Indian-American mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani visited New York’s oldest Hindu temples in Flushing, Queens, ahead of next month’s election. Mamdani, whose mother is Hindu, said he was proud of his mixed heritage. “While being Muslim myself, I grew up learning Hindu stories, traditions, and festivals like Diwali and Holi,” he said. The politician, son of filmmaker Mira Nair, added that Hindu values shaped his beliefs. Mamdani praised the Hindu community’s spirit of ‘seva’ and unity. With endorsements from Kamala Harris and others, Mamdani has become a frontrunner in the mayoral race after Eric Adams exited. (PC: X)

The US Supreme Court has started a new term that could reshape President Donald Trump’s powers. Key cases will decide if Trump can control state National Guard units, dismiss independent agency members, and set economic policies. The court will also review his tariffs, spending cuts, and deportation orders. Legal experts say the rulings will define the limits of executive power. Critics warn the court’s “shadow docket” lacks transparency. Other major cases include debates on conversion therapy, transgender athletes, and election laws. The conservative-majority court may again issue rulings that change American law and politics. (PC: X)

Two years after Hamas’ attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people, Gaza has been reduced to 51 million tonnes of rubble. Israel’s military response destroyed 92% of buildings, killing over 67,000 Palestinians and displacing 1.9 million. The UN says it will take over 22 years to clear the debris. Food shortages, famine, and disease now affect almost all households. The US-backed Gaza peace plan by Donald Trump offers hope but has not yet been accepted by Hamas. Experts warn that unless root issues are addressed, peace will remain out of reach. (PC: India Today)

A powerful IED explosion targeted the Quetta-bound Jaffar Express in Balochistan near Sultankot on Tuesday, injuring several people and derailing six coaches. The Baloch rebel group, Baloch Republican Guards, claimed responsibility, stating the attack targeted Pakistani Army personnel on board. Rescue teams and security forces reached the site and are assisting the injured. The Jaffar Express has been repeatedly attacked this year, including hijackings, derailments, and bombings, resulting in deaths and injuries. Authorities continue investigations. The BRG warned such attacks would continue until Balochistan’s independence. Local authorities are monitoring the railway route for further security measures. (PC: NDTV)

The Israel-Hamas war has entered its third year, with over 66,000 Palestinians killed, most women and children, and 48 Israeli hostages still held. Talks resumed in Cairo under US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, aimed at a ceasefire and hostage release. Despite the negotiations, Israel continued bombing Gaza, worsening the humanitarian crisis. Previous ceasefires in 2023 and 2025 temporarily allowed aid and hostage exchanges but collapsed. Many countries have now formally recognised Palestine, and the UN has adopted a two-state resolution. International bodies, including the International Association of Genocide Scholars, have called Israeli actions in Gaza a genocide. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump said there is a “really good chance” of a Gaza peace deal as talks continue in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh. Israeli, Hamas, Egyptian, and Qatari officials are discussing Trump’s 20-point plan, which includes a ceasefire, hostage exchange, and aid delivery to Gaza. Hamas has partly agreed to the proposal but has not accepted key conditions like disarmament. Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu and Trump both hope the first phase, involving hostage release, will be completed this week. The UN and several world leaders have welcomed the talks as a chance to end the long Gaza conflict. (PC: X)

A Tamil Nadu government report found 350 safety violations at Sresan Pharmaceutical in Kancheepuram, which made the ‘Coldrif’ cough syrup linked to 16 child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Inspectors said the factory used non-pharma grade chemicals, had rusted machines, and no air filters or cleaning systems. Toxic diethylene glycol, used in brake fluids, was found in the syrup. The plant also lacked a quality control team and stored medicines in dirty areas. Tamil Nadu has banned the syrup and stopped production. Other states have also removed Coldrif from the market and launched further safety checks. (PC: India Today)

Israel and Hamas have started indirect talks in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh on Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. The talks aim to secure the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and an end to the war. Egypt and Qatar are mediating between both sides. Hamas has partly accepted the plan but not agreed to disarm or step aside from Gaza’s rule. Israel hopes for a hostage release soon. The plan includes aid for Gaza and discusses a possible Palestinian state. Fighting continues in Gaza as both sides face pressure to reach a lasting peace deal. (PC: BBC)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Monday to discuss Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan and Iran’s nuclear programme. The two leaders also talked about stabilising Syria and finding a negotiated solution with Tehran, Russian media reported. Netanyahu wished Putin ahead of his birthday during the call. The discussion came as ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas resumed, with both sides showing interest in Trump’s proposed roadmap involving prisoner exchanges. Putin and Trump had earlier met in Alaska to discuss the Ukraine war and nuclear arms limits under the 2010 New START treaty. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump has announced new limits on international student enrollment, capping it at 15% in American universities. A government memo, titled “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” says no more than 5% of students can come from any one country. Universities that fail to meet these rules may lose federal funding. The policy affects top institutions already exceeding the cap, forcing them to cut existing international classes. Experts say the move could reshape the US’s global education role and hurt opportunities for foreign students, including many from India studying under the Student Visa Exchange Program. (PC: X)