World

China signalled easing tensions with Taiwan by restoring limited ties, including direct flights and aquaculture imports, after talks involving Xi Jinping and Cheng Li-wun. Despite outreach, long-standing disputes persist since Tsai Ing-wen’s 2016 election

Talks between Iran and the US in Islamabad ended without agreement, with Iran citing “excessive demands.” JD Vance blamed Tehran’s nuclear stance. Esmaeil Baqaei noted partial consensus but key disagreements remained despite mediation by Ishaq Dar

US-Iran talks in Islamabad ended without agreement after 21 hours, with JD Vance citing Iran’s refusal to curb its nuclear programme, raising concerns over ceasefire stability, Strait of Hormuz access, and broader regional security and global energy markets

Pakistan pledged continued mediation between US and Iran after Islamabad talks ended without breakthrough, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urging ceasefire adherence, praising constructive negotiations, and expressing hope dialogue involving JD Vance and Iranian leaders yields lasting regional peace soon

London police detained more than 200 protesters during a demonstration against the government’s ban on Palestine Action, a group labelled a terrorist organisation. Despite a High Court ruling declaring the ban unlawful, it remains in place pending appeal.

India’s women’s football team lost 0-2 to Kenya in the FIFA Series 2026 semifinal, with goals from Martha Emedot and Tereza Obunya. Captain Pyari Xaxa sustained a head injury and was taken to the hospital. India faces Malawi in the third-place play-off

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will meet in the Monte Carlo Masters final on Sunday with the No. 1 ranking at stake. Both players have been in top form this season, with Sinner aiming for his first Masters title

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a fierce attack on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accusing him of massacring Kurdish citizens while accommodating Iran’s “terror regime”. The remarks come as Pakistan hosts sensitive US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad, following its successful mediation of a two-week ceasefire.

Sujeet and Abhimanyu won gold in their respective freestyle final bouts at the 2026 Senior Asian Wrestling Championships in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Their victories helped India’s medal tally reach 14, with two more golds up for grabs on the final day

The Lebanese health ministry reported that 2,020 people have been killed in Israeli strikes during the ongoing war with Hezbollah, including women, children, and health workers. Over 6,400 have been wounded, with nearly 100 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Indian paddlers dominated the South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships in Shimla, winning 13 gold medals along with four silvers. The players delivered strong performances across singles, doubles and mixed events, reaffirming India’s regional supremacy in youth table tennis

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor defended India’s approach to the West Asia conflict, rejecting Opposition criticism and dismissing any comparison with Pakistan’s role. He emphasised that India’s priority is peace, stability, and sustained diplomatic engagement in the region

Iran and the United States have opened negotiations in Islamabad, with discussions centred on a Lebanon ceasefire, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and security in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials insist that Washington must hold Israel accountable for ceasefire violations, while warning that prioritising Israeli interests could derail talks.

India’s women’s football team begin their FIFA Series campaign against Kenya, aiming to rebuild after Asian Cup disappointment. With a young squad and focus on future tournaments, the team looks to gain experience and improve performance

India’s women’s football team will face hosts Kenya in the FIFA Series 2026 after a disappointing Asian Cup campaign. With only four teams in the competition, the match acts as a semi-final as India look to rebuild momentum

US Vice President JD Vance travelled to Islamabad to lead negotiations aimed at ending the six-week war with Iran. Warning Tehran against attempting to “play” the US, he said Washington remains open to talks if Iran negotiates in good faith

India returned to winning ways with a dominant 3-0 victory over Mongolia in the Billie Jean King Cup. Zeel Desai and Sahaja Yamalapalli won their singles comfortably, while the doubles pair completed a comprehensive team performance

Meenakshi Goyat secured silver while three Indian male wrestlers entered their respective finals at the Asian Wrestling Championships. India’s medal tally reached double figures, with Monika and Harshita adding bronze medals in a strong overall performance

US Vice President JD Vance heads to Islamabad to lead high-stakes talks with Iran amid a fragile ceasefire, as tensions persist over demands involving Israel and the Strait of Hormuz, with President Trump seeking a swift resolution to the conflict

Indonesia defeated India 2-0 in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I, while Korea maintained a perfect record over New Zealand and Thailand bounced back with a 3-0 win against Mongolia. Top two teams will advance after round-robin play

World No.2 Jannik Sinner overcame a challenging three-set contest against Tomas Machac to reach the Monte-Carlo Masters quarterfinals. Despite a second-set slip, the Italian top seed recovered to win 6-1, 6-7(3), 6-3 and will face Felix Auger-Aliassime next

Meenakshi Goyat staged a late comeback to reach the 53kg final at the Asian Wrestling Championships, while Hansika Lamba and Neha secured bronze medals. India continued its strong run with multiple podium finishes in Bishkek

Carlos Alcaraz overcame a strong challenge from Tomás Martín Etcheverry to win in three sets and reach the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals. The World No 1 recovered after losing the second set to keep his title defence on track

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorised direct negotiations with Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah and establish relations, potentially boosting fragile Middle East ceasefire efforts, even as Israeli strikes on Beirut and tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten regional stability