Top 10 news: Putin warns Poland against aggression towards Belarus, & more

In response to Poland bolstering security across its borders, Putin in a stern warning to Warsaw, said that an attack against Belarus will be considered an attack against Moscow itself. Meanwhile, the diplomatic showdown because of the Sweden Quran burning protests continued as two middle east giants, Saudi Arabia and Iran, condemned the country for allowing the desecration of the holy book.

In news AI-related news, the White House said Friday that OpenAI and other tech giants have committed that they would make their technology safer with features like watermarks on fabricated images.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warns Poland: ‘Will act to aggression against Belarus’

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (July 21) issued a stern warning to Poland saying that it would treat any “aggression” against its ally Belarus as an attack on his own country.

Quran burning, desecration protests: Saudi Arabia, Iran summon Swedish diplomats

Saudi Arabia and Iran summoned Swedish diplomats to mark protest against Sweden for allowing the burning of the holy book Quran. Sweden had granted permission to burn the holy book as part of a protest outside Stockholm’s main mosque, a move that is now being slammed by a majority of Muslim nations.

Tech companies promise watermark to differentiate AI creations: White House

The White House said on Friday (July 21) that OpenAI and other tech giants in the artificial intelligence race have committed that they would make their technology safer with features like watermarks on fabricated images.

Thailand reformist party to support rival candidate after Prime Minister vote defeat

Thailand's reformist party, which won the recent election, on Friday, said that it would support a rival candidate to become prime minister after its own leader was temporarily suspended from parliament.

South African government ordered to arrest Vladimir Putin

The South African government has been ordered by the high court to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if he ever sets foot in the country, in compliance with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) directive.

Greece battles wildfires for fifth day amid heatwave

Greece is struggling to contain wildfires west of Athens as they rage on fifth day on Friday (July 21). The country is experiencing another heatwave. Reuters quoted fire service official who said that concerns have grown after teh fire severely damaged more than 100 houses and businesses. Another fire near Athens was put out earlier by the autorities.

Russia raises upper conscription age to 30 from 27, keeps lower limit at 18

Russia has raised the maximum conscription age for compulsory military service to 30 from 27 but has kept the lower limit to 18. This move will now increase the number of young men who will be taking up compulsory military service of one-year. The decision comes after lawmakers dismissed a proposal to raise the starting age for military service to 21, which was at 18 before as well.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismisses country's ambassador to the United Kingdom

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sacked the country's ambassador to the United Kingdom, Vadym Prystaiko, on Friday, after he denounced the president's response to a row over British military aid.

Tony Bennett, legendary crooner, dies aged 96
American legendary singer Tony Bennett is no more. The multiple Grammy-winning singer, who was best known for singing "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," has died at the age of 96. Bennett's longtime publicist, Sylvia Weiner, has confirmed the news.

IND vs WI: Virat Kohli ends five-year Test century drought on away soil; scores 76th int'l ton in 500th game

India’s Virat Kohli has finally ended his five-year-long Test century drought on foreign soil after he smashed a ton against West Indies on Day 2 of the second Test match on Friday, July 21. This is Virat’s 76th international hundred first on foreign soil in the red-ball format since December 2018. He will now look to consolidate on a good start as India are currently in a good position having started on the bright side on Day 1.