World

India delivered an impressive performance at the US Open Pickleball Championship 2026, winning six medals including four golds. Arjun Singh and Aditya Singh led the charge with a gold, while Panth Thakkar and Atharva Sheth secured silver

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire following their first direct diplomatic talks in decades, held in Washington. President Donald Trump announced the truce, set to begin at 5 pm Eastern Time, after discussions with Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Fatih Birol warned Europe faces jet fuel shortages within weeks if the Strait of Hormuz closure continues, risking flight disruptions, rising prices, and wider global economic impact, especially for developing nations dependent on Middle East energy supplies.

Russia launched nearly 700 drones and dozens of missiles in one of its largest aerial attacks in weeks, striking civilian areas across Ukraine and killing at least 16 people. More than 100 were injured as residents sheltered in fear, with homes and infrastructure damaged.

A Chinese national has been jailed in Kenya for one year for illegally possessing nearly 2,000 ants. The court also imposed a fine after he pleaded guilty. The case highlights rising illegal trade in small wildlife species.

The Pakistan Navy has successfully test-fired an indigenous ship-launched anti-ship missile with extended range and precision capability. The military said the system features advanced guidance technology and can engage targets at sea and on land.

Narendra Modi and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker pledged to strengthen India-Austria ties, focusing on innovation, trade, and sustainability. The leaders highlighted growing cooperation in emerging technologies, defence, and startups during Stocker’s first India visit in over four decades.

Christian Stocker praised India as a reliable global partner, highlighting its strong international influence. Alongside Narendra Modi, he stressed diplomacy, trade growth, and deeper cooperation in technology, security, and defence ties.

Amir Hamza, co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, was injured in a gun attack in Lahore. Unidentified attackers opened fire on a car carrying him and a TV host. Police are investigating the incident, while political groups have condemned the attack.

The US Navy has issued radio warnings to merchant vessels in and around Iran, declaring its readiness to board and seize ships violating the blockade on Iranian trade. A message broadcast by US Central Command emphasised that vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports would face interdiction.

Amid a US blockade on Iranian ports, vessels altered AIS data while crossing the Strait of Hormuz to mask destinations. Limited traffic continues as tensions rise, with Washington deploying forces and warning ships, complicating maritime monitoring and regional trade flows

Around 250 people, including Rohingya refugees, went missing after a boat capsized in the Andaman Sea en route to Malaysia. Overcrowding and rough seas caused the हादसा, as UN agencies highlighted ongoing displacement and risky migration conditions

Harvey Weinstein’s rape retrial has begun in New York, with jury selection underway in the case involving Jessica Mann. The proceedings may include new evidence, while the former film producer continues to deny all allegations against him

Lebanon and Israel have entered their first direct talks in decades, even as clashes with Hezbollah continue in southern Lebanon. The US, represented by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is mediating alongside ambassadors from both nations.

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan’s sisters were once again denied permission to meet him at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, despite Islamabad High Court orders allowing bi-weekly visits. Aleema Khan stated that police routinely stop them at the checkpost and the jail administration misinforms the court about their absence.

The US, Israel and Lebanon held rare talks amid rising tensions involving Iran, as Washington claimed success in enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports. Meanwhile, the UN urged continued diplomacy, warning that violations of international law are worsening instability

A report highlights that over 80 per cent of Balochistan’s population lacks access to primary healthcare due to budget shortfalls, weak infrastructure, staffing gaps and poor governance, with experts pointing to systemic failures and lack of effective policy implementation

The Roland Garros 2026 entry list features 100 of the top 101 WTA players, led by Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka. Former champions and rising stars promise a strong competition in the season’s second Grand Slam in Paris

Taylor Swift leads the 2026 American Music Awards nominations with eight nods, extending her dominance. Several artistes follow closely, while the awards ceremony will be held on May 25 in Las Vegas with public voting determining winners

Carlos Alcaraz began his Barcelona Open campaign with a straight-sets win over Otto Virtanen. Lorenzo Musetti and Alex de Minaur also advanced to the next round with comfortable victories in their respective opening matches

The resilience of Hungary’s democracy amid authoritarian governance will inspire activists worldwide

President Donald Trump has indicated that a second round of talks with Iran may take place in Islamabad within two days, crediting Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir for facilitating dialogue. The US blockade of Iranian ports, enforced by CENTCOM with warships and aircraft, has pressured Tehran back to negotiations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the situation in West Asia and bilateral ties during a phone call. India welcomed the ceasefire between the US and Iran, emphasising peace and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

China has strongly criticised the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "dangerous and irresponsible move" that threatens regional stability. Beijing denied allegations of aiding Iran militarily and warned of countermeasures if Washington raises tariffs.