Author: Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi

In a surprising diplomatic shift, the U.S. President Donald Trump has dramatically shortened the deadline he previously gave Russia to reach a peace agreement with Ukraine—from 50 days to just 10. The revised ultimatum, made public during Trump’s visit to Scotland on July 28, sets the deadline around August 8, sparking global speculation and geopolitical unease. Trump initially announced the 50-day timeline on July 14, framing it as part of his bold foreign policy strategy. But with no progress in sight and escalating violence on the Ukrainian front, he sharply revised the window—without offering specifics on what triggered the change…

As the world wakes up to another day of headlines, Tuesday, 29th July brings a diverse range of news stories making waves across international front pages. From political developments and economic updates to groundbreaking events and human-interest stories, today’s newspapers reflect the pulse of a rapidly changing world. Here’s a snapshot of how major publications around the globe are reporting the key issues shaping today’s narrative.

In a vibrant and spirit-filled celebration themed “God’s Favour” (Psalm 90:17), the Cherubim & Seraphim (C&S) Palace of Joy Global Church Manchester marked its 2025 Anniversary and Church Thanksgiving at its Manchester headquarters, located at No. 1, Belgrave Mill, Honeywell Lane, Oldham, UK. The event brought together worshippers, church leaders, and dignitaries from Nigeria and the UK to give thanks for divine grace, spiritual growth, and the global impact of the ministry over the past years. A Celebration of Leadership and Legacy Presiding over the thanksgiving was Her Grace, Iya Aladura Dr. Rev. Prophetess Mother Elizabeth Adetoyin Onanuga, the visionary…

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing mounting criticism both at home and abroad after signing a controversial law that removes the autonomy of Ukraine’s two key anti-corruption agencies—the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). The law, passed by Ukraine’s parliament by 263 votes to 13, places these independent institutions under the authority of the Prosecutor General, an official directly appointed by the president. The European Union condemned the move as a “serious step back,” warning it may jeopardise Ukraine’s aspirations to join the bloc. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos stated on social media that the law…

Tokyo — Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has vowed to remain in office despite suffering a significant electoral setback that saw his ruling coalition lose its majority in the nation’s upper house. The defeat has triggered political uncertainty and raised questions about the future direction of Japan’s leadership amid economic woes, public dissatisfaction, and the growing influence of far-right movements. On Sunday, Japanese voters went to the polls for a tightly contested election for half of the 248 seats in the upper chamber. Ishiba’s ruling coalition, comprising the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner Komeito, managed to secure…

The UK granted asylum to one person along with 22 family members, most of whom are in their teens, putting significant pressure on the system.The British government is now facing mounting scrutiny after it emerged that a confidential military data breach led to the admission of thousands of Afghan nationals into the United Kingdom—many of them extended family members—under emergency asylum measures. The revelation has raised serious concerns about the strain on public resources and the potential risk to national security. Following the leak of a classified list in 2022, which contained the names of nearly 19,000 Afghans who had…

India has successfully conducted test launches of two nuclear-capable ballistic missiles—Prithvi-II and Agni-I—in a strategic demonstration of military strength following its recent armed conflict with neighbouring Pakistan. The tests were carried out on Thursday, July 17, from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, located on India’s southeastern coast. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that both missiles, launched under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command, met all technical and operational parameters. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Army and defence scientists for their “remarkable achievement,” stating that the tests reflect India’s growing deterrent capabilities and commitment to national defence.…

In a new development, the British government announced on Thursday plans to lower the voting age to 16 for all UK elections, marking a significant shift in the nation’s democratic framework. This comes after a public inquiry highlighted growing concerns over declining voter engagement. The 2024 general election recorded a turnout of just 59.7%—the lowest in over two decades, according to a parliamentary report. The proposed reform, which still requires parliamentary approval, aims to unify voting rights across the United Kingdom—bringing England and Northern Ireland in line with Scotland and Wales, where 16 and 17-year-olds already vote in devolved elections.…

Abuja, Nigeria — As Nigeria intensifies its focus on urban renewal, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has emerged as a prominent symbol of national transformation. Leading this resurgence is Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, who now serves as Minister of the FCT under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Wike’s appointment in August 2023 sparked intense debate across political circles. While supporters hailed it as a strategic move to inject energy and efficiency into Abuja’s development agenda, critics condemned it as a display of political opportunism. A long-time member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP),…

Two Nigerian-born business leaders — private equity titan Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi and tech entrepreneur Tope Awotona — have been named among America’s richest immigrants, according to Forbes’ 2025 annual ranking of foreign-born billionaires. Ogunlesi and Awotona are among 125 billionaires from 41 countries who now call the United States home. Collectively, this elite cohort represents 14 percent of U.S.-based billionaires and holds a staggering 18 percent of the country’s total billionaire wealth. The list, which celebrates the enduring impact of immigrant entrepreneurship, once again underscores the transformative role of foreign-born talent in shaping America’s economic powerhouses — particularly in finance,…