US President Donald Trump has again criticised Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, saying she repeatedly asked to take photos with him during the G7 summit. Trump claimed Meloni wanted the pictures to help increase her popularity.   He also criticised Italy’s views on Iran and raised concerns about the country's role in Nato cooperation. Trump's comments have brought fresh attention to differences between the two leaders on international issues.   Meloni has not publicly replied to the remarks. The comments come as G7 countries work together on major global challenges, including security, defence and foreign policy. (PC: India Today)

At least five people were killed in Israeli air and drone strikes in southern Lebanon, despite a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. According to Lebanese media, the attacks targeted areas around Nabatieh, destroying homes and causing further casualties. The violence erupted only hours after a truce brokered with U.S. and Qatari involvement had come into effect. The latest escalation has raised concerns over the durability of the ceasefire and threatens wider diplomatic efforts, including stalled U.S.-Iran talks. Both sides have accused each other of violations, leaving the situation in southern Lebanon highly volatile. (PC: AP)

Thousands of members of Bangladesh’s Hindu community staged protests in Dhaka after an alleged desecration of an image of Lord Ram during demonstrations by Islamist groups. Protesters organized torchlight marches, raised religious slogans, and demanded the immediate arrest and punishment of those responsible. The demonstrations also highlighted concerns over the suspension of an 81-foot Lord Ram statue project in northern Bangladesh following reported threats from radical groups. Hindu organizations issued an ultimatum to authorities and warned of wider nationwide protests if action is not taken. The developments have intensified concerns over minority rights and religious tensions in the country. 

US President Donald Trump publicly praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as a "warrior" despite reports suggesting that American intelligence officials feared Netanyahu's actions could complicate or undermine efforts to secure a peace agreement with Iran. Trump defended the Israeli leader and reaffirmed strong US-Israel ties as negotiations aimed at ending months of regional conflict continued. The remarks came amid growing speculation about differences between Washington and Tel Aviv over strategy in the Middle East. The situation highlights the delicate balance between diplomatic efforts with Iran and continued support for Israel. (PC: X)

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has been reinstated following renewed diplomatic efforts by the United States, Qatar and Iran. The truce aims to ease tensions in Lebanon after recent clashes threatened wider regional stability. Meanwhile, US special envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Switzerland for negotiations with Iranian officials over a potential nuclear agreement. The talks are seen as crucial to transforming the current temporary arrangements into a lasting peace framework. Although some violence was reported shortly after the ceasefire began, officials hope the renewed truce will create conditions for successful diplomacy and broader de-escalation across the Middle East. (PC: AFP)

Planned talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland were abruptly cancelled after renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah heightened regional tensions. The negotiations were intended to advance a recently agreed framework aimed at addressing Iran's nuclear programme and promoting stability in the Middle East. US Vice President JD Vance withdrew from the meeting, while Iran reportedly sought assurances regarding the worsening situation in Lebanon. The setback has cast doubt over efforts to secure a lasting truce and raised fresh concerns about regional security, energy supplies and the future of diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran. (PC: Shutterstock)

Multiple people were injured after two trains collided near London on June 19, prompting a major emergency response. Police, firefighters and medical teams rushed to the scene to assist passengers and assess the extent of the damage. Authorities confirmed that several individuals sustained injuries, though no fatalities were immediately reported. Rail services in the affected area were disrupted as investigators began examining the cause of the collision. Officials urged commuters to expect delays and avoid unnecessary travel. The incident has renewed concerns over railway safety, with a full investigation underway to determine how the accident occurred.

A tense exchange erupted at a United Nations hearing on children affected by conflict when Israeli ambassador Danny Danon publicly confronted UN official Vanessa Frazier. The dispute followed UN reports that placed Israel on lists documenting alleged violations against children in conflict zones. Frazier defended the findings as being based on verified evidence and objected to personal attacks, while Danon accused UN officials of bias and sharply told her to “be quiet.” The confrontation highlighted growing friction between Israel and the UN over reports concerning Palestinian children and broader accountability issues in the ongoing regional conflict. 

US special envoy Steve Witkoff departed for another round of negotiations amid continuing tensions over Iran. President Donald Trump asserted that the United States had “wiped out everything” in Iran and claimed Tehran no longer possessed meaningful leverage. Trump also maintained that American military actions had severely weakened Iran and insisted the US held a dominant position in the conflict. The latest diplomatic push comes as Washington seeks progress on a broader agreement despite delays and uncertainty surrounding previous peace efforts. Regional tensions remain high, with developments involving Israel and the Strait of Hormuz continuing to influence negotiations and global energy concerns. (PC: AP)

Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi has reportedly been sentenced to 74 lashes, a two-year travel ban and a two-year restriction on artistic activities after performing without a hijab during her livestreamed “Caravanserai Concert” on YouTube in December 2024. The performance, featuring the patriotic anthem “Az Khoon-e Javanan-e Vatan,” attracted millions of views and triggered legal action by authorities in Iran’s Qom province. Rights groups and lawyers say Ahmadi was convicted over allegations of publishing “vulgar and immoral content” online. The ruling, reportedly based on court documents, has sparked global criticism from human rights advocates, academics and activists concerned about women’s rights, artistic freedom and expression.