British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that children under the age of 16 will be banned from using major social media platforms from spring 2027. The restriction will apply to TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and X, but messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal will be exempt. Starmer said he was "not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children" and called a full ban the right decision. The move follows growing concerns over online harms and pressure from bereaved families, while critics argue platforms should be made safer instead of introducing a blanket ban. (PC: BBC)

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 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)

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.  

The United States and Iran have announced a framework agreement aimed at ending months of conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. The deal is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland on Friday. US President Donald Trump said "oil will flow" once the agreement is completed, while Iran confirmed that a final deal had been reached. The understanding also includes a 60-day period to settle key issues, including Iran's nuclear programme and sanctions relief. However, several details, including the future status of the Strait of Hormuz, still need to be finalised. (PC: BBC)

A Yemeni daredevil popularly known as “Spider-Man” died after a risky stunt at a volcanic crater went tragically wrong. The incident occurred while he was attempting to descend into the crater, with videos of the accident later circulating online. According to reports, the stunt performer lost his footing and fell into the crater, suffering fatal injuries. He had gained popularity for performing extreme feats and adventurous climbs. The tragedy has sparked discussions about the dangers of high-risk stunts and the need for adequate safety measures during such activities.

The United States and Iran have reached a landmark peace agreement aimed at ending more than three months of conflict in the Middle East. Mediated by Pakistan, the deal calls for an immediate and permanent halt to military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon. An official signing ceremony is scheduled for June 19 in Geneva, Switzerland. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the agreement and announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. However, key issues, including Iran's nuclear programme, will be addressed during a 60-day period of further negotiations. (PC: Reuters)

All 12 people on board a skydiving aircraft were killed after the plane crashed near Butler Memorial Airport in the US state of Missouri on Sunday. Authorities said the aircraft was carrying one pilot and 11 skydivers when it went down shortly after take-off.   Videos from the scene showed thick smoke rising from the wreckage as emergency crews rushed to the crash site. Firefighters later brought the blaze under control, while officials described the scene as "brutal."   The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.  

British forces boarded a Russian "shadow fleet" oil tanker in the English Channel in a major operation ordered by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The vessel, named Smyrtos, was intercepted early on Sunday and searched by Royal Marines and law enforcement officers.   The six-hour operation involved helicopters, aircraft and Royal Navy ships. It was the first time a Russian shadow fleet vessel had been stopped in British waters.   Starmer said the action "delivers yet another blow to Russia" and sends a message to those supporting President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.   Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the UK for the operation.