India plans to ban online games played with money, citing addiction risks

India’s government is considering a ban on online games played for money, a move that could heavily impact the booming gaming industry. The proposed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, reviewed by Reuters, cites potential psychological and financial harm from such games and prohibits offering or facilitating them.

The bill defines online money games as those where users deposit money with the expectation of winning cash or other rewards. Violations could carry up to three years in prison and fines.

The sector, valued at billions of dollars, has gained popularity through fantasy cricket apps like Dream11 and Mobile Premier League, which attract users with small entry fees and large prize pools. The government has long raised concerns over the addictive nature of these games, especially during major tournaments like the Indian Premier League, Reuters reported.

 

US, Europe explore post-conflict security for Ukraine following Trump pledge

US and European military planners are assessing possible post-conflict security guarantees for Ukraine, sources told Reuters, following President Donald Trump’s pledge to support Kyiv under any peace deal with Russia.

The Pentagon is conducting planning exercises on US support beyond weapons, including potential European troop deployments under national flags but commanded by the US, though not under NATO. Officials caution it will take time to determine what is militarily feasible and acceptable to Moscow.

Trump ruled out sending US ground forces but suggested Washington could provide air support, including air defense systems or a no-fly zone.US has already sent billions in weapons to Ukraine, and Trump reaffirmed his commitment to supplying primarily defensive arms, Reuters reported.

Russia has rejected NATO troop involvement in any peace agreement.

 

Ukrainian attack cuts power Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhia

A Ukrainian drone attack on Tuesday knocked out electricity in parts of Zaporizhzhia region under Russian control, Moscow-installed Governor Yevgeny Balitsky said. Repair crews are restoring power amid the risk of further strikes. Kyiv controls the region’s administrative centre, while Russian forces hold much of the surrounding territory, according to Reuters.

In June, similar attacks left around 700,000 residents without power for more than 24 hours. The Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remained unaffected, with safety systems operating normally.

Elsewhere, Russian shelling continued to affect civilians. In Kherson and Dnipropetrovsk regions, local officials reported residents killed in attacks on towns north of Kherson and on Nikopol, Reuters reported.

 

Netanyahu accuses Australian PM of 'betraying' Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Australian leader Anthony Albanese of betraying Israel and abandoning Australia’s Jewish community after Canberra recognised a Palestinian state, according to BBC.

Netanyahu branded Albanese “a weak politician,” while Australian ministers dismissed the remarks as lashing out. Immigration Minister Tony Burke said, “Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or leave hungry.”

The dispute deepened after Australia cancelled the visa of far-right Israeli lawmaker Simcha Rothman, prompting Israel to restrict visas for Australian officials.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticised Netanyahu’s outburst, warning it only strengthened Albanese politically.

Albanese defended his stance, accusing Netanyahu of being in denial over the humanitarian toll of the Gaza war, BBC reported.