Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Food and Agriculture Organization’s highest honour, the Agricola Medal, during a ceremony at FAO Headquarters in Rome. Accepting the recognition, Modi dedicated the honour to India’s farmers, fishermen and 140 crore citizens, calling agriculture the “main stream” of India’s identity. FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu praised Modi’s leadership in transforming India’s agricultural landscape through farmer-centric reforms, food security programmes and welfare initiatives. The FAO highlighted India’s support for over 800 million people through food schemes, direct income support to 110 million farmers, promotion of natural farming and millets, and India’s push for digital public infrastructure during its G20 Presidency aimed at empowering developing nations.

Thousands of Indian tech workers in the US are facing mounting uncertainty after fresh layoffs at companies including Meta, Amazon and Oracle. Under H-1B visa rules, laid-off employees get only 60 days to secure a new sponsoring employer or leave the country. Many are now attempting to switch temporarily to B-2 visitor visas to extend their stay, but immigration lawyers say approvals and status-change requests are facing tighter scrutiny, more paperwork and rising denial rates. The crisis comes amid over 110,000 tech layoffs in 2026. Indians, who received nearly 284,000 approved H-1B petitions in FY25, are among the worst affected due to long green card backlogs, prompting many to explore Canada and Europe as alternative destinations. (PC: X)

A Chinese-made JF-17 Thunder fighter jet of the Pakistan Air Force crashed during a routine training mission in Pakistan, according to reports. Both pilots managed to eject safely before the aircraft went down, preventing any loss of life. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, with initial reports pointing toward a possible technical malfunction. The JF-17, jointly developed by China and Pakistan, is one of the Pakistan Air Force’s key combat aircraft. The incident has once again raised concerns over fighter jet safety and maintenance as military aviation accidents continue to occur during training operations worldwide. 

Teenage Rajasthan Royals star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi revealed the meaning behind his viral “A” celebration after smashing a stunning 93 off 38 balls against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old said the gesture was spontaneous and emotionally connected to his mother, whose name begins with “A.” His explosive knock powered Rajasthan Royals to a seven-wicket victory while keeping their playoff hopes alive. The innings also helped him break multiple IPL records, including becoming the first Indian batter to hit 50 sixes in a single season. Fans and cricket experts widely praised the youngster’s fearless batting and maturity under pressure. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that India and Italy are now “closer than ever” after high-level talks in Rome. Both leaders agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a “Special Strategic Partnership,” focusing on defence cooperation, innovation, trade, maritime connectivity, and counter-terror financing. They also launched a joint initiative against terror financing and discussed collaboration in artificial intelligence, critical minerals, space, and clean energy. Modi highlighted the importance of Indo-Pacific security and invited Meloni to visit India, while both leaders stressed diplomacy and stronger global cooperation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. (PC: AP)

Bhopal Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar said police have no objection to a second autopsy in the death case of Twisha Sharma, whose family has alleged dowry harassment and investigation lapses. A local court is set to examine the case diary after the family sought a fresh post-mortem at AIIMS Delhi. Police stated that permission for a second autopsy rests with the court. Twisha was found dead at her marital home in Bhopal on May 12, just months after her marriage. Authorities have registered a dowry death and harassment case against her husband and mother-in-law, while special teams continue searching for the absconding husband. (PC: PTI)

Meta reportedly instructed employees across multiple regions to work from home before sending layoff emails to nearly 8,000 workers. According to reports, affected staff in Singapore received termination notices at around 4 am local time, with emails sent in phases across different time zones. The company is restructuring teams, reducing management layers and closing thousands of open positions. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced major investments in artificial intelligence and smaller operational teams. The layoffs add to a growing trend of job cuts across the global technology sector. (PC: NDTV)

Delhi remains under a five-day orange alert after the India Meteorological Department warned of severe heatwave conditions across the national capital. Temperatures are expected to reach nearly 46 degrees Celsius, with no major relief likely over the next week. The IMD said hot and dry winds, along with the absence of western disturbances, are intensifying the heat. Authorities warned of rising risks of heat-related illnesses, especially among children, elderly people and those with health conditions. Delhi’s peak electricity demand also touched a season-high 7,776 MW amid soaring temperatures and increased power consumption across the city. (PC: HT)

Rahul Gandhi intensified his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Italy visit and viral interaction with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Speaking in Raebareli, Gandhi said, “An economic storm is looming overhead, and our Prime Minister is distributing toffees in Italy.” He warned of rising inflation and fuel prices, claiming farmers, workers and small traders were suffering while the PM was “smiling, making reels”. Gandhi also accused the BJP government of damaging institutions. The BJP hit back strongly, while NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar defended Modi’s foreign outreach. (PC: X)

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi revealed that his viral ‘A’ celebration during Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants was dedicated to his mother. The 15-year-old batter made the hand gesture after reaching a milestone during his explosive 93-run knock off 38 balls in Jaipur. Fans had widely speculated about the meaning behind the sign, with some linking it to India A selection hopes. However, in a video shared by Rajasthan Royals, Sooryavanshi clarified that the gesture represents the first letter of his mother’s name. His heartfelt tribute quickly won praise on social media.