Nivedita

France on Sunday expressed concern over the U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, urging Washington, Tehran, and Tel Aviv to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation. Clarifying it had no role in the strikes, France reiterated its opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons and called for a negotiated solution under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. President Emmanuel Macron is holding urgent consultations with international leaders as tensions mount following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of the strikes, which targeted Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan sites.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing “deep concern” over the escalating tensions following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Emphasising the need for immediate de-escalation, Modi called for dialogue and diplomacy to restore regional peace and stability. His remarks came hours after US President Donald Trump announced strikes on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan sites. India’s statement remained neutral, avoiding direct reference to the attacks while underscoring its support for peace in the region.

A day after nominating Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize over his role in easing India-Pakistan tensions, Pakistan strongly condemned the US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Calling the attacks a violation of international law, Islamabad warned of severe regional fallout and urged immediate de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy. The strikes, confirmed by Trump as targeting Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, mark a dramatic escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict, now drawing in the US directly.

Around 40 members of a tribal family in Odisha’s Rayagada district shaved their heads as part of a cleansing ritual after a girl married outside her caste. The act, reportedly decided by a village council, aimed to preserve traditional norms. A video of the incident went viral, prompting officials to launch an investigation. While authorities confirmed the rituals were performed "willingly," a report is being prepared for the district collector.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two Pahalgam residents for allegedly harbouring Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists involved in the April 22 attack that killed 26 people and injured 16. The accused provided shelter and logistical support to the Pakistani militants prior to the attack. The arrests were made under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and investigations are ongoing. The attack, described as one of the most gruesome in recent memory, prompted India to launch Operation Sindoor in retaliation.