More than 100 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan have urged Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif to revive bilateral dialogue and take sustained steps toward restoring peace in South Asia. Spearheaded by Centre for Peace and Progress chairman OP Shah, the joint letter was signed by 61 Indians and 56 Pakistanis, including Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, AS Dulat, Manoj Jha, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and Ashraf Jehangir Qazi. The signatories called for restoring diplomatic relations, appointing High Commissioners, resuming visa services, reopening trade, discussing Jammu and Kashmir, pursuing demilitarisation, addressing security concerns, and reviving Attari-Wagah connectivity and commercial ties.

US Senator Steve Daines described India as a “trusted ally and friend,” contrasting it with China during the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum Leadership Summit in Washington. Illustrating his trust, Daines said he carries his phone when visiting India but leaves it behind while travelling to China. He stressed that stronger US-India cooperation is vital for global stability and competitiveness, particularly in science, technology and innovation, while advocating engagement with China alongside risk reduction. Daines highlighted India’s large STEM talent pool as a strategic advantage. His remarks come as India and the US near completion of a bilateral trade agreement, with negotiators resolving the final outstanding issues after months of discussions.

FIFA sparked fresh controversy during the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash between Mexico and Ecuador after initially announcing that the mandatory hydration breaks would be removed because the match, delayed by 60 minutes due to thunderstorms in Mexico City, kicked off under cool 14°C conditions. However, referee Slavko Vinčić halted play around the 23rd minute for a hydration break despite FIFA's earlier statement, which was later removed from its website. The stoppage came moments after Mexico scored and launched another attack, prompting fans to accuse the referee of disrupting Mexico's momentum. Supporters also criticised several officiating decisions, including an incident where the referee obstructed Ecuador's attempt to regain possession. (PC: Juancho Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Bangladesh has revived the tradition of "mango diplomacy" by sending 100 kg of mangoes to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, despite recent strains in India-Bangladesh ties over illegal immigration and border-related issues. The symbolic seasonal gesture reflects a longstanding diplomatic practice in which mangoes are exchanged to foster goodwill and maintain cordial relations between the neighbouring countries. Historically, mango diplomacy has been used as a soft-power tool to strengthen bilateral engagement during periods of political sensitivity. The latest outreach suggests an attempt to preserve channels of communication and cultural goodwill even as both sides continue to navigate contentious issues affecting their relationship and border management. (PC: MSN)

Eleven-year-old Vihaan Srivastava’s family has demanded accountability after the Chembur tree collapse in Mumbai claimed his life. His grandfather alleged civic negligence, saying residents had repeatedly warned authorities about the dangerous tree. The family plans legal action, insisting those responsible be punished to prevent similar tragedies. Relatives remembered Vihaan as a cheerful, caring child passionate about cricket, revealing they cremated him with his cricket ball. Neighbours and local representatives criticised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), alleging repeated complaints about hazardous trees were ignored. MLA Tukaram Kate and MP Anil Desai called for a thorough investigation, better tree monitoring and maintenance, and strict action if negligence by civic authorities is established. (PC: NDTV)

The Centre has notified the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme, 2026, creating a fully digital compliance framework under the Code on Social Security, 2020. Existing EPF members will continue automatically, while new employees will be enrolled from the applicable date. The scheme introduces a dedicated framework for international workers, covering foreign employees in India and eligible Indians working in countries with Social Security Agreements. Employers must digitally upload employee records, UAN details and statutory returns, while employees will submit Aadhaar, PAN and bank details online. Electronic nominations, digital claim processing, automated fund transfers and e-passbooks become standard. Principal employers will share EPF compliance responsibility for contract workers, with delays attracting penalties. (PC: Times Bull)

The Indian government has directed Meta to pause any further rollout of WhatsApp’s proposed username feature and submit an explanation within three days, according to sources. The move comes as authorities seek clarity over the feature’s implications before allowing its wider deployment. Officials have reportedly asked Meta to explain how the usernames system will function and address any concerns linked to its implementation. The government’s intervention temporarily halts the rollout while awaiting the company’s response. The development remains ongoing, with additional details expected after Meta submits its explanation. Authorities have not yet publicly disclosed the specific concerns behind the directive or announced any final decision on the feature. (PC: X)

Former India selectors have urged head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management to consider resting senior players during the white-ball series against England and hand promising youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi an opportunity. They believe the 15-year-old has earned a chance after his outstanding performances in the IPL and age-group cricket. The suggestion also aims to manage the workload of experienced players while preparing India's next generation for international cricket. Former selectors stressed that exposing young talents in less pressured matches would strengthen India's bench strength ahead of future ICC tournaments. (PC: News 18)

A toddler named Klieber Moran was rescued alive after spending six days trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed building in Venezuela's La Guaira state following two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. Jordanian rescue teams carried out the dramatic operation, and the child was taken to a hospital in Caracas for treatment. The earthquakes have killed more than 1,900 people, injured over 10,000 and destroyed nearly 59,000 buildings. While humanitarian aid continues to arrive, Moran's rescue has become a rare symbol of hope as search teams continue looking for more survivors. (PC: Reuters)

Venkatesh Doppalapudi, a 33-year-old Indian software engineer from Andhra Pradesh, died after his car was swept away by flash floods in the US state of Kansas during severe storms. According to authorities, he became trapped inside the vehicle as rapidly rising floodwaters carried it away. Emergency responders later recovered his body after extensive search efforts. The tragic incident has highlighted the growing danger posed by sudden flash floods in parts of the United States. Family members are coordinating with officials to complete formalities and repatriate his mortal remains to India. (PC: NDTV)