Israel carried out more than 120 airstrikes across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, marking one of the heaviest bombardments since fighting with Hezbollah reignited in March. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the offensive would intensify to expand Israel’s security buffer zone near the border. Lebanese officials reported at least 22 civilian deaths, including women and children, while thousands fled affected areas after evacuation warnings. Hezbollah responded with rocket and drone attacks targeting northern Israel. The escalation threatens a fragile US-brokered ceasefire and complicates ongoing Iran-US diplomatic talks amid growing fears of a wider regional war. (PC: AFP)

Hundreds of suspected undocumented Bangladeshi migrants have gathered near the Hakimpur border outpost in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas amid growing fears of detention and deportation. The rush reportedly began after the newly elected Bengal government announced stricter action against illegal immigrants, including setting up holding centres and intensifying border surveillance. Many people arriving at the border reportedly carried Bangladeshi identity documents but lacked valid Indian papers. Security forces and police have increased verification checks as tensions rise along the India-Bangladesh border. The situation has sparked political debate over immigration, border security, and humanitarian concerns in the region. 

The White House has dismissed Iranian state media reports claiming a draft US-Iran peace framework proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and withdrawing American troops from nearby regions. Calling the report a “complete fabrication,” the Trump administration denied any such memorandum of understanding existed. Iranian media had claimed the alleged deal included restoring commercial shipping through Hormuz within a month, lifting a naval blockade and coordinating ship traffic with Oman, while excluding military vessels. The framework reportedly omitted Iran’s nuclear programme. Meanwhile, negotiations remain tense despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said talks could continue for days, while President Trump warned military strikes could resume if diplomacy fails. (PC: X)

The White House has dismissed Iranian state media reports claiming a draft US-Iran peace framework proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and withdrawing American troops from nearby regions. Calling the report a “complete fabrication,” the Trump administration denied any such memorandum of understanding existed. Iranian media had claimed the alleged deal included restoring commercial shipping through Hormuz within a month, lifting a naval blockade and coordinating ship traffic with Oman, while excluding military vessels. The framework reportedly omitted Iran’s nuclear programme. Meanwhile, negotiations remain tense despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said talks could continue for days, while President Trump warned military strikes could resume if diplomacy fails. (PC: X)

Lashkar-e-Taiba deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri has reportedly issued a public warning to Pakistan’s Army chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif against recognising Israel. Kasuri allegedly threatened that any Pakistani leader pursuing diplomatic ties with Israel would be “assassinated, destroyed and ruined.” The remarks have triggered major political controversy and renewed scrutiny over the influence of extremist organisations within Pakistan’s political and security landscape. The incident has also intensified debate around Islamabad’s foreign policy direction and the pressure militant groups may exert on the country’s leadership regarding relations with Israel and broader Middle East diplomacy.

A United States delegation led by its chief trade negotiator will visit India from June 1 to 4 for discussions on the proposed interim trade agreement and the broader India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The talks follow earlier negotiations held in Washington DC in April and will focus on market access, customs facilitation, non-tariff barriers, investment promotion and economic security cooperation. Both countries had announced the trade framework in a joint statement on February 7, 2026, aimed at strengthening reciprocal trade ties. The upcoming negotiations also come amid tariff recalibration challenges and ongoing US investigations under Section 301. Separately, India and the US recently strengthened cooperation on critical minerals and strategic supply chains. (PC: X)

Mukulika Banerjee sparked debate after claiming in a podcast that poorer Indians pay a larger share of their income in taxes because of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. The London School of Economics academic argued that GST places a proportionally heavier burden on low-income households. However, several experts challenged the claim, pointing out that many essential daily-use items commonly consumed by poorer households are either exempt from GST or taxed at the lower 5% slab. The remarks triggered wider discussions on tax equity, indirect taxation and consumption patterns in India, with critics accusing Banerjee of oversimplifying the structure and real-world impact of India’s GST regime. (PC: LSE Website)

An Indian couple faced an alleged racist confrontation in the United States after a stranger aggressively told them to “leave the country” in a viral video circulating online. The man questioned the couple about their Indian origin and asked why they were in the US despite praising India. Remaining calm throughout the exchange, the couple said they were visiting to “explore the world.” The incident has reignited debates around racism and xenophobia faced by immigrants and Indians abroad. Social media users widely praised the couple’s composure, while others called for stronger responses against such discriminatory behaviour. 

Violence erupted in Thiruvananthapuram after CPI(M) protesters allegedly attacked an Enforcement Directorate (ED) vehicle outside former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence during raids linked to the CMRL money laundering case. Demonstrators accused central agencies of politically motivated action against Left leaders. Police intervened after protesters surrounded the area and damaged the vehicle carrying ED officials. Several people were reportedly detained following the clashes. The raids targeted locations connected to Vijayan and individuals linked to the investigation. The incident has intensified political tensions between the BJP-led Centre and Kerala’s Left parties, triggering protests in different parts of the state. (PC: The Hindu)

Hyderabad-based IT professional and mountaineer Arun Kumar Tiwari died while descending Mount Everest after successfully summiting the peak. The 53-year-old had previously climbed mountains including Kilimanjaro, Denali and Kanchenjunga. His family decided not to recover his body from Everest’s dangerous “death zone,” citing his deep love for the mountains, spiritual beliefs, and the extreme risks involved in retrieval operations. Family members said Tiwari considered the Himalayas his true passion beyond his corporate career. The incident has highlighted the dangers of Everest expeditions, where several climbers have died during the 2026 climbing season. (PC: The Indian Express)