Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who briefed him on the latest developments in West Asia and the way forward. Modi welcomed the recent understanding reached in the region and reiterated India's consistent position that all issues should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. The Prime Minister also stressed the need for sustained efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in West Asia while safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce. The conversation comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows recent diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing hostilities. India has consistently advocated peaceful engagement and dialogue as the preferred route for resolving conflicts in the region.

Global summer travel demand remains resilient in 2026 despite economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and rising airfares, according to a new report. Instead of cancelling holidays, travellers are opting for alternative destinations and adjusting their itineraries. The FIFA World Cup has emerged as a major driver of international travel, boosting demand for flights and accommodation across host cities. Increased passenger traffic, coupled with higher airfare prices, is reshaping travel patterns during the peak summer season. The report noted that while costs have risen, major sporting events and leisure travel continue to encourage strong bookings, reflecting sustained consumer appetite for international trips despite broader financial and global challenges. (PC: Instagram)

The BCCI on Tuesday announced India's women's cricket squad for the 2026 Asian Games, retaining Harmanpreet Kaur as captain despite speculation over her future following India's T20 World Cup semi-final exit. Smriti Mandhana has been named vice-captain, while Shreyanka Patil has been included subject to receiving fitness clearance. The Women's Selection Committee picked the squad for the tournament, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in September. India will enter the competition as defending champions after winning the women's cricket gold medal at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou. The announcement ends uncertainty over Harmanpreet's leadership ahead of another major international tournament. (PC: ANI & Business Standard)

Tourists struggled through soaring temperatures in Rome as a severe heatwave gripped Italy, with 25 cities placed under red alert and temperatures nearing 40°C. Among them was Indian tourist Arockia Rajasekhar, who said conditions felt "worse than in India" despite lower temperatures because air conditioning was less common. Visitors crowded around misting stations, carried umbrellas and searched for shade near the Colosseum as authorities distributed water and heat safety advice. American tourists also described exhausting conditions, with some consuming several litres of water daily. The latest heatwave, driven by extreme summer conditions across Europe, has renewed concerns over climate change and its growing impact on travel and public health.

The family of Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan has alleged that his body was repatriated from Venezuela without several vital organs, prompting calls for an investigation. The Federation of Seafarers' Unions of India (FSUI) claimed the body arrived without an autopsy report or official details from Venezuelan authorities. According to the union, an autopsy conducted in India at the family's request allegedly found the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, stomach and intestines missing. Calling the case "unacceptable", FSUI demanded a thorough probe and greater protection for Indian seafarers. The allegations have not yet been independently verified, and Venezuelan authorities have not publicly responded to the claims.

Iran on Tuesday dismissed reports of fresh talks with the United States, saying it has no plans to meet American officials in Doha despite the presence of US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the Iranian delegation would instead meet Qatari officials to discuss implementing the recently signed memorandum of understanding, including the release of billions of dollars in Iranian funds frozen in Qatar. Baghaei rejected speculation about renewed diplomacy with Washington and warned Iran would respond immediately to any US violation of the agreement that ended recent regional hostilities. Qatar confirmed the frozen assets have not yet been transferred to Tehran.

Thousands of protesters gathered at Rawalakot's Eidgah Ground in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), declaring that the region is "not part of Pakistan" while accusing Islamabad of imposing a food blockade and decades of political and economic neglect. Demonstrators alleged that restrictions on essential supplies were being used to suppress dissent and warned that residents could seek "other roads" if the situation continued, a remark widely interpreted as hinting at closer engagement with India. The rally, held near the Line of Control (LoC), marked one of the strongest public challenges to Pakistan's control over the territory. Pakistani authorities have not publicly responded to the protesters' allegations.

The southwest monsoon has intensified across Maharashtra, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting heavy rain and thunderstorms in Mumbai over the coming days. Rainfall activity has increased across Konkan, Goa, Vidarbha and Marathwada after a brief lull along the eastern coast. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Beed, Ahilyanagar, Jalgaon and Latur for the next four days, warning of heavy showers and lightning on July 2 and 3 in parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada. Airlines have also advised passengers travelling through Mumbai and Dharamshala to check flight schedules due to possible weather-related disruptions. Authorities urged residents to remain cautious during periods of intense rainfall.

Tsunami, an eight-year-old Border Collie rescued from abuse and abandonment as a puppy, has emerged as one of Venezuela's earthquake heroes after helping locate survivors beneath collapsed buildings. Working with handler Jorge Beans and the K-SAR ECID rescue unit, Tsunami reportedly helped emergency teams find at least 13 people alive, including a 60-year-old man trapped for six hours beneath an eight-storey building. Before the June 2026 disaster, the rescue dog had participated in humanitarian missions following the Türkiye-Syria earthquakes and floods across Venezuela. After days of continuous work, Tsunami was treated for exhaustion before authorities confirmed the earthquake response would be his final official rescue mission before retirement.

An 11-year-old student was killed and 10 others injured after a large roadside tree collapsed onto a school bus in Mumbai's Chembur on Tuesday afternoon. The accident occurred on Road No. 11 while 13 children were travelling in the vehicle, triggering a major rescue operation. Injured students were rushed to a nearby hospital, while emergency teams worked to free those trapped inside the damaged bus. Residents alleged they had repeatedly warned the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) about dangerous trees in the locality, claiming similar incidents had occurred earlier without action. The tragedy comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heavy rain and thunderstorms across Mumbai.