The White House has dismissed Iranian state media reports claiming a draft US-Iran peace framework proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and withdrawing American troops from nearby regions. Calling the report a “complete fabrication,” the Trump administration denied any such memorandum of understanding existed. Iranian media had claimed the alleged deal included restoring commercial shipping through Hormuz within a month, lifting a naval blockade and coordinating ship traffic with Oman, while excluding military vessels. The framework reportedly omitted Iran’s nuclear programme. Meanwhile, negotiations remain tense despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said talks could continue for days, while President Trump warned military strikes could resume if diplomacy fails. (PC: X)

Mukulika Banerjee sparked debate after claiming in a podcast that poorer Indians pay a larger share of their income in taxes because of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. The London School of Economics academic argued that GST places a proportionally heavier burden on low-income households. However, several experts challenged the claim, pointing out that many essential daily-use items commonly consumed by poorer households are either exempt from GST or taxed at the lower 5% slab. The remarks triggered wider discussions on tax equity, indirect taxation and consumption patterns in India, with critics accusing Banerjee of oversimplifying the structure and real-world impact of India’s GST regime. (PC: LSE Website)

Violence erupted in Thiruvananthapuram after CPI(M) protesters allegedly attacked an Enforcement Directorate (ED) vehicle outside former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence during raids linked to the CMRL money laundering case. Demonstrators accused central agencies of politically motivated action against Left leaders. Police intervened after protesters surrounded the area and damaged the vehicle carrying ED officials. Several people were reportedly detained following the clashes. The raids targeted locations connected to Vijayan and individuals linked to the investigation. The incident has intensified political tensions between the BJP-led Centre and Kerala’s Left parties, triggering protests in different parts of the state. (PC: The Hindu)

Hyderabad-based IT professional and mountaineer Arun Kumar Tiwari died while descending Mount Everest after successfully summiting the peak. The 53-year-old had previously climbed mountains including Kilimanjaro, Denali and Kanchenjunga. His family decided not to recover his body from Everest’s dangerous “death zone,” citing his deep love for the mountains, spiritual beliefs, and the extreme risks involved in retrieval operations. Family members said Tiwari considered the Himalayas his true passion beyond his corporate career. The incident has highlighted the dangers of Everest expeditions, where several climbers have died during the 2026 climbing season. (PC: The Indian Express)

India has opened its first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter jet programme, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), to private companies in a historic defence sector shift. The Defence Ministry has shortlisted Tata Advanced Systems, the L&T-BEL-Dynamatic consortium and the Bharat Forge-BEML-Data Patterns consortium for the Rs 15,000 crore project. The selected partner will build five AMCA prototypes at a new facility in Andhra Pradesh with support from DRDO and ADA. The move marks the first time state-run HAL has been excluded from a major fighter aircraft programme, boosting India’s push for defence self-reliance and private-sector participation. (PC: NDTV)

Air India will reduce around 22% of its domestic flights from next month after already cutting 27% of international operations between June and August due to rising fuel costs. The airline said the temporary reduction was driven by the sustained impact of high jet fuel prices following the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Air India, which reported a record loss of over $2 billion in 2025-26, is also facing operational pressure from restrictions on using Pakistan’s airspace. The airline said affected passengers will be offered alternative flights, free date changes or full refunds during the temporary schedule rationalisation. (PC: X)

The Madhya Pradesh government on Wednesday told the High Court that injuries found on actor-model Twisha Sharma’s body were ante-mortem and may have occurred during a “scuffle or struggle” before her death. During the hearing on pleas seeking cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to former judge Giribala Singh, the state alleged that Twisha faced cruelty and dowry harassment from both her mother-in-law and husband Samarth Singh. The government said Twisha was taunted over inadequate dowry and faced disputes related to her pregnancy. It also accused Giribala Singh of not cooperating with the investigation despite police notices and visits to her residence. (PC: News18)

An Air India flight from Delhi to San Francisco returned to the national capital on Tuesday after developing a technical issue mid-air. Flight AI173, carrying around 230 passengers, remained airborne for more than eight hours before landing safely in Delhi. The aircraft reportedly turned back while flying through Chinese airspace after being in the air for over three hours. Air India said the plane would undergo technical inspection as per safety procedures. The airline added that passengers were being provided assistance, including refreshments, hotel accommodation and alternative travel arrangements. (PC: X)

Enforcement Directorate officials faced violent protests in Kerala on Wednesday after raids at properties linked to former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family in an alleged pay-off case. CPI(M) workers blocked and vandalised an ED vehicle, smashing its windshield while officials, including women officers, were inside. The raids were conducted at 10 locations, including Vijayan’s residence and properties linked to his daughter T Veena and son-in-law Mohammed Riyas. The case involves allegations that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd paid Rs 1.72 crore to Veena’s company without services being provided. The Kerala High Court recently refused to quash the ED investigation.

Hundreds of undocumented Bangladeshi nationals gathered near the Hakimpur check post in West Bengal’s North 24-Parganas district as the new BJP government intensified its action against illegal immigration. Many families carrying bags and blankets waited near the border hoping to return to Bangladesh before detention drives begin. The state government has announced plans to set up holding centres across districts under its “Detect, Delete and Deport” policy. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the government would act firmly against undocumented migrants. Police and BSF personnel have increased surveillance as authorities coordinate further action along the India-Bangladesh border. (The Telegraph)