New York City has renamed a proposed horse carriage ban bill as “Romanch’s Law” in memory of 18-year-old Indian student Romanch Mahajan. He died after falling from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park last week. Romanch jumped from the carriage while trying to help his mother after the horse suddenly bolted. At a memorial vigil, City Council member Christopher Marte announced the name change. The bill seeks to end horse-drawn carriage operations in the city by 2028. Romanch’s family has called for an immediate ban, saying public safety must come before tourism and business interests.

India has welcomed the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran after talks in Switzerland. Speaking at the BRICS National Security Advisers' Meeting, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval expressed “cautious optimism” about the agreement. He said the deal could improve global energy security and reduce supply chain disruptions. Doval also welcomed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it an important step for trade and navigation. He said the development could ease shortages of key goods such as fertilisers and chemicals. India hopes the agreement will support regional stability and economic growth.

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts from BRICS nations during the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting in New Delhi, focusing on regional security and strategic cooperation. Discussions with Iran’s Ghadir Nezamipour centered on developments in West Asia, India-Iran relations and cooperation under the BRICS framework. Doval also met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with both sides reviewing recent developments in bilateral relations and noting progress toward the gradual normalisation of India-China ties. The meetings highlighted India’s engagement on key geopolitical issues amid evolving regional and global security challenges.

A deadly explosion at Qatar’s Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City has claimed 13 lives, including 12 Indian nationals, while 66 people were injured and 18 remain missing. Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi described the blast as an industrial accident that occurred during efforts to restart the facility after months of shutdown. Search and rescue operations involving civil defence and security teams remain underway. The Barzan plant, a key component of Qatar’s energy infrastructure, supplies gas for electricity generation and water desalination. The Indian Embassy in Doha expressed condolences and solidarity with Qatar, while authorities confirmed that all injured individuals are receiving treatment and remain in stable condition.

Twelve Indian nationals were among 13 people killed in a major explosion at Qatar’s Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, the country’s main LNG production hub. Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi said 66 others were injured and are receiving treatment, with none in life-threatening condition.   Authorities described the blast as a technical accident and have launched an investigation into the cause. The explosion was felt across parts of Doha, more than 70 kilometres away. QatarEnergy said LNG export operations were not affected. The Indian Embassy in Doha expressed condolences and is coordinating with Qatari authorities to assist affected families and repatriate the bodies. (PC: India Today)

At least 13 people, including Indian and Pakistani nationals, were killed and 66 others injured in an explosion at Qatar's Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City. The blast occurred while workers were restarting operations that had been disrupted by earlier war-related damage. Qatar's Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi described the incident as a technical accident and said an investigation was underway. Authorities confirmed that LNG export operations remain unaffected and there is no environmental risk. The Indian Embassy in Doha expressed condolences and said it is working closely with Qatari authorities to assist those affected. (PC: India Today)

A statue of Maharishi Sushruta, widely regarded as the father of surgery, has been unveiled at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, Scotland. The event celebrated India’s ancient medical heritage and the long-standing links between India and Scotland in medicine. The statue was donated by the Cheruvu Family Foundation and created by a sculptor from Tamil Nadu. Sushruta is known for writing the ancient medical text Sushruta Samhita, which described several surgical techniques, including early plastic surgery. The ceremony was attended by medical experts, diplomats and dignitaries from India, the UK and the United States. (PC: X/ @IndiaInScotland)

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Pakistan could go to war if it believes India's actions threaten its water supply from the Indus river system. Speaking to local media, Asif said water security is a matter of national security for Pakistan. His remarks come amid rising tensions after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan has opposed the move and raised the issue at international forums. The treaty is important for Pakistan's agriculture and economy. The dispute has become a major point of tension between the two neighbouring countries.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will visit Mongolia on June 22–23 and South Korea on June 24–25 to strengthen India’s strategic, economic and technological partnerships. In Mongolia, he will meet the country’s leadership and Foreign Minister B. Battsetseg, focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation rooted in longstanding cultural and democratic ties. In South Korea, Jaishankar will hold talks with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and deliver the keynote address at the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity. Discussions are expected to cover semiconductors, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, supply-chain resilience, defence cooperation, CEPA implementation, and the India–Republic of Korea Joint Strategic Vision roadmap. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has threatened war against India over water security after New Delhi reaffirmed that the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty remains unchanged following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Speaking to ARY News, Asif said Pakistan would consider military action if it believed India was moving at an “alarming speed” to disrupt water supplies. He accused India of “weaponising water” but admitted lacking updated information. The remarks come amid Pakistan’s worsening domestic water crisis, with severe shortages affecting Sindh and Balochistan. Official data shows major canal deficits, while local leaders warn of an escalating economic and agricultural catastrophe nationwide.