Iran has rejected key demands outlined by U.S. President Donald Trump during ongoing negotiations over a proposed peace deal aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East. Tehran reportedly refused to destroy or surrender its enriched nuclear material and remains opposed to conditions linked to unrestricted, toll-free access through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said he would make a “final determination” soon on the proposed agreement, which includes extending the current ceasefire and reopening critical shipping routes. Iranian officials accused Washington of exaggerating progress, insisting sanctions relief and concrete U.S. actions must come before any major commitments are made.

Senior Congress leader D. K. Shivakumar is set to be sworn in as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka on June 3, according to party sources. The leadership change comes after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reportedly decided to step down following consultations with the Congress high command. Preparations for the swearing-in ceremony have already begun at Bengaluru’s Vidhana Soudha. Shivakumar, currently serving as Deputy CM and Karnataka Congress chief, is expected to formally take charge after a Congress Legislature Party meeting. The transition is being projected as a smooth power shift aimed at maintaining party unity and political stability in the state. (PC: PTI)

US President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to formally announce a landmark peace agreement with Iran within 72 hours, following intense negotiations mediated by Pakistan and Gulf nations. The proposed deal aims to extend the current ceasefire, reopen the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, and begin fresh talks on Iran’s nuclear program. Reports suggest the agreement could include limited sanctions relief and mechanisms to reduce regional tensions after months of conflict. However, Iranian officials have cautioned that several key issues remain unresolved, particularly around uranium enrichment and control of the Strait, making the final outcome uncertain despite growing diplomatic optimism.

Teen batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced a stunning knock of 94 off just 46 balls for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 Qualifier 2. The 14-year-old shattered multiple tournament records with his fearless innings, becoming the youngest player to score a fifty in IPL playoffs and one of the youngest to dominate a knockout clash. Sooryavanshi narrowly missed a sensational century before getting dismissed in the final overs. Supported by aggressive middle-order hitting, Rajasthan Royals finished with a massive 214/6. Gujarat Titans now face a daunting chase in the high-pressure knockout encounter to secure a place in the IPL 2026 final. (PC: NDTV)

Authorities in West Bengal have intensified a major crackdown on illegal Bangladeshi migrants after security agencies identified new infiltration routes along the India-Bangladesh border. Investigators revealed that migrants were allegedly entering through riverine stretches, fake identity networks, and porous border areas before moving to different Indian states. Police and border forces have conducted multiple raids across districts, detaining several suspected illegal migrants and agents accused of arranging forged Aadhaar and voter ID documents. Officials say the operation aims to dismantle organised trafficking and infiltration networks. The development has reignited political debate over border security, illegal migration, and identity verification in eastern India. (PC: India Today)

Lebanese and Israeli military officials are set to meet in Washington for another round of U.S.-mediated talks aimed at preserving the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The negotiations come as Israel intensifies airstrikes across southern Lebanon and Beirut’s suburbs, targeting alleged Hezbollah-linked sites. Recent attacks reportedly killed civilians, including women and children, worsening tensions before the talks. Lebanese leaders have demanded a complete Israeli withdrawal and respect for sovereignty, while Israel insists operations will continue against Hezbollah threats. The United States is pushing both sides toward a longer-term security arrangement, though repeated ceasefire violations have raised fears of a broader regional conflict. (PC: Reuters)

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has stepped down as captain of Lucknow Super Giants with immediate effect after the team finished last in the IPL 2026 standings. The franchise confirmed that Pant himself requested to be relieved of leadership duties, and management accepted the decision. Bought for a record ₹27 crore before IPL 2025, Pant struggled both as captain and batter during his two-season stint with LSG. The team failed to qualify for the playoffs in consecutive seasons, managing only four wins in 14 matches this year. LSG Director of Cricket Tom Moody said the franchise will now focus on “rebuilding and restructuring” ahead of the next season. (PC: BCCI)

The United Nations has warned that children in Lebanon are paying a devastating price as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalates despite a ceasefire agreement. UNICEF said an average of 11 children were killed or injured every 24 hours during the past week amid intensified Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon and Beirut suburbs. The agency reported 77 child casualties in seven days, while attacks on hospitals and healthcare centres have worsened the humanitarian crisis. Lebanese authorities say thousands have been killed or displaced since March. UN officials urged all sides to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians, especially children. (PC: Reuters)

A Russian drone struck a 10-storey apartment building in Galați, eastern Romania, near the Ukraine border, injuring two people and sparking a fire. Romanian authorities said the drone was part of a wider overnight Russian attack on Ukraine and remained in Romanian airspace for several minutes before impact. Around 70 residents were evacuated as emergency teams controlled the blaze. Romania scrambled F-16 fighter jets and summoned the Russian ambassador after the incident. NATO condemned the strike as a dangerous escalation and reaffirmed its commitment to defend alliance territory. Romanian officials called it the country’s most serious security incident since the Ukraine war began. (PC: Reuters)

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has expressed confidence that the proposed India-US trade agreement could be finalised in the coming weeks or months. Speaking at an event at IIT Delhi, he described India as a "trusted partner" and called the relationship between the two countries the defining partnership of the 21st century.   Gor said cooperation between India and the US is growing in areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and space research. He also highlighted the TRUST initiative, aimed at strengthening collaboration in critical technologies and supply chains between the two nations.