US Vice President JD Vance said Washington and Tehran are close to reaching a nuclear agreement, although unresolved issues remain regarding Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and uranium enrichment activities. Speaking to reporters, Vance said negotiations were still underway and described the talks as “not there yet”, while adding the United States could significantly set back Iran’s nuclear programme if necessary. According to Reuters sources, the US and Iran also agreed to extend their ceasefire and ease restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, pending approval from President Donald Trump. Vance said discussions continue over specific language in the proposed memorandum of understanding, with both sides still negotiating key provisions before any formal signing. (PC: X)

Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket exploded during a hotfire static test at Launch Complex-36 in Cape Canaveral, Florida, sending massive flames and smoke across the launch pad. The incident occurred while engineers were testing propulsion systems ahead of a planned mission carrying 48 Amazon Leo broadband satellites into low-Earth orbit. Blue Origin confirmed an “anomaly” during the test and said all personnel were safely accounted for. Founder Jeff Bezos called it a “very rough day” and vowed the company would rebuild and resume operations. NASA said it is assessing possible impacts on Artemis and Moon Base programmes. Industry experts warned the blast and possible launch pad damage could significantly delay Blue Origin’s lunar mission ambitions.

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa delivered a major statement at Norway Chess 2026 by defeating world No.1 Magnus Carlsen in round three, earning three full points in a tense classical contest. The victory lifted Praggnanandhaa to sole second place with 4.5 points, behind tournament leader Alireza Firouzja, who stands at 7.5 points. The win continues Praggnanandhaa’s impressive rise after strong performances in Bucharest and marks another classical victory over Carlsen following his breakthrough success at Norway Chess 2024. Meanwhile, reigning world champion D Gukesh endured another setback, losing to Firouzja in Armageddon after a marathon classical draw. Praggnanandhaa later described defeating Carlsen as a “really big win” and admitted feeling fortunate.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised India’s strong support for Israel, saying the country shows “absolutely crazy love” for Israel at a time when many nations criticise it globally. Speaking at a conference in the West Bank, Netanyahu highlighted India’s growing importance in Israel’s diplomatic outreach and noted his large Indian follower base. His remarks follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s February 2026 visit to Jerusalem, where both nations upgraded ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity”. India and Israel agreed to expand cooperation across artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, semiconductors, defence, biotechnology, agriculture, fintech, water management and space technology, while also exploring integration between India’s UPI and Israel’s payment system.

Amid a crackdown on illegal immigration in West Bengal, hundreds of Bangladeshi migrants are gathering near border points, revealing how organised middlemen networks allegedly enabled illegal entry into India. Migrants described crossing rivers or slipping through “patrolling gaps” identified by dalals, sometimes within 10 minutes, after paying agents between Rs 2,000 and Rs 20,000. Several claimed forged Aadhaar, voter and ration cards were arranged with political assistance, while some accessed welfare schemes and voted in India. Authorities have intensified monitoring along the India-Bangladesh border as migrants voluntarily return fearing detention or deportation. The testimonies highlight an alleged ecosystem involving traffickers, forged documentation networks, welfare misuse and border-security vulnerabilities nationwide. (PC: India Today)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has directed the Israeli military to take control of 70 percent of the Gaza Strip, marking a significant escalation despite the ceasefire in effect since October. Speaking at a conference in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces currently control around 60 percent of Gaza, up from 50 percent earlier. Israel says its operations aim to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and weaken the group’s capabilities. According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 900 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire began. Israel also claimed it killed Mohammed Odeh, the latest head of Hamas’s armed wing, while Defence Minister Israel Katz reiterated plans to dismantle Hamas rule in Gaza.

US and Iranian negotiators have reached a tentative agreement to extend the ceasefire in the three-month-old conflict by 60 days and begin talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, according to a US official familiar with the matter. However, President Donald Trump has yet to approve the emerging memorandum of understanding. Iran has not officially confirmed the reported breakthrough. The fragile ceasefire faced renewed strain after the US accused Iran of violating it following missile attacks targeting Kuwait after earlier American strikes. US Central Command said Kuwait intercepted Iranian missiles, while Iran described its actions as retaliation for US attacks. Despite repeated accusations, drone interceptions, and military exchanges near the Strait of Hormuz, both Washington and Tehran have continued negotiations without returning to full-scale war. (PC: X)

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said strict action would be taken against anyone involved in examination irregularities or paper leaks, calling the recent NEET controversy “unfortunate” and unacceptable. Speaking to India Today, Pradhan assured that the government was treating the issue with utmost seriousness and that no individual, whether inside or outside the system, would be spared if found guilty after investigation. His remarks come amid growing concerns over alleged lapses in the NEET examination process and criticism surrounding broader examination management, including CBSE-related issues. The minister stressed the importance of maintaining credibility and transparency in India’s examination system, signalling that authorities are prepared to act firmly to restore public confidence and accountability in competitive examinations nationwide.

An investigation has raised concerns over the functioning of VFS Global visa centres as record numbers of Indians apply for Schengen visas to Europe. More than a million Indians seek Schengen visas annually, with applications more than doubling since the pandemic due to rising incomes and increased international travel. At the centre of the process is VFS Global, the Zurich-and-Dubai-headquartered visa outsourcing giant handling applications for most European countries. The concerns emerged after 150 inspection reports by European authorities, covering VFS Global centres across 20 EU member states between 2020 and 2025, reportedly flagged operational lapses. The findings have triggered scrutiny over issues including handling of personal data, transparency in service charges, and broader operational standards at visa processing centres. (PC: X)

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court order allowing wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the 2026 Asian Games selection trials scheduled for May 30-31. The Supreme Court bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe is set to hear the matter on Friday. Earlier, the Delhi High Court criticised WFI’s selection policy as exclusionary and unfair towards athletes returning from maternity leave, directing the federation to permit Phogat’s participation and ensure transparency through video recording and independent observers from SAI and IOA. Phogat had challenged WFI’s decision declaring her ineligible for domestic competition till June 26, 2026, under anti-doping return regulations. (PC: Reuters)