World

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said maritime service fees should be charged in the Strait of Hormuz as Tehran and Oman negotiate a temporary shipping route. He said discussions were progressing smoothly, with technical issues and safe navigation still being addressed

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan began a four-day Mauritius visit to strengthen maritime cooperation and defence ties. Discussions will cover maritime security, capacity building and military collaboration, while the two nations seek to deepen strategic partnership and regional cooperation

India donated five peacocks, including a rare white-feathered male, to the UN Office at Geneva, reviving a decades-old tradition. The birds symbolise India’s biodiversity and commitment to environmental conservation, while also strengthening its longstanding partnership with the United Nations

The US Homeland Security Department will expand existing $4,000 H-1B and $4,500 L-1 fees to qualifying visa extension petitions from September 9. The move could raise immigration costs for employers, indirectly affecting Indian technology professionals and other foreign workers

A US Embassy assessment said Indian social media users praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s February 2025 Washington visit for strengthening ties with Donald Trump, advancing defence and trade cooperation, and promoting India’s interests through personal diplomacy and strategic engagements

India defended its proposed FCRA Amendment Bill 2026, rejecting concerns that it would restrict lawful civil society or target religious groups. Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra said the legislation would improve transparency, oversight and governance while allowing eligible organisations to receive foreign funding

Iran’s parliament security committee approved a strategic action plan aimed at ensuring security and sustainable progress in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf. Tehran said US violations must end before negotiations resume, while Iran and Oman continue discussions on safe maritime routes

Democratic Senator Chris Murphy warned that the US has nearly exhausted key missile interceptors and Tomahawks during the Iran war, leaving America and allies vulnerable. He urged ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Republicans defended Trump’s military campaign

At least three people were killed and 10 injured in multiple shootings across Chicago over the weekend, while a separate North Carolina shooting left three family members dead. Authorities reported no arrests in Chicago as gun violence continues across the United States

Israel rejected a Gaza deal announced by US President Donald Trump, insisting no withdrawal until Hamas is disarmed. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels attacked Mokha port and a Saudi Aramco refinery, raising fears of renewed civil war. Separately, Iran and Oman discussed managing the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran signalling restrictions on “hostile” nations’ vessels.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met Supreme Leader Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei in Tehran to discuss pressing national issues, including citizens’ livelihood needs, economic challenges, and foreign relations. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Aragchi ruled out any current negotiations with the United States, citing violations of past agreements.

Nagasaki marked the 81st anniversary of the 1945 atomic bombing, with Mayor Shiro Suzuki condemning nuclear weapons as “absolute evil” and urging Japan to uphold its non-nuclear principles. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi defended a pragmatic approach amid concerns over nuclear deterrence

Toronto police arrested 32-year-old Abdul Ghafoori in connection with the December murder of 30-year-old Indian-origin woman Himanshi Khurana. Ghafoori, identified as her partner, faces a first-degree murder charge after being apprehended at an airport following an international investigation

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran will continue pursuing peace under its memorandum of understanding with the United States, provided Washington builds trust. He stressed reciprocal commitments, rejected coercion and reaffirmed Iran’s readiness for dialogue while protecting its national rights

Two people, including a pilot and crew member, were killed when a contracted Sikorsky S-64 helicopter crashed while supporting firefighting operations on Utah’s Widemouth 2 Fire. The wildfire has burned over 114,000 acres, destroyed structures, forced evacuations and remains partially contained

Ukraine has secured an agreement with the United States for monthly deliveries of Patriot air defence interceptor missiles, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. However, he warned supplies remain inadequate, with 2026 deliveries expected to fall below 2025 levels amid continuing regional conflicts

British Columbia declared a provincial state of emergency as fast-spreading wildfires forced large-scale evacuations, destroyed properties and prompted air rescues. Meanwhile, wildfires in Ontario worsened air quality across major cities, disrupted rail services and forced evacuations as over 100 fires remained active

At least four people, including a pilot and three Colombian women from the same family, were killed after a helicopter crashed in Rio de Janeiro’s Tijuca National Park. Authorities deployed rescue teams and urged stricter oversight of helicopter flights following recent aviation accidents

The death toll from Friday’s school shooting in Thailand’s Nonthaburi Province has risen to nine, including a 12‑year‑old girl. Fourteen others remain hospitalised. Police are probing the 14‑year‑old gunman’s motive, ammunition source, and links to American school shooting cases.

A new report says China's lack of cooperation has made it difficult to determine the origins of Covid and calls for stronger international pressure on Beijing. The article also urges scrutiny of US-linked research connections and renewed efforts to uncover the pandemic's source

US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Michael Boulos arrived in Kochi on Saturday for a private visit, accompanied by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Kerala government sources denied reports of a meeting with Chief Minister V D Satheesan

Australia's H5N1 bird flu cases have crossed 200, with South Australia reporting the highest number and Victoria introducing new measures for poultry producers. Authorities said there have been no detections in Australia's agricultural system and the human health risk remains low.

The US Senate has passed a Russia sanctions bill that could expose India and other major buyers of Russian energy to tariffs of up to 100 per cent. The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Spain will temporarily restore internal border checks for travellers arriving from Italy after Rome refused to lift controls on travellers from Spain. The move comes amid tensions over migration following a major influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.