India has strongly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in a recent China-Pakistan joint statement, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of the country. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said no foreign country has the locus standi to comment on the matter. India also reiterated its opposition to projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in territories it considers its sovereign land, stating that such activities infringe upon its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Additionally, New Delhi rejected references to China-Pakistan trans-boundary water cooperation, citing its non-recognition of the 1963 boundary agreement.

Iran has accused the United States of violating the ceasefire through recent military strikes in Hormozgan province and warned that any further aggression would receive a response. The Iranian Foreign Ministry described the reported actions as serious breaches of the truce and reiterated Tehran’s commitment to defending its territory. The allegations followed U.S. military operations targeting missile sites and boats near the Gulf, which Washington said were conducted in self-defence. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also claimed to have downed a U.S. MQ-9 drone and engaged other American aircraft. The developments have complicated ongoing diplomatic efforts in Qatar, where negotiators are seeking a broader agreement to end the conflict and preserve the fragile ceasefire.

The Punjab government in Pakistan has reportedly deferred plans to restore several pre-Partition Hindu, Sikh and British-era names of roads, bazaars and neighbourhoods in Lahore after facing criticism from conservative groups and social media commentators. The proposal, backed by Maryam Nawaz and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was part of a heritage revival initiative aimed at preserving Lahore’s historical identity. Planned restorations included names such as Krishan Nagar, Lakshmi Chowk and Dharampura. Although historians, architects and heritage experts reportedly supported the proposal, authorities have paused implementation amid public controversy and concerns over potential backlash. (PC: X)

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said artificial intelligence is unlikely to cause mass job losses. Speaking at a conference in Sydney, Altman said fears about AI replacing large numbers of white-collar workers may have been overstated. “We’re not going to have the kind of jobs apocalypse,” he said. Altman admitted he earlier believed AI would eliminate more entry-level jobs by now. However, he said human interaction remains important in many professions. He added that people still value real communication and personal connection. Altman also said he stopped using AI for some messages because human responses felt more meaningful and personal. (PC: Reuters)

The Delhi High Court has asked SpiceJet to disclose its assets within two weeks in a case linked to unpaid dues of nearly $8 million to engine lessor Sunbird France. The court gave the order after Sunbird raised concerns over the airline’s financial condition. The lessor claimed SpiceJet could enter insolvency proceedings at any time. During the hearing, SpiceJet defended itself and said it was “not a fly-by-night operator.” The airline said strict court directions could affect operations. The dispute is linked to three aircraft engines leased in 2019, for which Sunbird alleged payments stopped from 2022 onwards. (PC: Bloomberg)

Iran on Tuesday accused the United States of violating the ceasefire agreement through aggressive actions near Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. Tehran claimed the US carried out illegal acts, including attacks on Iranian commercial ships. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said the incidents happened during ongoing peace talks mediated by Pakistan. “The Islamic Republic of Iran will not leave any act of wickedness unanswered,” the ministry said in a strong statement. Iran also warned that it would defend the country without hesitation. Meanwhile, reports said Iran has refused to transfer its enriched uranium abroad during the latest negotiations with the United States. (PC: AP)

The Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) completed 30 years on May 26. The team was formed in 1996 at Bidar Air Force Station in Karnataka. Over the years, SKAT has performed more than 800 air shows in 72 cities in India and abroad. The team is known for its close-formation flying and colourful smoke displays. It currently flies Hawk Mk-132 jets and includes highly trained fighter pilots from frontline IAF squadrons. SKAT became a standalone squadron in 2006. The team continues to inspire millions with its precision flying and aerial performances.

Western Europe is facing an intense heatwave. The UK and France recorded their hottest May temperatures on record. London reached 34.8°C, while many parts of France crossed 30°C. The extreme heat has caused health warnings across Europe. In France, seven people died in incidents linked to the heatwave, including drownings and heat stroke cases. Germany, Spain, and Italy are also facing very high temperatures. Experts say a heat dome from northern Africa caused the unusual weather. Scientists warn that climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and severe across Europe.

The United States launched new strikes on southern Iran, targeting missile sites and boats near Bandar Abbas. The US said the attacks were carried out in self-defence to protect American troops. Iran claimed it shot down a US drone and warned that it has the right to respond to any ceasefire violation. Despite the fresh tension, both countries are still holding talks through Qatar to reach a possible agreement. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said discussions are continuing but may take time. The conflict between the US and Iran has raised concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz and global oil supply. (PC: Getty Images)

Iran has said the release of its frozen funds remains the biggest issue in ongoing talks with the United States. According to Iran’s state-linked Fars News Agency, Tehran will not continue negotiations unless it gets access to the blocked money. Qatar is currently helping both sides through mediation efforts. Reports said some progress has been made, but Iran still does not fully trust the US due to past disagreements. Iranian officials said no final agreement will be accepted until the funds are transferred. The talks are part of wider efforts to reduce tensions between the two countries and reach a possible new understanding. (PC: AP)