Dubai has announced the return of its "Our Flexible Summer" initiative, allowing many government employees to enjoy a four-day work week during the peak summer months. Beginning June 29, participating government entities will adopt flexible schedules, with some employees receiving Fridays off, creating a three-day weekend. The programme, now in its third year, aims to improve employee well-being, enhance work-life balance, and maintain productivity during the intense summer heat. Authorities said departments may also implement flexible hours and remote work arrangements based on operational needs, reflecting Dubai's continued focus on modern, employee-friendly workplace policies. 

At least 164 people have died and nearly 1,000 have been injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, triggering more than 30 aftershocks that continue to threaten rescue efforts. Authorities fear the death toll could rise as thousands remain trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said emergency teams are working across the worst-hit areas while schools, courts and the country's main airport remain closed. International rescue teams and humanitarian aid are arriving from several countries, including the US, France and Germany. Experts warned that ongoing aftershocks have made search and rescue operations extremely dangerous. (PC: HT)

Global oil prices have fallen to their lowest levels since before the Iran conflict, as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz gradually returns to normal. Brent crude briefly dropped below $72.50 a barrel after the US and Iran agreed to begin negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. More oil tankers and cargo ships are now passing through the key trade route following initial peace talks and partial easing of US sanctions on Iranian oil exports. Despite lower crude prices, fuel costs remain high in several countries, prompting calls for energy companies to pass on savings to consumers. (PC: BBC)

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) are facing growing shortages of food, fuel and medicines as anti-government protests continue across the region. Local residents, truck drivers and opposition leaders have alleged that Pakistani authorities are restricting the movement of essential supplies to weaken the protest movement. Pakistan has denied imposing any blockade, saying supplies are continuing. The unrest began over a dispute involving reserved legislative seats and has led to widespread shutdowns, transport disruptions and clashes. Reports indicate thousands have joined protests, while rescue and relief efforts remain affected by the ongoing disruption to supply chains. (PC: India Today)

King Charles met exiled Afghan women cricketers at Clarence House in London, expressing support for athletes forced to flee Afghanistan after the Taliban banned women from sports and education. The players, now based mainly in Australia, are in England for exhibition matches during the Women's T20 World Cup. The King praised their determination, saying he was glad they could continue pursuing cricket. Players said the meeting was a powerful message of hope for Afghan women still living under Taliban restrictions. The team continues to seek official recognition while raising awareness of the challenges faced by women in Afghanistan.  

Twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela within 39 seconds, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 700. The powerful tremors caused widespread destruction in the capital, Caracas, and the coastal state of La Guaira, collapsing buildings, damaging roads, and forcing thousands to flee into the streets. Rescue teams continued searching through the rubble overnight as aftershocks rattled the region. Authorities declared a state of emergency, while the US Geological Survey warned the final death toll could rise significantly. Survivors described the devastation as "like a horror movie" as families waited anxiously for missing loved ones. (PC: India Today)

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within minutes on Wednesday evening, triggering panic and visible destruction across parts of the country. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the first quake measured 7.2 magnitude and was centred west of Morón, about 168 km from Caracas, at a depth of 13 km. Just one minute later, a stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit the same region at a depth of 10 km. Social media videos showed residents fleeing swaying buildings, collapsed walls, debris-covered streets and dust clouds rising over neighbourhoods. Some structures suffered severe damage, exposing building interiors. The earthquakes rank among the strongest recorded in Venezuela in more than a century.

Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck western Venezuela within seconds on June 24, triggering widespread panic, structural collapses and emergency rescue operations. The epicentres were located near Morón, about 160 kilometres west of Caracas. Authorities reported damage to residential buildings, roads and airport infrastructure, while hospitals were placed on alert. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency, identified six worst-hit regions and appointed General Juan Ernesto Sulbarán Quintero to lead the military response. Venezuela’s main international airport was temporarily closed due to serious damage. At least 20 aftershocks followed, while the USGS warned of potentially significant casualties and economic losses.

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) is facing severe shortages of food, fuel and medicines amid escalating anti-government protests and a region-wide shutdown led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Residents, opposition groups and local reports allege Pakistani authorities are restricting the movement of essential supplies into the territory to suppress dissent, a claim Islamabad denies. The unrest centres on disputed legislative assembly seats reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir, with protesters accusing Islamabad of political interference. Clashes have reportedly left 58 people dead. Residents across Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Rawalakot, Bagh and Neelum Valley report worsening shortages, while some allege police blocked vehicles carrying food, medicines and fuel into POK. (PC: PTI)                           

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has strengthened his influence within the Democratic Party after three candidates he endorsed won key congressional primaries in New York. Brad Lander and community activist Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated incumbent Democratic lawmakers, while state assemblywoman Claire Valdez beat an establishment-backed rival. Mamdani, a democratic socialist who shocked political observers by winning New York City's mayoral race last year, campaigned for all three candidates. Their victories highlight growing support among some Democratic voters for progressive policies such as affordable housing, government-funded healthcare and higher taxes on the wealthy. The results are expected to intensify debate over the future direction of the Democratic Party ahead of November's midterm elections. (PC: BBC)