Western Europe is facing an intense heatwave. The UK and France recorded their hottest May temperatures on record. London reached 34.8°C, while many parts of France crossed 30°C. The extreme heat has caused health warnings across Europe. In France, seven people died in incidents linked to the heatwave, including drownings and heat stroke cases. Germany, Spain, and Italy are also facing very high temperatures. Experts say a heat dome from northern Africa caused the unusual weather. Scientists warn that climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and severe across Europe.

The United States launched new strikes on southern Iran, targeting missile sites and boats near Bandar Abbas. The US said the attacks were carried out in self-defence to protect American troops. Iran claimed it shot down a US drone and warned that it has the right to respond to any ceasefire violation. Despite the fresh tension, both countries are still holding talks through Qatar to reach a possible agreement. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said discussions are continuing but may take time. The conflict between the US and Iran has raised concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz and global oil supply. (PC: Getty Images)

Iran has said the release of its frozen funds remains the biggest issue in ongoing talks with the United States. According to Iran’s state-linked Fars News Agency, Tehran will not continue negotiations unless it gets access to the blocked money. Qatar is currently helping both sides through mediation efforts. Reports said some progress has been made, but Iran still does not fully trust the US due to past disagreements. Iranian officials said no final agreement will be accepted until the funds are transferred. The talks are part of wider efforts to reduce tensions between the two countries and reach a possible new understanding. (PC: AP)

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a major political crisis in West Bengal after nearly 100 councillors resigned from different municipalities. The resignations came after the BJP government announced scrutiny of local bodies. Several TMC leaders are also openly showing dissatisfaction with the party leadership. TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar resigned from her party post and attended a BJP-led meeting, raising rumours of a possible switch. Municipal services in some areas have been affected due to the crisis. The unrest has increased pressure on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as the BJP tries to strengthen its position in Bengal.

The Congress party on Tuesday denied rumours about a change in Karnataka’s Chief Minister. The clarification came after a six-hour meeting in Delhi with top party leaders and Karnataka ministers. Congress leader KC Venugopal said the meeting only discussed the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and not the Chief Minister’s post. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi were also present at the meeting. The party asked people not to believe in speculation. Rumours about leadership changes in Karnataka had been circulating for several days. Congress leaders said the focus remains on strengthening the party and preparing for the Rajya Sabha polls. (PC: PTI)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for parts of Himachal Pradesh for the next two days. Districts like Una, Kangra and Shimla may see temperatures rise by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius. Una recorded the highest temperature at 41.6 degrees Celsius. From May 28, a fresh Western Disturbance is expected to bring rain, snowfall, thunderstorms and hailstorms across the state. Strong winds may also hit high-altitude areas. The weather department advised people to stay hydrated and avoid heat exposure. Farmers were asked to protect crops from hail and strong winds. (PC: PTI)

A 45-year-old Indian woman from Gujarat was shot dead during a suspected robbery at a supermarket in Virginia, US, on May 23. The victim, Meghna Patel from Mehsana district’s Jantral village, had been working at the store for nearly 10 years. CCTV footage reportedly shows a masked gunman entering the nearly empty supermarket as a customer before shooting her at close range within seconds. The attacker allegedly continued firing before fleeing with items from the counter area. Patel’s family lives in both Gujarat and the US. Her death has triggered grief in her native village and among the Gujarati community in America.

The Central government on Tuesday constituted a high-level committee to examine the impact of illegal infiltration and other factors behind what it called “unnatural demographic change” in India. The panel, chaired by retired Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar, will assess demographic shifts linked to illegal immigration and analyse population changes among religious and social communities. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the issue was linked to national security, sovereignty and social stability. The committee will recommend planned and time-bound solutions. The move comes amid the Centre’s renewed push to identify and deport illegal infiltrators across the country. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has renewed efforts to expand the Abraham Accords as part of a broader Middle East peace plan, placing Pakistan under pressure over possible recognition of Israel. Pakistan has maintained that it will not recognise Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Pakistani Defence Minister Khwaja Asif said joining any agreement against Pakistan’s “fundamental ideologies” was unacceptable. Analysts say Saudi Arabia’s position could strongly influence Islamabad’s next move, as regional powers reassess ties with Israel under growing US diplomatic pressure. (PC: NDTV)

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced several welfare measures, including ₹5 fish-rice meals at around 400 canteens across the state twice a week. He also said forms for the Annapurna Yojana, which promises ₹3,000 monthly support for women, will be issued from May 27. Adhikari added that liquor shops will not be allowed within one kilometre of schools, colleges and places of worship. The chief minister also announced a separate AYUSH department for the state. Since taking office earlier this month, Adhikari has unveiled multiple policy changes and administrative decisions in West Bengal. (PC: HT)