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Thousands rallied in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday demanding Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s resignation over rising living costs and unmet reform promises, Firstpost reported.

Chanting “Turun Anwar” (“Step Down Anwar”), protesters gathered at Independence Square. Police estimated at least 18,000 participants.

Anwar, in office since November 2022, has faced backlash for tax hikes and subsidy cuts seen as driving up prices. He recently announced cash aid and a fuel price cut to ease public concern, according to Firstpost.

Critics also accuse him of judicial interference and weak anti-corruption efforts—claims he denies. Former PM Mahathir Mohamad joined the protest, alleging misuse of power against political rivals.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday warned that uncontrolled immigration could “kill Europe,” urging leaders to take stronger action as he arrived in Scotland ahead of talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Reuters reported.

Trump said Europe risked losing its identity if migrant flows continued unchecked, calling it a “horrible invasion.” He contrasted this with recent US border crackdowns.

Starmer has echoed similar concerns, pushing for stricter immigration controls. France and the UK recently agreed on migrant return measures, while Italy has vowed not to become “Europe’s refugee camp.”

Trump is in Scotland to open a golf course and will return for a state visit to the UK in September, according to Reuters.

At least eight people were killed and over 13 injured in a gun attack on a judiciary center in Zahedan, southeastern Iran, on Saturday. Iranian officials said five civilians and three attackers died after gunmen attempted to storm the building, according to Firstpost.

Security forces killed the assailants, and an investigation is underway. Iranian media called it a terrorist attack, and the jihadist group Jaish al-Adl reportedly claimed responsibility. Explosions and gunfire were reported near the site.

US President Donald Trump announced that the United States will soon send nearly 200 letters to its trade partners, formalizing tariff agreements, according to Xinhua.

He described the letters as binding deals, stating that once sent, trading partners would be required to pay the agreed tariffs, which he said would remain minimal.

The move follows earlier warnings of import tariffs set to begin on August 1. However, the administration has recently softened its stance amid financial market concerns and inflation risks.

Several countries have strongly opposed the US’s unilateral tariff actions, Xinhua reported.

At least 32 people have been killed in escalating border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, with thousands forced to flee. Cambodia confirmed 12 new deaths—seven civilians and five soldiers—while Thailand reported 19 total fatalities, including children and soldiers.

Fighting erupted Thursday after a landmine injured five Thai troops near the disputed border. Both sides blame each other for initiating attacks, which include airstrikes and artillery fire. Cambodia has accused Thailand of using banned cluster munitions, while Thailand says Cambodia targeted civilian areas, according to Al Jazeera.

Over 150,000 people have been evacuated across both countries. Thailand has declared martial law in eight districts. The UN Security Council has urged both sides to show restraint and resolve the crisis peacefully.

US has sharply criticized France’s investigation into Elon Musk’s X, calling it a threat to free speech. A French prosecutor is probing the platform for alleged foreign interference and has reportedly classified X as an “organized crime group”, according to BBC.

The US State Department called the move politically motivated and warned against silencing dissent. X has denied the claims and refused to hand over its algorithm and data, calling the request unjustified.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the country is “very close” to a trade deal with the US after meeting Secretary of State Marco Rubio, though Washington has not confirmed a timeline. Both sides discussed expanding trade, especially in critical minerals and mining, according to Firstpost.

Meanwhile, India and the US are finalizing the first phase of a Bilateral Trade Agreement aimed at boosting market access, reducing trade barriers, and strengthening supply chains. US President Donald Trump recently said a deal with India is also “very close.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed and other top leaders during his visit to the Maldives, calling the country a “valued pillar” of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Mahasagar vision, Firstpost reported.

He will attend the Maldives’ Independence Day celebrations as chief guest. The visit marks a reset in ties following recent tensions.

India announced a $565m line of credit and signed six agreements in fisheries, digital infrastructure, meteorology, and finance. The two sides also agreed to cut Maldives’ annual debt repayment burden by 40 percent, according to Firstpost.

Modi called the talks productive, adding, “Our relations are older than history and as deep as the ocean. For us, it is always friendship first.”