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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday voiced firm opposition to the US decision to build a new segment of the border wall in New Mexico, calling it unilateral and unsupported by Mexico.

She stressed that Mexico is not involved or funding the project, and reaffirmed that border security should be achieved through cooperation, not barriers. The Trump administration began constructing a 9.6-km secondary fence near Santa Teresa, bordering Ciudad Juarez, according to Xinhua.

G20 finance ministers and central bank governors wrapped up their two-day meeting Friday with a joint pledge to strengthen multilateral cooperation in response to mounting global economic risks, Xinhua reported.

In a communique, they cited ongoing conflicts, trade tensions, supply chain disruptions, high debt levels, and climate-related disasters as key concerns. South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana acknowledged the difficulty of reaching consensus but said the group remained committed to cooperation.

The ministers agreed to promote long-term growth through sound macroeconomic policies, investment, and central bank independence. They also backed reforms to make the World Trade Organization more responsive and called for urgent action on debt burdens in developing nations, along with stronger representation in global financial institutions, according to Xinhua.

US President Donald Trump on Friday hinted that major trade agreements could be announced soon, suggesting they are nearly finalized.

Speaking at the signing of the Stablecoin Act at the White House, Trump emphasized the impact of US tariffs in driving negotiations. “When I send out the paper that you’re paying 35 to 40 percent tariff, that’s a deal,” he said, adding that such measures often prompt countries to return to the table, according to Reuters.

Trump also confirmed that the 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs, previously extended to August 1, will not be delayed further. Tariffs will take effect as scheduled if no agreements are reached.

At least 40 schools in Bengaluru received bomb threats via email on Friday, prompting swift police action. The messages claimed explosives were hidden in classrooms, triggering evacuations and searches by bomb squads and sniffer dogs. No explosives were found, Xinhua reported.

The incident follows a series of recent hoax threats in Delhi and at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, adding to growing concerns over such false alarms disrupting public life.

El Salvador has repatriated around 250 Venezuelans in exchange for 10 US nationals held in Venezuela, both governments confirmed Friday, BBC reported.

The Venezuelans, previously deported from the US and held in El Salvador’s high-security Cecot prison, were accused of gang ties—claims some families deny. President Nayib Bukele said the exchange also included several Venezuelan political prisoners.

US officials confirmed all American detainees in Venezuela are now free. One was identified as former Navy SEAL Wilbert Joseph Castaneda. Others remain unnamed due to privacy concerns.

The deal, finalized once the Americans were safely in the air, highlights growing ties between Bukele and US President Donald Trump, who thanked El Salvador for aiding migrant detentions, according to BBC.

Officials said the agreement did not involve lifting US sanctions on Venezuela.

Nepal has submitted its first-ever Child-Centered Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Report on Children and the Environment (Climate) to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR). The report contributes to the country’s Fourth UPR Cycle, highlighting children’s rights in the context of climate change and environmental challenges. The initiative was supported by DKA Austria and coordinated by the youth-led organization Yuwalaya. 

The report was finalized during a National Validation Workshop held in Kathmandu. The event brought together 48 participants in its initial session, including civil society representatives, development partners, technical experts, solidarity members, and the report consultant. In the second session, the report’s key findings and recommendations were formally presented to government representatives. 

The report reviews Nepal’s policy and legal frameworks and assesses the country’s implementation of its human rights obligations, particularly in relation to children’s rights to education, health, protection, a clean environment, development, and participation. A total of 24 recommendations were refined at the workshop, including suggestions for emergency education during crises, improved child protection systems in remote areas, enrollment protocols for environmentally displaced children, promotion of school gardening, and programs to build children’s resilience to climate change.

In addition, a Youth-Led UPR Report has also been submitted to the UNOHCHR for the 51st Session (Jan–Feb 2026). Developed in partnership with Plan International Nepal and IM Swedish Development Partner, the process involved collaboration with 68 organizations and civil society groups. The report draws on inputs from 279 young people aged 18–35 across all seven provinces through provincial consultations, focus group discussions, and a national validation workshop. It was led by four young women and incorporates feedback from consortium members.

The youth report focuses on issues such as employment, health, education, meaningful youth participation, climate change, equality, non-discrimination, and digital technology.

Yemen’s Houthi group claimed responsibility for firing a hypersonic ballistic missile at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport late Friday, saying the strike was in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

According to a televised statement by Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea, the attack achieved its intended objective. He warned that missile strikes would continue until the war on Gaza ends and the blockade is lifted, Xinhua reported.

Israel’s military confirmed the missile was intercepted by its defense systems, with no casualties reported. The attack triggered sirens and briefly disrupted air traffic.

This marks the second Houthi missile launch toward Israel in 48 hours and the seventh this month. The recurring strikes have impacted international flight schedules and partially disrupted Israel’s airspace, according to Xinhua.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have been targeting Israel and Israel-linked ships since November 2023 in response to the Gaza conflict.

The US Justice Department has asked a New York judge to unseal grand jury materials from Jeffrey Epstein’s 2019 sex trafficking case, citing strong public interest. The request also covers files related to Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, BBC reported.

The move follows growing pressure on the Trump administration over its handling of the case. President Trump has ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to push for the release, though her earlier hesitation has drawn criticism from supporters.

Meanwhile, Trump has filed a $10bn lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, its parent company, Rupert Murdoch, and two reporters over a story claiming he sent a “bawdy” birthday note to Epstein in 2003. Trump denies writing the note, calling it fake and defamatory.

Bipartisan support is building in Congress to force the full release of Epstein-related materials, with lawmakers pushing a petition for transparency, according to BBC.