The family of Indian sailor Nishanth Uirthanathan has appealed for justice and the early return of his mortal remains after his death aboard MT Celestial in Oman. The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) alleged that delays in medical evacuation and assistance contributed to the tragedy. The union also claimed that the sailor's body is still on the vessel, raising concerns over the handling of the case. The Indian Embassy in Muscat is coordinating with Omani authorities for the repatriation process. The incident has renewed concerns over the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers working in conflict-hit regional waters. (PC: India Today)

The United States and Iran are set to sign a peace agreement in Switzerland on June 19 after a breakthrough mediated by Pakistan. The framework includes an immediate halt to military operations, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a 60-day negotiation period for a broader settlement. The agreement has received support from the UN and several world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, Israel has strongly opposed the deal, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calling it "bad for Israel" and insisting the country will maintain a hard-line security policy in Lebanon and continue efforts against Iran's nuclear ambitions. (PC: HT)

A powerful dust storm swept across Delhi-NCR on Monday, reducing visibility and disrupting normal life as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning for thunderstorms, rain and strong winds. The weather department said wind speeds   reach up to 50-60 kmph in several parts of the region. Residents were advised to stay indoors during severe weather and avoid taking shelter under trees or weak structures. The sudden change in weather brought relief from the intense heat but also raised concerns over traffic disruptions and possible damage. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation.  

A wheelchair-bound Japan supporter has won global admiration after being seen collecting rubbish in the stands following Japan's FIFA World Cup Group F match against the Netherlands. The fan joined fellow Japanese supporters in cleaning the stadium, continuing a tradition that has become a symbol of the country's sportsmanship. The heartwarming moment came after an exciting 2-2 draw, where Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville scored for the Netherlands, while Keito Nakamura and Daichi Kamada struck for Japan, with Kamada netting a dramatic late equaliser. The viral gesture was widely praised as an example of respect, responsibility and civic pride.

Global oil prices dropped sharply on Monday after Pakistan announced a framework agreement between the US and Iran that could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route. Brent crude fell 4.3% to $83.55 a barrel, while US crude slipped 4.9% to $80.74. US President Donald Trump welcomed the development, posting "let the oil flow!", while Iran also confirmed that a deal had been finalised. However, analysts warned that uncertainty remains, as clearing the waterway and restoring normal oil shipments could take several weeks or even months.  

A dispute over Iran's frozen assets has emerged as a key hurdle in the proposed US-Iran peace agreement. Iranian state-linked Mehr news agency claimed Washington would release $12 billion before negotiations begin and a total of $24 billion during a 60-day negotiation period. However, US officials denied any upfront payment, saying the funds would only be released after Iran fulfils its commitments. The disagreement has added uncertainty to the broader peace framework, which also includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and talks on Iran's nuclear programme. The reported memorandum has not yet been officially confirmed by either side. (PC: HT)

FIFA will pay Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan his full World Cup fee despite him being denied entry into the United States and missing the tournament. Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup, was stopped at Miami airport and declared "inadmissible due to vetting concerns" by US authorities. The 34-year-old was later sent back to Somalia, where he received a hero's welcome. FIFA said immigration decisions are made by host nations, but confirmed that Artan will still receive his full tournament payment. (PC: India Today)

The United States and Iran have reportedly agreed on a 14-point framework aimed at ending hostilities and restoring stability in the Middle East. According to the proposed memorandum, the Strait of Hormuz will reopen, US sanctions on Iranian oil will be eased and billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets could be released. The draft also includes a 60-day roadmap for negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme and a reconstruction package for the country. While both sides have signalled support for the agreement, several key issues, including the final terms of sanctions relief and nuclear commitments, remain to be settled before a formal deal is signed. (PC: The Indian Express)

Google CEO Sundar Pichai faced protests during Stanford University's graduation ceremony as more than 100 students walked out, waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans while he delivered the commencement address. The demonstration was organised by pro-Palestinian student groups opposing Google's involvement in Project Nimbus, a cloud computing contract with the Israeli government. Despite the disruption, Pichai continued his speech and urged graduates to "choose optimism" while avoiding any direct comment on the protest. After leaving the ceremony, many demonstrators attended a separate "People's Commencement" event organised by activists.  

A major political split has hit the Trinamool Congress after 20 rebel Lok Sabha MPs announced their merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) and declared support for the NDA. The dissident MPs have also approached Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking separate seating arrangements in Parliament. The move is seen as a strategy to avoid immediate legal hurdles under the anti-defection law while creating a new political bloc. The development could significantly alter the parliamentary strength of the NDA and deepen the crisis within the Trinamool Congress. (PC: India Today)