Amid stalled peace talks and a fragile ceasefire, Iranian media reports claimed the United States has demanded that Iran keep only one nuclear facility operational and transfer 400 kilograms of enriched uranium to the US as part of a possible agreement. According to Fars news agency, Washington also refused to pay war reparations or release a portion of Iran’s frozen assets. The developments come as US President Donald Trump warned Tehran that the “clock is ticking” for reaching a deal. Iran has demanded sanctions relief, reparations and an end to hostilities before restarting negotiations. (PC: HT)

A US Senate ruling has jeopardised federal funding linked to President Donald Trump’s planned $400 million White House ballroom project. Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough removed proposed security funding tied to the ballroom from a major spending package, saying it did not meet Senate procedural rules. Republicans had sought $1 billion for Secret Service security upgrades, including the ballroom, while Trump maintained construction would be funded by private donors. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats “blew up” the first funding attempt, calling the project costly and unnecessary amid rising living expenses in the US. (PC: The Guardian)

The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a public health emergency of international concern after the virus spread to neighbouring Uganda. Around 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths have been reported in Ituri province, with confirmed infections also detected in Kinshasa and Goma. WHO warned the outbreak could become much larger due to population movement and regional instability. The current Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said there are “significant uncertainties” about the true scale of infections. (PC: BBC)

India on Monday strongly condemned the drone attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates, calling the strike “unacceptable” and a “dangerous escalation” amid rising tensions in West Asia.   In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “India is deeply concerned at the attack targeting the Barakah nuclear facility in the UAE. Such actions are unacceptable and represent a dangerous escalation.” New Delhi urged all sides to exercise restraint and return to dialogue and diplomacy.   Reports said the strike caused a fire near the plant’s perimeter, though no injuries or radiological leaks were reported. The UAE has accused Iran of carrying out multiple drone and missile attacks in recent days. (PC: The Week)

India on Sunday rejected reported remarks by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten on press freedom and minority rights during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands. Responding to questions raised by a Dutch journalist over the absence of a joint press interaction, MEA Secretary Sibi George defended India’s democratic record. “Such observations stem from a lack of understanding about India’s democratic and civilisational character,” he said. George added that India remains a “vibrant and pluralistic society” where all communities continue to flourish under strong constitutional and democratic institutions. (PC: India Today)

Allahabad High Court has granted bail to eight of the 14 men arrested in the Ganga Iftar case in Varanasi. The men were accused of eating non-vegetarian food on a boat during Iftar and throwing leftovers into the Ganges. The court said such actions could hurt religious sentiments and disturb social harmony. It also noted that the accused and their families regretted the pain caused to society. The case was filed in March after a complaint by a BJP Yuva Morcha leader. Hearings for the remaining accused will continue. (PC: PTI)

Meta Platforms employees are facing growing anxiety as the company prepares for another round of layoffs. Reports say nearly 10% of Meta’s workforce, or around 8,000 employees, could lose their jobs next week. The cuts are part of the company’s efforts to improve efficiency and invest more in artificial intelligence. Workers say morale has dropped sharply and many feel emotionally exhausted. Some fear the AI systems they are helping build could eventually replace them. The uncertainty is also affecting personal lives, with employees delaying major decisions such as moving, buying homes, and starting families while they wait to learn whether they will keep their jobs.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly planning to announce a timeline for stepping down, according to media reports. The move comes after growing pressure from senior members of the Labour Party. Sources said Starmer believes the current situation is no longer sustainable and wants to leave on his own terms. Some allies have advised him to wait until the Makerfield by-election results are clearer. Internal tensions increased after several resignations and criticism from within the government. Reports also suggest Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is preparing to return to Westminster, adding to pressure for a leadership change in Labour.

Chief Minister-designate V. D. Satheesan on Sunday announced a 21-member Cabinet in Kerala. The full United Democratic Front government will take oath at 10 am on Monday. Satheesan said, “After 60 years, the entire UDF cabinet is set to take the oath together.” The Indian National Congress will have 11 ministers. Other allies, including the Indian Union Muslim League, also received Cabinet positions. Satheesan said the list was prepared with social and regional balance in mind. Portfolio discussions are nearly complete.

US President Donald Trump warned Iran that “the clock is ticking” and urged Tehran to reach a peace deal quickly. His statement came after a drone strike caused a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates. UAE officials said there was no radiation risk and no injuries were reported. The International Atomic Energy Agency expressed concern over the incident. Talks between the US and Iran remain stalled over the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional tensions.