Large-scale “No Kings” protests have erupted across the United States, with demonstrators rallying against policies introduced by President Donald Trump during his current term in office.

Organisers say the demonstrations—taking place in major cities including New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles—are aimed at opposing issues such as the war involving Iran, stricter federal immigration enforcement, and the rising cost of living.

Crowds have already gathered in Washington, where protesters marched in from nearby Arlington and assembled at landmarks including the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall.

The rallies mark the third iteration of the “No Kings” movement, which organisers say has previously drawn millions nationwide. Demonstrators carried signs and effigies depicting Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other administration figures, calling for their removal from office.

Organisers framed the protests as a response to what they describe as an expansion of presidential powers since Trump returned to the White House in January, including the use of executive orders and the deployment of National Guard troops to cities despite objections from some state leaders.

Trump allies have criticised the demonstrations, labelling them a “hate America rally” and alleging links between participants and far-left groups such as Antifa. Protest organisers, however, insist the events are peaceful in nature.

The protests also come amid heightened tensions following controversial incidents earlier this year, including the fatal shooting of two civilians by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, which sparked widespread outrage.

Despite the criticism, Trump has defended his actions, arguing they are necessary to address national challenges. He has rejected claims that he is governing like a monarch, dismissing such accusations as exaggerated.

India’s parliament has passed a controversial bill amending transgender rights legislation, triggering protests from opposition parties and LGBTQ advocates who say it undermines the right to self-identify.

The bill, which updates the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, now awaits approval from the president before becoming law.

Government officials argue the changes will improve access to welfare programmes and strengthen protections against exploitation and trafficking. However, critics warn the new framework could exclude large sections of the transgender, non-binary, and gender-fluid community.

A key shift in the legislation concerns how transgender identity is defined. While a landmark 2014 ruling by the Supreme Court of India recognised transgender people as a “third gender” and affirmed their right to self-identify, the new bill moves away from that principle.

Instead, it introduces a narrower definition based on biological or physical characteristics. It also requires certification from medical boards and local authorities, particularly for individuals undergoing gender-affirming procedures.

The government maintains that the current definition is too broad, making it difficult to ensure that welfare benefits—such as healthcare support and job reservations—reach the most marginalised individuals. Officials say the revised criteria are designed to protect those facing “extreme and oppressive” discrimination.

Activists, however, argue the changes could fundamentally reshape legal recognition in a restrictive way. They say many transgender people—especially those who rely on self-identification rather than medical or legal certification—risk being excluded from official recognition and support systems.

India is estimated to have around two million transgender people, though advocacy groups believe the actual number is higher. Despite existing legal protections, many continue to face discrimination and barriers to education, healthcare, and employment.

The passage of the bill has intensified debate over how best to balance administrative clarity with individual rights, with critics urging authorities to reconsider provisions they say could reverse progress made over the past decade.

Israel has said it killed Alireza Tangsiri, the head of the naval arm of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in a strike tied to escalating tensions in the region.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Tangsiri was “directly responsible” for actions involving the disruption and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor. He added that several other senior naval officials were also killed in the operation.

There has been no immediate confirmation or response from Iran regarding the claim.

Tangsiri had served as commander of the IRGC Navy since 2018, after previously holding the role of deputy commander for nearly a decade. Known for his hardline stance, he had frequently issued warnings against both Israel and the United States.

In past statements, including remarks made in 2019, Tangsiri had threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if Iran’s oil exports were restricted—an action that could significantly disrupt global energy markets.

He was also among several IRGC figures sanctioned by the US Treasury in 2019 following the downing of an American surveillance drone near the strait.

The reported killing, if confirmed, would mark a significant escalation in the already volatile standoff affecting one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes.