Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran remains committed to both diplomacy and national defense after halting its latest military operation against Israel. His remarks followed the first direct exchange of fire between Iran and Israel since a fragile April ceasefire. Iran’s military described its missile barrage as a “painful response” and warned of harsher action if attacks continue, particularly in southern Lebanon. The escalation began after Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs reportedly killed two people and injured 20. Israel responded by targeting Iranian military infrastructure. Despite the exchange involving dozens of missiles, officials reported no casualties in either Iran or Israel as tensions remained high.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay felicitated Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa in Chennai after his historic victory at Norway Chess 2026, awarding him Rs 50 lakh on behalf of the state government. During the ceremony, Vijay surprised Praggnanandhaa by playing an impromptu game of chess, earning praise from the champion for his unexpected skill. Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian to win Norway Chess after a remarkable comeback, overturning a 5.5-point deficit and defeating elite opponents including Magnus Carlsen, D Gukesh and Alireza Firouzja. The triumph has further cemented his place among the world's top chess players.

India's current account surplus narrowed to $7.1 billion, or 0.7 per cent of GDP, in the January-March quarter of 2025-26, according to Reserve Bank of India data. The surplus was lower than $13.7 billion recorded a year earlier. The decline was mainly due to a wider merchandise trade deficit, which rose to $83.4 billion from $59.3 billion. However, strong growth in services exports and higher remittances from Indians working abroad helped support the economy. During the quarter, foreign direct investment inflows increased to $4.2 billion, while foreign portfolio investors recorded net outflows of $12 billion. (PC: ANI)

India and the United States are moving closer to a bilateral trade agreement, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Sunday. He expressed confidence that the deal would be finalised despite the US launching a Section 301 investigation into alleged unfair trade practices by several countries, including India. “We will protect India’s interests, and I am very confident that the deal will come through,” Goyal said. He added that US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is expected to visit India within two weeks for further talks. The minister said negotiations are in the final stage and remained hopeful that a mutually beneficial agreement would be reached soon. (PC: PTI)

At least 35 people were killed and more than 200 injured after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday. The quake hit near Mindanao island at a depth of 33 kilometres and was followed by several aftershocks. Authorities issued tsunami warnings in the Philippines and Indonesia, urging people to move to higher ground. A landslide, collapsed buildings and falling debris caused most of the deaths. At least 12 people remain missing in General Santos City. Officials said the largest tsunami wave reached 1.4 metres, but no tsunami-related deaths or major damage were reported. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has announced that it will stop carrying out strikes on Israel after the two countries exchanged fire over the weekend. However, Iran's top military command warned that it would launch a stronger response if Israel continues attacks in southern Lebanon. The development came after US President Donald Trump urged both sides to stop fighting and work towards an immediate ceasefire. Reports suggest Israel may halt attacks on Iran at Trump's request, though there has been no official confirmation. Despite signs of de-escalation, tensions remain high across the Middle East as concerns over regional security continue.

Air India is considering a new ticket option that would allow domestic passengers to travel without paying for onboard meals. Under the proposed “No Meals” category, passengers who do not want food during their flight could choose a lower-priced ticket. The airline may first introduce the option on select short domestic routes if it receives approval. Passenger response will help decide whether the scheme is expanded to more routes. The proposal is currently under review and is not being considered for international flights. At present, Air India provides meals to all passengers on both domestic and international services.

An Indian-origin woman in the UK has won a 6.6 million pounds (around Rs 85 crore) settlement after a 23-year-long divorce case. Varsha Gohil had divorced her husband, Bhadresh Gohil, in 2002 and initially received a much smaller settlement. Years later, a criminal investigation revealed that her ex-husband had hidden assets linked to money laundering activities. The discoveries led to the reopening of the divorce case. A UK court ruled that part of the wealth was legitimate marital property and awarded it to Varsha. The Court of Appeal recently ended all further appeals, closing the case.

All 24 Indian crew members on an oil tanker were safely rescued after a fire broke out near the Omani coast on Monday. The vessel was operating close to the Strait of Hormuz, an important global shipping route. Earlier reports said the tanker sent an SOS signal after it was reportedly hit by a projectile. The Directorate General of Shipping confirmed that all crew members are safe and no injuries were reported. Maritime authorities have started an investigation to find the cause of the fire. Indian officials are in contact with local agencies and are monitoring the situation closely. (PC: MarineTraffic)

At least 8 workers were killed and six others suffered serious burn injuries after a ladle carrying molten metal reportedly fell and spilled its contents at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh on Monday. The accident occurred at the Steel Melting Shop-I unit, triggering a major emergency response. Rescue teams rushed to the site and the injured were shifted to hospitals for treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the mishap. The incident is one of the deadliest industrial accidents at the plant in recent years and has raised fresh concerns over workplace safety standards. (PC: HT)