India on Sunday rejected reported remarks by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten on press freedom and minority rights during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands. Responding to questions raised by a Dutch journalist over the absence of a joint press interaction, MEA Secretary Sibi George defended India’s democratic record. “Such observations stem from a lack of understanding about India’s democratic and civilisational character,” he said. George added that India remains a “vibrant and pluralistic society” where all communities continue to flourish under strong constitutional and democratic institutions. (PC: India Today)

Allahabad High Court has granted bail to eight of the 14 men arrested in the Ganga Iftar case in Varanasi. The men were accused of eating non-vegetarian food on a boat during Iftar and throwing leftovers into the Ganges. The court said such actions could hurt religious sentiments and disturb social harmony. It also noted that the accused and their families regretted the pain caused to society. The case was filed in March after a complaint by a BJP Yuva Morcha leader. Hearings for the remaining accused will continue. (PC: PTI)

Meta Platforms employees are facing growing anxiety as the company prepares for another round of layoffs. Reports say nearly 10% of Meta’s workforce, or around 8,000 employees, could lose their jobs next week. The cuts are part of the company’s efforts to improve efficiency and invest more in artificial intelligence. Workers say morale has dropped sharply and many feel emotionally exhausted. Some fear the AI systems they are helping build could eventually replace them. The uncertainty is also affecting personal lives, with employees delaying major decisions such as moving, buying homes, and starting families while they wait to learn whether they will keep their jobs.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly planning to announce a timeline for stepping down, according to media reports. The move comes after growing pressure from senior members of the Labour Party. Sources said Starmer believes the current situation is no longer sustainable and wants to leave on his own terms. Some allies have advised him to wait until the Makerfield by-election results are clearer. Internal tensions increased after several resignations and criticism from within the government. Reports also suggest Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is preparing to return to Westminster, adding to pressure for a leadership change in Labour.

Chief Minister-designate V. D. Satheesan on Sunday announced a 21-member Cabinet in Kerala. The full United Democratic Front government will take oath at 10 am on Monday. Satheesan said, “After 60 years, the entire UDF cabinet is set to take the oath together.” The Indian National Congress will have 11 ministers. Other allies, including the Indian Union Muslim League, also received Cabinet positions. Satheesan said the list was prepared with social and regional balance in mind. Portfolio discussions are nearly complete.

US President Donald Trump warned Iran that “the clock is ticking” and urged Tehran to reach a peace deal quickly. His statement came after a drone strike caused a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates. UAE officials said there was no radiation risk and no injuries were reported. The International Atomic Energy Agency expressed concern over the incident. Talks between the US and Iran remain stalled over the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional tensions.

India and the Netherlands have agreed to upgrade their relationship to a “Strategic Partnership” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to The Hague. Modi held talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. The two countries signed agreements in trade, defence, cybersecurity, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, space, health and agriculture. They also discussed water management, climate change and education. Both leaders supported a stronger India-European Union partnership and welcomed progress on a free trade agreement. They also called for diplomacy to address conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. (PC: X/@narendramodi)

The United Arab Emirates is investigating a drone strike near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi. Officials said three drones entered the country from the western border on Sunday. Two were intercepted. One hit an electrical generator outside the plant’s inner perimeter and caused a fire. No injuries were reported. Authorities said there was no impact on radiation levels and all reactors are operating normally. The International Atomic Energy Agency said it is monitoring the situation closely. Director General Rafael Grossi called for maximum military restraint near nuclear facilities. (PC: AFP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Sweden’s Royal Order of Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross, on Sunday. It is one of Sweden’s highest honours for foreign leaders. This is Modi’s 31st international award. He arrived in Sweden for a two-day visit and was welcomed by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at Gothenburg Airport. The two leaders held talks on trade, technology, defence and other areas of cooperation. Bilateral trade between India and Sweden reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025. Modi had earlier visited Sweden in 2018 for the first India-Nordic Summit.

The United States has placed five conditions before Iran in ongoing nuclear talks. Reports said Washington wants Iran to hand over 400 kilograms of enriched uranium and keep only one set of nuclear facilities operational. The US has also refused to release frozen Iranian assets or pay compensation for past sanctions. Iranian media said the US offered “no tangible concessions.” Tehran has demanded sanctions relief, compensation for war damage and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions remain high despite a ceasefire after recent US-Israeli strikes and Iran’s retaliatory attacks. (PC: Reuters)