The United States and Iran have reportedly agreed to "stand down" after days of military exchanges and rising tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz. According to a US official, commercial vessels will once again be able to move freely through the strategic waterway, while renewed diplomatic talks aimed at ending the conflict will continue. The latest clashes followed accusations of ceasefire violations by both sides, with strikes targeting commercial shipping and military bases. Iran has not officially confirmed the reported agreement. The situation remains fragile as efforts continue to preserve regional stability and prevent further escalation. (PC: BBC)

Indian-origin executive Shankh Mitra has become the world's second-highest paid CEO among S&P 500 companies after receiving a compensation package worth $821 million (around ₹7,061 crore) in 2025. The Welltower CEO ranks behind only Elon Musk, according to The Wall Street Journal. Born in India, Mitra graduated in engineering from Jadavpur University before earning an MBA from Columbia Business School. Nearly 99% of his compensation is linked to long-term stock awards tied to the company's future performance. His rise from Kolkata to leading a major US healthcare real estate firm has drawn global attention. (PC: Mint)

A 26-year-old junior doctor at the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (IMS-BHU), was found dead in his hostel room in Varanasi on Monday. The deceased, Ritwik Kundu from Hooghly, West Bengal, was pursuing his residency in the Department of Anaesthesiology. Police suspect he died after administering an overdose of anaesthesia drugs through an IV drip, though the exact cause will be confirmed after the post-mortem and forensic examination. A handwritten note apologising to his parents and requesting that no one be blamed was recovered. Police have launched an investigation into the case. (PC: India Today)

Search and rescue teams continue to arrive in Venezuela following the devastating back-to-back earthquakes that struck on Wednesday, but hopes of finding more survivors are fading. Officials say at least 1,450 people have died, and the toll is expected to rise as thousands remain missing. A missing persons website now lists more than 46,000 names. Outside hospitals in Caracas, walls are covered with photos of loved ones still unaccounted for. Rescue efforts are being slowed by a shortage of heavy machinery, while some survivors say government support has been inadequate. Rescue workers are now hoping for rare "miracle rescues" after the critical 96-hour survival window passed. (PC: BBC)

The United States and Iran have agreed to avoid further military escalation following recent tensions, while technical-level nuclear talks are set to continue in Doha, Qatar. Officials from both sides described the discussions as constructive, with negotiators focusing on the technical details needed to revive diplomatic engagement. Although major differences remain, the decision to continue talks has raised hopes of easing tensions after weeks of conflict and military exchanges. Mediators from Qatar and Oman are facilitating the dialogue. Both Washington and Tehran said diplomacy remains the preferred path despite unresolved disagreements over sanctions, uranium enrichment and regional security. (PC: The Indian Express)

Pakistan has been accused of carrying out "double-tap" strikes on homes and mosques in Afghanistan, with rescuers reportedly killed when they rushed to help victims after the initial attacks. According to reports, the first airstrikes hit civilian areas, while follow-up strikes targeted the same locations minutes later, causing more casualties among emergency responders and residents. Afghan officials and rights groups said the attacks killed dozens, including children. Pakistan has maintained that its operations targeted militant hideouts and denied intentionally striking civilians. The allegations have sparked fresh concerns over civilian safety and the conduct of cross-border military operations. (PC: NDTV)

The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 1,450, while tens of thousands of people are still feared missing. Rescue teams say many collapsed buildings have not yet been searched because of limited manpower and equipment. The powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes hit less than a minute apart during a national holiday, trapping thousands inside homes. Aid agencies say the first 48 to 72 hours are critical for saving lives, though survivors may still be found later. Concerns are also growing over the speed and coordination of the government's disaster response as rescue efforts continue. (PC: BBC)

Democratic Republic of Congo's most famous football supporter, Michel Kuka Mboladinga, missed his country's historic first FIFA World Cup victory after being denied a US visa. Known as the "90-minute standing superfan" for remaining on his feet throughout every match, Mboladinga was unable to travel for DR Congo's crucial clash against Uzbekistan. The African nation secured a memorable 3-1 win to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Mboladinga had become a global fan favourite for his unique support and colourful appearance, making his absence from one of the country's biggest football moments especially emotional. (PC: X)

Fresh military strikes between the United States and Iran have placed a fragile interim peace agreement at risk, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait after U.S. strikes on Iranian military sites, while Washington warned of severe consequences if hostilities continue. The renewed violence has intensified concerns over security in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. Ongoing disputes over sanctions, Iran's nuclear programme, and maritime control have stalled negotiations, with mediators struggling to preserve the ceasefire and prevent further escalation. (PC: AFP)

A civilian aircraft carrying a group of skydivers crashed shortly after takeoff near the town of Tomblaine, close to Nancy in eastern France, on Sunday, killing all 11 people on board. The victims included the pilot, five instructors, and five first-time skydiving students. Authorities said the German-registered aircraft appeared to suffer damage before plunging to the ground near a shopping centre, though no one on the ground was injured. Emergency teams rushed to the scene, while psychological support was provided to victims' families. French investigators have launched an inquiry to determine the cause of the deadly crash. (PC: X)