Israel has launched extensive airstrikes across Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, resulting in over 100 fatalities, including children. The Israeli military stated the strikes targeted Hamas militants planting explosives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the attacks, citing Hamas's repeated refusal to release Israeli hostages and stalled ceasefire negotiations. The recent escalation threatens the fragile truce established in January, which had temporarily halted a conflict that began in October 2023 after a Hamas cross-border attack. The war has led to significant casualties and displacement in Gaza. International mediators are working to prevent further violence and address the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing blockade limiting essential supplies to Gaza.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon backed India’s bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, citing its vital role in the Indo-Pacific. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, he emphasized the need for a rules-based order and opposed hegemonic dominance in the region. Luxon praised India’s contributions to the Quad and highlighted growing defence cooperation. He reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to working with India for regional stability, economic partnerships, and maritime security. Luxon and PM Modi also discussed strengthening bilateral ties, emphasizing sovereignty, territorial integrity, and free navigation under international law.

Nagpur witnessed intense clashes after protests by Hindu groups demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra’s Sambhaji Nagar. The violence left 20 injured, including 15 police personnel, as vehicles were torched and stones pelted. Authorities imposed prohibitory orders and detained 17 people to curb the unrest. Police blamed rumours for escalating tensions and launched combing operations to identify those involved. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis urged citizens to remain calm, while opposition leaders criticized the government’s handling of the situation. Additional police forces were deployed to prevent further violence as security remained tight across the city.

New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon and Indian PM Narendra Modi shared a lighthearted cricket joke during their defense meeting in New Delhi. Luxon thanked Modi for not mentioning New Zealand’s loss to India in the 2025 Champions Trophy but jokingly reminded him of the Kiwis’ 3-0 Test series win in India. “Let’s avoid a major diplomatic incident,” Luxon quipped, making Modi burst into laughter. He also praised India’s cricket dominance, calling their Champions Trophy victory “heartbreaking” for New Zealand fans. The moment highlighted the strong ties between the two nations beyond politics and defense cooperation.

King Charles met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at Buckingham Palace in a symbolic show of support for Canada amid tensions with Donald Trump. The King, wearing a red tie, engaged in a private 30-minute conversation with Carney, who joked about his broken Order of Canada pin. While the King remains politically neutral, his recent gestures—including honoring Canada’s flag anniversary and wearing Canadian medals—highlight his commitment. Trump’s calls for Canada to become the 51st US state have sparked outrage among Canadians. Though he postponed a Canada visit due to illness, a trip is expected after Canada’s election.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally returning to Earth after spending nine months on the International Space Station. They were originally part of a short test mission on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, but technical issues kept them in space longer than planned. A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule will bring them home. Their journey back begins early Tuesday, with a scheduled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. NASA had to delay their return earlier due to weather concerns. After landing, they will undergo medical checks at NASA’s Johnson Space Center before resuming normal activities.

A road accident in Florida killed Pragathi Reddy (35), her six-year-old son, and her mother-in-law. Her husband, who was driving, survived with injuries. The family, originally from Tekulapalli village in Telangana, was returning from a weekend trip when a vehicle on the wrong route crashed into their car. Pragathi had moved to the US in 2012 for higher studies. Her father, Mohan Reddy, received the tragic news early Monday and plans to travel to the US. An eight-month-old baby in the car also survived. Authorities are investigating the accident.

Violent clashes broke out in Nagpur after protests demanding Aurangzeb's tomb’s removal. Stones were thrown, and vehicles were set on fire. At least 20 people, including 15 police officers, were injured. Authorities imposed Section 144 to control the situation. Police arrested 17 people and are reviewing CCTV footage. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis urged people to stay calm. Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari blamed rumours for the unrest. Opposition leaders criticised the government over law and order. Fire officials and police worked to restore peace. Additional forces were deployed to prevent further violence.

At least 40 people have died as tornadoes, wildfires, and dust storms hit several US states. Missouri was worst affected, with 12 deaths and hundreds of homes destroyed. Strong winds in Texas and Kansas caused dust storms, leading to fatal crashes. Oklahoma faced nearly 150 wildfires, killing at least four people. Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas also reported deaths. Over 320,000 people lost power, and states of emergency were declared in Arkansas, Georgia, and Oklahoma. President Trump said the National Guard was deployed to help. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe called the destruction “staggering.” Rescue efforts are ongoing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in New Delhi on Monday. He presented her with Ganga water from the Maha Kumbh, which drew over 660 million people. They discussed strengthening India-US security ties, including efforts to combat terrorism and enhance cybersecurity. Earlier, Gabbard met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who raised concerns about Khalistani activities. Gabbard, a practising Hindu, gifted PM Modi a Tulsi Mala. She is on a two-and-a-half-day visit to India, focusing on intelligence and defence cooperation. This is her second international visit since taking office.