Apple has named John Ternus as its next chief executive, replacing Tim Cook after 15 years in the role. Ternus will take charge on September 1. Cook will become executive chairman and help with the transition. Cook became CEO in 2011 after co-founder Steve Jobs stepped down. During Cook’s tenure, Apple became one of the world’s most valuable companies. Ternus has worked at Apple for 25 years and led hardware engineering. Cook called him a “visionary” leader and said he is the right person to guide Apple’s future. (PC: BBC)

US Vice President JD Vance is set to travel to Pakistan for another round of Iran peace talks as the ceasefire nears its end. Iranian officials have not confirmed if they will attend. Earlier talks reportedly failed to secure agreement on nuclear limits, shipping routes or oil flow. The uncertainty follows the US seizure of an Iranian cargo ship, which added fresh tension. President Donald Trump said the truce is unlikely to be extended. He warned of heavy bombing if no deal is reached. Both sides now have little time to avoid renewed conflict. (PC: NDTV)

Congress leader KC Venugopal has submitted a privilege notice to Lok Sabha Speaker against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over remarks made during his address to the nation. The party said Modi made comments that cast aspersions on Members of Parliament. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said the Prime Minister spoke after facing “absolute Opposition unity and solidarity” in the Lok Sabha. He also said a Prime Minister’s national address should be used for unity and confidence. Ramesh alleged that Modi made 59 attacks on the Congress party during the speech. The Prime Minister addressed the nation on Saturday. (PC: HT)

Backchannel talks between the United States and Iran had moved close to a framework deal to end their seven-week conflict, but public comments by US President Donald Trump may have slowed progress. CNN reported that Trump said Iran had accepted major US demands, including a long halt to its nuclear programme. Iranian officials quickly denied any final agreement or new talks date. US officials told CNN that such public claims may have hurt trust during sensitive talks. Iran’s leaders also face pressure at home over any deal. With the ceasefire deadline near, both sides are still trying to avoid renewed fighting. (PC: India Today)

US Republican leader Nikki Haley said a vessel seized by the United States near the Strait of Hormuz was travelling from China to Iran with chemicals linked to missile production. In a post on X, Haley said the ship ignored repeated orders to stop. She added that China was helping support Iran’s government. Tehran strongly criticised the seizure and called it “armed piracy”. Iranian officials said future talks may not happen unless the US blockade is lifted. The vessel, MV Touska, was intercepted in the Gulf of Oman. The current ceasefire between Washington and Tehran ends on Wednesday. (PC: X)

Several voters in West Bengal were removed from electoral rolls after the Election Commission marked their cases as "logical discrepancy", The Indian Express reported. Many of them said they had links to the 2002 voter list, which the poll body had asked for during the revision process. Some also submitted passports, birth certificates, school records and Aadhaar cards. Cases included age gaps with parents, name mismatches and one parent linked to many children. Former election officials told the paper such criteria were unusual. The Supreme Court has allowed affected voters another chance before polling dates later this month. (PC: The Indian Express)

US President Donald Trump could join planned talks with Iran in Pakistan this week, either in person or online, Reuters reported, citing a Pakistani source. The source said talks remain on track for Wednesday. The current two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran is due to end the same day. Reuters also cited a senior Iranian official saying Tehran is positively reviewing participation, but no final decision has been made. Pakistan is preparing to host the meeting in Islamabad. Officials said nearly 20,000 security personnel have been deployed. Axios reported that US Vice President JD Vance will travel to Pakistan on Tuesday for the talks. (PC: NDTV)

Days before West Bengal votes, Trinamool Congress appears ahead of the BJP in street campaign visibility across Kolkata. Posters of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and party candidates cover major roads, lanes and public spaces. By contrast, BJP posters are fewer in many areas and often use lighter colours instead of strong saffron shades. In Bhowanipore, where Mamata Banerjee faces Suvendu Adhikari, BJP visibility is stronger near party offices. BJP workers said the party is focusing more on door-to-door outreach than large poster displays. West Bengal votes on April 23 and April 29. (PC: HT)

Scientists say temperature alone does not show the full danger of summer heat in India. High humidity can stop sweat from cooling the body, raising the risk of illness and death. Experts track this using wet-bulb temperature, which measures heat and moisture together. A Penn State study found healthy adults struggled to control body temperature at 31°C wet-bulb temperature, lower than earlier estimates. Coastal and monsoon-hit parts of India face higher risk because humid air is common there. The India Meteorological Department has warned of above-normal heatwave days this summer. Experts say humid heat can be more dangerous than dry heat. (PC: India Today)

An Israeli soldier seen striking a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in south Lebanon has triggered strong criticism online. The Israeli military said it viewed the act with “great severity” and said the soldier’s behaviour did not match army values. It added that action would be taken. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “stunned and saddened.” Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel apologised to Christians hurt by the incident. Local church leader Father Fadi Flaifel said the cross is a sacred symbol and its desecration was rejected. The military also said it was working to restore the statue. (PC: BBC)