Oman has announced a temporary maritime corridor for vessels transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz after coordinating with the International Maritime Organization. According to Oman's state news agency, ships wishing to use the corridor must coordinate with the IMO and follow navigation coordinates issued jointly by the organisation and Omani authorities. The initiative is designed to maintain safe passage and ensure uninterrupted freedom of navigation through one of the world's most important energy shipping routes. Oman said the measure aligns with international maritime law and the law of the sea, guaranteeing navigation rights while prohibiting the imposition of transit fees on vessels. (PC: The Hindu)

West Bengal is moving closer to merging tiger habitats in the South 24-Parganas forest division with the Sundarban Tiger Reserve, a proposal already cleared by the National Board for Wildlife and the National Tiger Conservation Authority. The merger awaits a state notification, pending for nearly a year. Forest Minister Manoj Oraon said efforts would be made to expedite the process. Once implemented, the reserve will expand from over 2,500 sq km to more than 3,600 sq km, becoming India’s second-largest tiger reserve after Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. Officials and conservationists believe unified administration, stronger protection, higher funding, better staff incentives, and reduced human interference will significantly strengthen tiger conservation across south Bengal. (PC: fra.animalia-life.club)

U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized the Senate after it passed a bipartisan resolution aimed at restricting further military action against Iran without congressional approval. Calling the vote “poorly timed and meaningless,” Trump argued that lawmakers had made his efforts on Iran more difficult, especially as his administration pursues negotiations and a broader agreement with Tehran. The resolution passed 50-48, with four Republican senators joining Democrats in support, marking a rare congressional rebuke of presidential war powers. While the measure is largely symbolic and may not have immediate legal impact, it reflects growing concern in Congress over executive authority in military conflicts and highlights divisions within the Republican Party over Trump’s Iran policy. (PC: AP)

England and Ghana played out a tense 0-0 draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L encounter, with late drama dominating the closing stages. England thought they had secured victory when a stoppage-time goal found the net, but celebrations were cut short after the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Both teams created chances throughout the match, yet neither could break the deadlock. The result leaves Group L finely balanced heading into the final round of fixtures, with qualification hopes still alive for multiple teams. England and Ghana will now look to secure knockout-stage places in their decisive upcoming matches. (PC: AP)

The U.S. Senate voted 50-48 to approve a war powers resolution directing President Donald Trump to halt military action against Iran without explicit congressional authorization. The measure, supported by four Republican senators alongside most Democrats, marks the first time both chambers of Congress have passed a resolution ordering a president to remove U.S. forces from ongoing hostilities under the 1973 War Powers Act. Although the resolution is largely symbolic and faces opposition from the White House, which calls it unconstitutional, it reflects growing bipartisan concern over executive war powers and the unpopular conflict that began in February 2026. (PC: X)

Mumbai's long-awaited southwest monsoon finally arrived on June 24, ending a 13-day delay from its usual onset date. While the rains brought relief from intense heat and humidity, they also caused severe waterlogging across several parts of the city. Flooded roads, stranded vehicles, and traffic disruptions were reported near Saki Naka, Andheri, and other low-lying areas. Authorities closed the Everard Nagar subway and restricted access to heavily inundated zones. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued weather alerts as heavy rainfall is expected to continue. Civic officials and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) remain on high alert to manage flooding and ensure commuter safety.

A shocking murder investigation in Pune has revealed that a businessman allegedly ignored several warning signs before his death at a historic fort. Police claim his fiancée first attempted to kill him during an earlier trip, but the effort failed. Days later, she allegedly lured him to a 400-foot cliff at a fort and pushed him to his death. Investigators say the accused carefully planned the crime and attempted to make it appear accidental. Authorities have arrested the woman and are examining motives, including possible financial and personal disputes. The case has sparked widespread public attention due to its dramatic and disturbing details.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), in coordination with Oman and regional partners, has begun a large-scale operation to evacuate more than 11,000 seafarers stranded aboard hundreds of ships in the Persian Gulf following months of disruption linked to the Iran-U.S. conflict. The plan focuses on safely guiding vessels through the Strait of Hormuz after a ceasefire reduced immediate security risks. Temporary navigation routes will be used because standard shipping lanes remain unsafe due to hazards such as floating mines and collision risks. Ships will be evacuated in phases, with authorities assigning specific transit schedules to ensure a controlled and secure operation. (PC: Reuters)

Croatia secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match in Toronto, keeping their knockout-stage hopes alive while eliminating Panama from the tournament. Substitute Ante Budimir scored the decisive goal in the 54th minute, converting a cross from Josip Stanišić after a clever attacking move. Panama created several chances and pushed hard for an equaliser, but Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković produced key saves to preserve the lead. The match also marked a historic milestone for captain Luka Modrić, who made his 200th appearance for Croatia. The win moves Croatia back into contention ahead of a decisive final group-stage fixture. (PC: Reuters)

Cristiano Ronaldo created football history by becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups as Portugal defeated Uzbekistan 5-0 in Houston. The 41-year-old opened the scoring in the sixth minute and added a second goal before halftime. His latest goals came in his sixth World Cup appearance, spanning tournaments from 2006 to 2026. Ronaldo now stands alone in achieving the milestone, ahead of Lionel Messi, who has played in six World Cups but did not score in every edition. Portugal secured their first win of the tournament, with Nuno Mendes, Joao Felix and Rafael Leao also finding the net. (PC: X)