India on Tuesday summoned senior Iranian diplomats, including the Deputy Ambassador, to protest the death of an Indian sailor killed in a strike on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the attack and urged Iran to ensure the safety of Indian nationals and merchant vessels operating in the region. The diplomatic move comes as tensions in the Gulf continue to rise, threatening one of the world's busiest shipping routes. India also called for restraint and stressed the need to protect civilian lives and maintain the security of international maritime navigation. (PC: India Today)

Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah’s government is facing mounting public anger after 25-year-old Ganesh Nepali died following self-immolation triggered by a confrontation with Kathmandu Metropolitan security guards. The incident has united anti-Balen groups and intensified criticism of the government’s handling of policing and displacement. Protesters, including former Gen Z supporters, accused authorities of mistreating vulnerable citizens after nearly 1,000 families displaced during an anti-encroachment drive were allegedly left without promised rehabilitation. Law student Majjid Ansari was among those detained during demonstrations. Two more self-immolation attempts followed. After the government promised an inquiry, compensation, employment for Nepali’s wife and educational support for his children, his family agreed to perform his funeral. (PC: The Indian Express)

US President Donald Trump claimed Iran’s military had been devastated by recent US-Israeli strikes, asserting its navy, air force, air defences and senior leadership had been eliminated. Trump also said Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was “90% gone”, referring to reports that he is recovering from injuries sustained in an airstrike. Trump announced the reinstatement of an “Iranian blockade”, declared the US the “Guardian of the Hormuz Strait”, and proposed a 20% reimbursement on cargo transiting the waterway. Iran rejected the claims, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisting Tehran has always safeguarded the Strait and dismissing Washington’s proposal. (PC: CNN)

Ukraine and nine European countries have agreed to build a shared ballistic missile defence system to improve regional security. The announcement was made at a meeting in Paris attended by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. The coalition aims to protect Europe from growing missile threats and will use Ukraine's experience from the war with Russia. Other countries can join the initiative in the future. Zelenskyy also called for stronger air defences for Ukraine before winter. Russia criticised the plan, calling it a hostile move. The new alliance shows Europe's continued support for Ukraine during the war.

US judge has cancelled a legal settlement between President Donald Trump and the Internal Revenue Service. The agreement had protected Trump from future tax audits and included plans for a $1.8 billion anti-weaponisation fund. Judge Kathleen Williams ruled that the lawsuit was filed for an improper purpose. She also referred one of Trump's lawyers for a possible ethics investigation. The ruling prevents those involved from using the settlement in future legal cases. It also allows the IRS to carry out future tax audits if needed. Trump's legal team said the case was about protecting private tax information. (PC: Getty Images)

Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump's proposal to charge a 20% fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Iran has always protected the waterway and should be recognised for keeping it safe. However, he called the proposed 20% fee too high and said Iran would be fair. Trump said the US would act as the guardian of the strait and collect the fee to cover security costs. The exchange comes as tensions remain high over shipping and regional security in the Gulf.

US President Donald Trump announced the reimposition of what he called an "Iranian blockade", saying Washington would assume responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz and seek a 20 per cent reimbursement fee on all cargo transiting the strategic waterway. The announcement followed Trump's earlier statement that the United States would "take control" of the Strait and become its "Guardian". The move marks a sharp escalation in US rhetoric amid intensifying military tensions with Iran following days of exchanges in the Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes, carrying a significant share of global energy shipments through the region daily.

Iran has suspended implementation of its memorandum of understanding with the United States, accusing Washington of violating a ceasefire agreement and ruling out a second round of talks in Islamabad. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said bilateral relations had entered a period of uncertainty, blaming the US for failing to honour its commitments. Tehran defended its recent military actions as self-defence and criticised US operations in the Strait of Hormuz, alleging they had worsened regional insecurity. While insisting it remains committed to ensuring safe maritime navigation, Iran accused Washington of escalating tensions through its military presence. The dispute follows renewed hostilities after attacks on commercial vessels near the Hormuz. (PC: X)

At least 28 people were killed and 71 were injured after a fire broke out at a bar in Bangkok late on Sunday. Officials said 25 people are in critical condition. The fire started near the stage and spread quickly, filling the building with thick smoke. Many victims were found in a bathroom where they had tried to escape the flames. Early reports suggest an electrical fault in an air conditioner may have caused the fire, but the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have promised a full inquiry. The tragedy has raised fresh concerns about fire safety in Thailand.

A large wildfire continues to burn in the Fontainebleau forest, about 60 km south-east of Paris. The fire has destroyed around 800 hectares of land and forced the partial closure of a major highway. Firefighters are working for a second day to control the flames. Planes and helicopters have been sent to help. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the fire may have been started on purpose after officials found several ignition points. France is facing its third heatwave this year. Hot weather and dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfires across the country.