writing: “UK people are so weird.”

The legendary chart battle between Blur and Oasis continues to be remembered, with the Gallagher brothers trailing and the Damon Albarn-led Blur taking the top spot in 1995 with their hit “Country House.”

Later, Blur’s bassist, Alex James, said, “Blur won the battle, Oasis won the war, and Blur went on to win the entire campaign.

Blur made two electrifying appearances at Wembley in 2023 to celebrate their new album, “The Ballad of Darren,” which was performed alongside them by fellow Britpop stars Oasis, who also performed at the iconic venue.

At an Oasis gig at Wembley Stadium, fellow Pulp icon Jarvis Cocker was present, and Blur’s own Damon Albarn graciously acknowledged Oasis’ supremacy in the bands’ historic confrontation.

CARDIFF, WALES - JULY 04: (EDITORS NOTE: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. IMAGES MAY ONLY BE USED IN RELATION TO THE EVENT. NO COMMERCIAL USE. NO USE IN PUBLICATIONS SOLELY DEDICATED TO THE ARTIST. NO USE AFTER JULY 03, 2026.) Oasis perform on stage during the opening night of their Live 25' Tour at Principality Stadium on July 04, 2025 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Oasis’ ongoing tour has seen Specsavers reignite the Britpop battle (file)(Image: Gareth Cattermole, Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Albarn said, “I think we can officially say that Oasis won the battle, the war, the campaign, and everything.” The winners are them. They place them first. I’m happy to accept and accept defeat in the face of such overwhelming evidence.

In an NME interview, Cocker openly criticizes the term “Britpop,” having previously joked about getting on the guest list for Oasis concerts.

Continue reading the article.

He continued, “It seemed like there might be a revolution.” That would be great if people were to feel that way once more when they could create their own products and have their own attention.”

England triumph is most-watched TV moment of 2025

Images courtesy of Getty

The most watched TV ad for the year so far came from England’s dramatic victory in the Euro 2025 final against Spain, which had a peak live audience of 12.2 million across all BBC platforms.

After drawing 1-1 in Basel, Switzerland, Sarina Wiegman’s team won on penalties to keep their title.

In the Euro 2022 final against Germany at Wembley, Chloe Kelly scored the winner after the break, and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton saved two penalties for Spain.

In a match that was also broadcast on ITV, The Lionesses’ victory attracted a peak of 11.6 million viewers on BBC One, which is 59% of all TV viewers.

The match was streamed on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, and the BBC Sport live page had 11.4 million views.

There were 231 million total views of the BBC’s social media accounts, with a total of 22.1 million people watching the BBC’s coverage of the tournament on television.

The BBC’s director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, described this final as “a historic moment in sporting history.

“The kind of situation where viewers will recall their exact location right away.”

Millions of people watched the BBC coverage from beginning to end, from live streaming post-match analysis to millions of people following our live page and younger viewers in sizable numbers on social media. “The incredible Lionesses took us on an emotional rollercoaster.

A graphic that reads 'Follow our women's football TikTok' with a picture of a mobile phone

related subjects

  • Women’s Football Team England
  • Football
  • Women’s Football