The United States has renamed its Indo-Pacific Command back to the US Pacific Command, a move that has sparked debate in India about Washington’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific strategy and the Quad partnership. The Pentagon said the change restores the command’s historic name, while its area of responsibility remains unchanged.   The decision comes ahead of a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit. Indian diplomats and strategic experts view the move as a sign of changing US priorities, particularly toward China. Some analysts believe it reflects a broader reassessment of US engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. (PC: HT)

Growing concerns are emerging over the future of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound as Israeli nationalist groups increasingly challenge long-standing rules governing the site. The compound, known to Muslims as Al-Haram al-Sharif and to Jews as the Temple Mount, is one of the holiest places in both religions.   Under the decades-old Status Quo arrangement, non-Muslims may visit the site but are not allowed to pray there. However, some Israeli politicians and activists have openly prayed at the compound and called for greater Jewish control. Palestinian, Jordanian and international officials warn that any change could trigger serious regional tensions and threaten stability in Jerusalem. (PC: BBC)

The United States and Iran are set to launch a two-month round of peace negotiations beginning June 19, after agreeing to a framework aimed at ending more than 100 days of conflict. The talks, scheduled to formally commence in Switzerland, will focus on unresolved issues including Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief. The agreement extends the ceasefire for 60 days and could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and restoration of oil exports. Despite optimism surrounding the breakthrough, analysts caution that major challenges remain before a lasting peace can be secured. (PC: Reuters)

At the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, European leaders urged U.S. President Donald Trump to help revive stalled peace efforts by hosting direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump acknowledged the deep hostility between the two leaders but said he would do what he could to advance negotiations. Zelenskyy sought stronger U.S. engagement and support as Ukraine faces continued Russian attacks. European nations are also considering additional sanctions on Moscow while pressing for renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war.

At the G7 summit, U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s continued strikes in Lebanon, calling the bombardment excessive and urging greater restraint. During talks with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Trump warned that Israel’s actions could jeopardize the emerging U.S.-Iran peace agreement. Declaring “there would be no Israel without me,” Trump emphasized Washington’s support while pressing Netanyahu to act more responsibly. The remarks highlight growing tensions between the two allies as diplomatic efforts intensify to secure regional stability and prevent further escalation. (PC: HT)

The United States moved about 90 million barrels of oil out of the Gulf during the Strait of Hormuz crisis. The operation started in early May. It used ship-to-ship transfers near the coasts of the UAE and Oman. More than 90 ships took part. Tankers met at sea and transferred oil to larger carriers. Some ships switched off transponders and dimmed lights to avoid risks. Drones and military support helped protect the operation. Reuters reported that a US Army Apache helicopter linked to the mission was shot down on June 9. A US-Iran peace deal may reopen the strait soon. (PC: REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo)

US President Donald Trump sharply criticised Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, saying the conflict has caused excessive civilian casualties and prolonged instability. Speaking during a meeting with Qatar’s Emir on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, Trump said Syria could do a better job of dealing with Hezbollah if Israel “cannot do the job without killing everyone else.” He also revealed that he had objected to Israel’s recent strike on Beirut, warning that such actions risk undermining broader regional diplomacy, including efforts to revive peace talks with Iran. Trump stressed that civilian lives must be protected during military operations.

Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said Israel does not trust Pakistan, citing what he described as “terrible anti-Semitic statements” against Israel. Speaking at the Greater West Asia Forum in New Delhi, Azar said countries seeking to join the Abraham Accords must first recognize Israel’s legitimacy and historical connection to the region. He also raised concerns over Hezbollah and Iran, calling for continued international pressure on Tehran. Highlighting India’s growing influence in West Asia, Azar said stronger regional stability could unlock significant economic opportunities and deepen cooperation across the region. (Photo: X)

A nine-year-old Australian girl was killed and her father and brother seriously injured after Pakistani police mistakenly opened fire on their vehicle in Punjab's Chakwal district. Authorities said officers from the Punjab Police Elite Force wrongly believed the family’s rental car was being used by armed robbery suspects and opened fire during a chaotic pursuit. The victim, Hania Ahmed from Perth, died at the scene, while her father and 11-year-old brother were hospitalised with severe injuries. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for a transparent investigation. The officer involved has been detained as authorities continue their inquiry into the tragedy.  

H-1B visa applicants are increasingly facing a challenging question during US visa interviews: “Why can’t an American do this job?” Immigration attorneys say the trend reflects renewed scrutiny of foreign worker visas and a stronger focus on protecting American jobs. The questioning echoes policies introduced under President Donald Trump’s “Buy American, Hire American” initiative. Lawyers advise applicants to clearly explain their specialised skills, experience, and the unique value they bring to their roles. The heightened scrutiny is particularly affecting professionals in technology, IT consulting, and engineering sectors, where H-1B visas remain a key source of skilled talent. (PC: India Today)