In a landmark ruling, the Reserve Bank of India ombudsman directed five banks including Axis Bank, City Union Bank, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank and Yes Bank to pay ₹1.31 crore to a victim of a ₹22.92 crore “digital arrest” scam. The case involved 78-year-old Naresh Malhotra, who was defrauded through mule accounts between August and September 2025. The order cited KYC deficiencies in beneficiary accounts. The probe, now with the Central Bureau of Investigation, marks one of Delhi’s largest cyber fraud cases, highlighting regulatory lapses and rising financial cybercrime risks. (PC: X)

JD Vance has cancelled his planned visit to Islamabad for Iran-related talks following a ceasefire extension announced by Donald Trump. The trip, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, has been called off indefinitely with no new dates set. A White House official said Washington is now waiting for a “unified proposal” from Iran before resuming high-level diplomacy. The move reflects a recalibration of US strategy, prioritising a comprehensive framework over immediate negotiations. The ceasefire extension reportedly followed a request from Pakistani leadership to delay potential military action. (PC: X)

Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran, citing a request from Pakistan leadership, including Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif. The truce will continue until Tehran submits a unified proposal and negotiations conclude. Despite the extension, the US will maintain its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and keep military forces ready. The move reflects a dual-track approach allowing diplomacy time while sustaining strategic pressure. Talks are expected to resume soon, as Washington seeks clarity from Iran’s leadership amid ongoing internal divisions.

Narendra Modi paid tribute to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack on its first anniversary, asserting that India will never bow to terrorism. A memorial honouring 26 victims has been erected in Pahalgam, while security has been intensified across Jammu and Kashmir. Investigations led by the National Investigation Agency named Lashkar-e-Taiba and The Resistance Front in the attack. Political consensus against terrorism followed, with a unanimous Assembly resolution. Despite the tragedy, tourism is gradually recovering, supported by improved security and outreach efforts in the region.

A 22-year-old Indian student created “Emily Hart,” an AI-generated Instagram persona, earning thousands by targeting a conservative audience with tailored political content. Inspired by celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Sydney Sweeney, the account rapidly gained traction, reaching millions of views and 10,000 followers within a month. The creator used provocative “rage bait” posts aligned with MAGA themes to drive engagement and monetised through Fanvue and merchandise. Despite initial platform inaction, the account was eventually banned for fraudulent activity. The case highlights growing concerns over AI-driven misinformation, manipulation, and the monetisation of synthetic identities on social media platforms. (PC: X)

Israel has accused Hezbollah of firing rockets at its troops in southern Lebanon, calling it a ceasefire violation. The Israeli military said it quickly struck the launch site. It also intercepted a drone launched from Lebanon. There was no immediate response from Hezbollah. Israel said its forces remain in southern Lebanon to create a security zone. Lebanese officials have opposed the move and warned of resistance. The incident comes before fresh talks aimed at stabilising the ceasefire. Tensions remain high, raising fears of further clashes between both sides in the coming days.

A US-based woman has alleged she was raped at a homestay in Karnataka’s Kodagu district. Police said she was given a drink mixed with intoxicants and then assaulted. Two people, including the main accused, have been arrested. The homestay owner is also under investigation. Police said the owner allegedly cut off her WiFi for three days, stopping her from seeking help. The woman later left the place and contacted US authorities. The case was then reported to Indian police. Both accused have been sent to judicial custody. Officials said further investigation, including forensic checks, is ongoing in the case. (PC: PTI)

Fresh Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least five Palestinians, raising concerns over the fragile ceasefire. More than 750 Palestinians have died since the truce began, while four Israeli soldiers were also killed. Over 1.2 million people have been displaced in the conflict. The war has also killed more than 200 journalists, making it one of the deadliest for media workers. Benjamin Netanyahu faces international arrest warrants over alleged war crimes. Civilians continue to face food and water shortages. Hospitals remain under pressure as violence and humanitarian crisis continue to worsen. (PC: AP)

Iran has accused the US of “piracy at sea and state terrorism” after seizing vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. Masoud Pezeshkian has not confirmed if Iran will attend peace talks in Pakistan. A spokesperson said no final decision has been made. Donald Trump warned of possible strikes if talks fail. The US said it boarded a sanctioned tanker without incident. Pakistan is still waiting for Iran’s response. The ceasefire is set to end soon. Tensions remain high, and uncertainty continues over whether talks will happen.

The planned visit of JD Vance to Pakistan has been put on hold. The move comes as Iran has not responded to the US proposal for talks. A US official said the process is “paused” but not cancelled. Donald Trump had earlier said a team would visit Islamabad for discussions. However, Iran has not confirmed its participation. The two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran is also close to ending. Both sides have made strong statements, raising tensions. Officials say the visit could happen quickly if Iran agrees to join the talks. (PC: Reuters)