Vinesh Phogat failed to secure immediate relief from the Delhi High Court on Monday in her plea seeking permission to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games scheduled for May 30-31. The court declined to intervene without hearing the response of the Wrestling Federation of India and the Centre, but allowed Phogat to submit a comprehensive reply to the federation’s show-cause notice. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav directed WFI to conclude proceedings by July 6. WFI had declared her ineligible until June 26, 2026, citing anti-doping rules requiring a six-month notice period for athletes returning from retirement. Phogat argued the policy unfairly ignored maternity-related breaks and hinted at targeted treatment linked to past controversies. (PC: PTI)

Iran sharply escalated tensions with the United States on Monday, warning that the “Sea of Oman could become your graveyard” if Washington continues its blockade of Iranian ports. Speaking on state television, former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei called the blockade an “act of war” and said Iran’s armed forces remain on high alert while diplomacy continues. Tehran also confirmed it had submitted a revised peace proposal through Pakistan to restart stalled US-Iran negotiations. Iranian officials insisted Washington must prove it is trustworthy before progress can be made. The remarks come as fears grow over renewed conflict, threats to the Strait of Hormuz, and disruptions to global energy supply chains.

Meta employees are reportedly facing rising anxiety ahead of another major round of layoffs expected next week, with nearly 10 per cent of the workforce around 8,000 employees globally, potentially affected. Internal reports suggest fears are intensifying as artificial intelligence becomes central to Meta’s long-term strategy, leaving many workers concerned they may eventually be replaced by AI systems they are helping develop. According to reports citing an internal memo from Chief People Officer Janelle Gale, layoffs could begin around May 20 as part of an “efficiency-focused restructuring” tied to heavy AI investments. Employees reportedly describe morale inside the Menlo Park-based company as emotionally draining, uncertain and increasingly difficult, with many delaying personal and financial decisions amid growing job insecurity. (PC: Times Now)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during his Oslo visit that his planned Norway trip last year was postponed following the Pahalgam terror attack. Addressing officials alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Modi thanked Norway for standing firmly with India during the difficult period and supporting the fight against terrorism. The visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in over four decades. Delegation-level talks covered bilateral cooperation and support for a rules-based global order. The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Norway was represented by Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and other senior ministers.

Pakistan has reportedly deployed 8,000 troops, fighter jets, drones and an HQ-9 air defence system to Saudi Arabia under a confidential mutual defence pact amid the ongoing Iran conflict. According to Reuters, the deployment includes around 16 Chinese-made JF-17 fighter aircraft, two drone squadrons and Pakistani-operated defence systems financed by Riyadh. Sources described the force as combat-capable and intended to support Saudi Arabia if the kingdom faces further attacks. The pact reportedly allows deployment of up to 80,000 Pakistani troops if required. The move comes as Islamabad simultaneously acts as the principal mediator in US-Iran peace talks. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have not officially commented on the deployment, while reports also suggest Saudi retaliatory strikes inside Iran remained undisclosed publicly. (PC: X)

India strongly rejected reported remarks by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten on press freedom and minority rights, calling them a “lack of understanding” of India’s democracy, history and diversity. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Netherlands visit, MEA Secretary Sibi George defended India as a 5,000-year-old civilisation rooted in pluralism and religious coexistence. Responding to questions from Dutch journalists, George highlighted India’s democratic elections, religious diversity and growing minority population, asserting that persecuted communities historically found refuge in India. He said Christianity and Islam flourished in India for centuries and noted that minorities now form over 20 per cent of the population. The remarks followed reports that Jetten privately raised concerns over media freedom and minority rights.

Pakistan has shared a revised peace proposal from Iran with the United States as efforts continue to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia. According to reports, Pakistan has emerged as the main mediator between Washington and Tehran during the temporary ceasefire.   A Pakistani source said both sides continue to change their demands, warning that “there is not much time” left for negotiations. Iran confirmed exchanges were taking place through Pakistan and signalled willingness to end the war. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump warned that “the clock is ticking” for Iran to reach a deal. (PC: HT)

The West Bengal government led by Suvendu Adhikari has decided to phase out religion-based assistance schemes under the Madarsa and Information & Cultural Affairs departments after its second cabinet meeting. Existing projects will continue till the end of May before being discontinued.   The cabinet also approved the “Annapurna Yojana”, promising Rs 3,000 monthly assistance for women from June 1. Women already receiving benefits under Lakshmi Bhandar will be automatically included, while a new portal will help fresh applicants. The government further announced free bus travel for women across the state from June 1 as part of its early governance measures. (PC: India Today)

Chennai Super Kings veteran MS Dhoni is expected to attend CSK’s final home match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday, but the former captain is unlikely to play because of a thumb injury.   The 44-year-old reportedly injured his thumb during a training session before CSK’s trip to Lucknow and stayed back in Chennai despite initially booking travel tickets. Dhoni had skipped match-day appearances this season, including home games, but is now expected to be present at Chepauk. He trained for around 30 minutes on the eve of the match, though sources indicate he is unlikely to feature even as an Impact Player against Hyderabad. (PC: The Indian Express)

Lai Ching-te said Taiwan will neither provoke conflict nor surrender its sovereignty after US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed Taiwan during their Beijing summit. Lai said Taiwan is already a sovereign and democratic country and rejected Beijing’s claims over the island. He stressed that Taiwan’s future must be decided by its people and reaffirmed support for maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Lai also welcomed continued US arms sales and security cooperation, calling them essential for regional peace as China increases military pressure around Taiwan. (PC: BBC)