Iran and Israel have announced a halt to attacks after exchanging fire for the first time since an April ceasefire. Iran launched around 30 missiles at Israel in response to an Israeli strike in Beirut, while Israel carried out air strikes on military targets in Iran. Iran said it had delivered a "painful response" and warned of stronger action if Israel attacks Lebanon again. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is holding fire for now but will respond to any future attacks. The pause came after US President Donald Trump urged both sides to stop fighting immediately. (PC: Reuters)

US federal court has ruled that the $100,000 fee imposed on new H-1B visa applications by President Donald Trump was unlawful. US District Judge Leo Sorokin made the decision in a case brought by 20 Democratic state attorneys general. The fee was introduced in September as part of efforts to reduce the hiring of foreign workers. The H-1B visa programme allows US companies to employ skilled foreign professionals, many of whom are from India. The court's ruling means the fee must be invalidated. The decision is expected to benefit employers and skilled workers seeking H-1B visas. (PC: Bloomberg)

At least 32 people were killed and more than 100 injured after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. Authorities reported widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings, landslides and damaged infrastructure, while nearly two dozen people remain missing. Around 10,000 residents were evacuated as tsunami alerts were issued across the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan and Australia, though several warnings were later lifted. General Santos City and Sarangani province were among the hardest-hit areas. More than 130 aftershocks followed the main quake. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordered an emergency response and suspended classes in affected regions as rescue operations continued.

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.

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.

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)

US President Donald Trump called on Israel and Iran to stop “shooting” after the two countries exchanged direct attacks for the first time since their April ceasefire. The escalation began after Iran launched missiles toward northern Israel, prompting Israeli air strikes on defence-related targets in western and central Iran.   The Israeli military said dozens of fighter jets participated in the operation, while Iran warned that the attacks marked “the beginning of a full week of continuous strikes.” In a later statement, Trump said both sides were “looking to do an immediate ceasefire.” The latest confrontation has raised fresh concerns about stability across the Middle East. (PC: BBC)

Tensions in the Middle East escalated on Monday after Iran launched missile attacks targeting Israel’s Nevatim and Tel Nof airbases, prompting Israeli retaliatory strikes on a petrochemical plant in Mahshahr and other locations in Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj and Tabriz, while Israel said its air defence systems intercepted several incoming missiles. Iran also closed the airspace around Tehran’s main international airport following the attacks. The latest exchange comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts and growing concerns that renewed hostilities between Iran and Israel could undermine negotiations aimed at preventing a wider regional conflict. (PC: NDTV)

A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern Philippines on June 8, killing at least eight people and injuring more than 200. The quake, centred near General Santos City, triggered tsunami warnings across the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia and several Pacific regions, prompting large-scale evacuations. Multiple aftershocks followed, including a magnitude 6.5 tremor. Buildings, including a shopping complex and a school, collapsed amid the shaking, while authorities reported structural damage across affected areas. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr suspended classes in parts of Mindanao and urged immediate evacuation from coastal zones. Airports, emergency services and disaster response teams remain on high alert as assessments continue.

A powerful earthquake measuring between 7.0 and 7.8 magnitude struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on June 8, triggering tsunami warnings across the Philippines, Indonesia and by the US Tsunami Warning System. Authorities urged coastal residents to move to higher ground as aftershocks continued. Initial reports indicated no deaths or major structural collapses, though minor damage, injuries, power outages and telecommunications disruptions were reported in parts of Sarangani province. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said the government was coordinating a rapid response. Indonesia detected small tsunami waves of 0.19 metres. Evacuations were underway in vulnerable coastal communities while officials continued damage assessments across affected regions.