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The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has warned that the United Kingdom could face shortages of certain food products as prolonged drought conditions and heatwaves continue across England. Following severe winter flooding that disrupted planting, many agricultural businesses are now facing water abstraction restrictions during the third drought in five years. NFU President Tom Bradshaw called on the UK government to prioritise domestic food production and offer tax relief to enable farmers to invest in water storage systems. Record-breaking heat and dry soil have pushed cereal crops, including wheat, to half their normal height, driving the earliest harvest recorded since data collection began in 2006. According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), cereal yields across southern and eastern England are below the 10-year average, exacerbating financial strains on farming businesses following years of rising costs and diminished EU-derived subsidies. In response to sustained temperatures above 30°C, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued amber and yellow heat health alerts across several regions, advising social care providers and the public to take precautions for vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, industry representatives from the Country, Land and Business Association urged the government to fund long-term infrastructure and wildfire prevention to protect the future of British agriculture.

Iran has dismissed reports of ongoing negotiations with the United States, saying there are currently no direct talks between the two countries, while confirming that discussions with Oman are focused solely on establishing a temporary maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the consultations with Oman are aimed at ensuring safe navigation in the strategic waterway and should not be interpreted as an agreement to fully reopen the strait. He maintained that the security situation in the region remains unchanged and insisted that any broader decision regarding the Strait of Hormuz would depend on regional developments. Baghaei also said there are no plans for Iranian or American delegations to meet in the coming days, rejecting speculation that formal negotiations are currently underway. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump announced that Washington expected to begin talks with Iran and suggested that diplomatic efforts had prompted him to cancel a planned military operation. Trump said discussions involving Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Iran had encouraged the United States to pursue diplomacy instead of military action. The US president said he preferred reaching a negotiated settlement but warned that military options remained available if diplomacy failed. He expressed hope that an agreement could eventually address both navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme. Meanwhile, regional tensions remain high despite renewed diplomatic efforts. Reports emerged that an explosion occurred near a commercial tanker off the coast of Oman. Maritime authorities said the vessel and its crew were safe, while an investigation into the incident is underway. In another development, Iraq’s state oil marketing company reportedly offered significant discounts on Basrah crude exports to encourage buyers to lift cargoes from facilities inside the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting continuing uncertainty in regional energy markets. Iran also announced the execution of two men convicted of spying for Israel’s intelligence agency, saying they had provided sensitive military information to foreign operatives. The uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continues to affect global energy markets. The waterway handles a significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making any disruption a major concern for international trade and energy security.

Gaza: Israeli airstrikes struck multiple areas across the Gaza Strip for the second consecutive day on Sunday, leaving at least 18 Palestinians dead and several others injured, according to Palestinian health officials. The renewed violence came despite recent diplomatic efforts led by the United States aimed at advancing last year’s ceasefire agreement and reducing tensions in the region. Medical officials reported that Israeli fighter jets carried out strikes in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, and Khan Younis in the south. The attacks marked one of the deadliest days in recent weeks, with residential buildings, tents sheltering displaced families, and civilian vehicles among the locations hit. The escalation occurred only days after US President Donald Trump announced what he described as a significant breakthrough in efforts to revive the ceasefire agreement. His statement suggested that Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups had agreed in principle to disarm, raising hopes of progress toward ending the prolonged conflict. However, Israeli officials quickly expressed skepticism over the proposed disarmament plan. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, said Israel was prepared to give Hamas an opportunity to surrender its weapons but doubted the group would follow through. Speaking to Israel’s Army Radio, Cohen stated that no agreement had been reached to halt Israeli military operations in Gaza. He added that if Hamas refused to disarm, Israel could seek full control of the territory, where Israeli forces already maintain control over roughly 70 percent of the enclave. He emphasized that dismantling Hamas remained Israel’s primary objective under its understanding with the United States, describing it as a prerequisite for any lasting political arrangement. Later in the day, Doron Spielman, spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, confirmed that Israel had conveyed its concerns to US officials regarding the proposed roadmap. According to Spielman, Israel insists that Hamas must completely and verifiably disarm before any further steps toward implementing the ceasefire can move forward. Civilian Areas Among Targets Palestinian emergency services reported widespread destruction following Sunday’s airstrikes. In Deir al-Balah, at least four people were killed after an apartment building was struck. Another Israeli attack in the Mawasi area near Khan Younis injured five people and ignited fires in tents housing displaced families. A Palestinian couple and their nine-year-old son were killed when their home in Mawasi was hit. In Gaza City, another couple and their child lost their lives after an apartment was targeted. Medical teams also reported that two people were killed in a strike on a tent located near the Egyptian representative mission in Gaza City. Later in the day, two more fatalities were reported in the eastern Zeitoun neighborhood following another airstrike. In northern Gaza, one person was killed near Jabalia, while a separate strike targeting a vehicle near Saraya Square in Gaza City claimed at least three additional lives. Israeli Military Defends Operations The Israeli military said one of its operations in Deir al-Balah targeted two commanders belonging to Hamas’ elite “Nukhba” force. It also stated that strikes carried out in Gaza City and Jabalia were aimed at what it described as Hamas military operatives, although officials said assessments were still underway regarding the outcomes of those attacks. US-Led Peace Initiative Continues Despite the renewed violence, diplomatic efforts to preserve the ceasefire remain ongoing. The US-led Board of Peace, responsible for overseeing implementation of the ceasefire agreement, released a 15-point roadmap outlining the final stages required to fully enforce the deal. Nickolay Mladenov, the board’s chief envoy for Gaza, expressed concern over the latest escalation, saying the attacks came while mediators were actively working with Palestinian factions to secure agreement on the proposed roadmap. In a statement posted on social media, Mladenov said discussions with regional partners and international mediators were continuing to reduce tensions and create conditions necessary for implementing President Trump’s peace initiative. He stressed that achieving a lasting peace would require sustained commitment from all parties involved. Hamas Accuses Israel of Undermining Talks Hamas maintained that it remained open to negotiations but insisted Israel must first end its military campaign and withdraw forces from Gaza in accordance with the ceasefire agreement before any discussion on surrendering weapons could proceed. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim said the movement had demonstrated “considerable flexibility” during negotiations but accused Israel of escalating attacks in an attempt to weaken diplomatic efforts and impose new realities on the ground through military force. Meanwhile, former senior Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan, who is based in the United Arab Emirates, claimed that Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law and a senior adviser involved in the US initiative, had informed him that discussions were underway with Israeli officials to halt the attacks. According to Dahlan, contacts between US officials and regional mediators continue, but the success of the agreement now depends largely on Israel ending its ongoing military operations in Gaza. The US State Department has not immediately commented on Dahlan’s remarks, while Israeli authorities have yet to issue a formal response. Casualties Continue to Rise According to Gaza health authorities, at least 1,230 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire agreement reached in October. Hamas has not released figures regarding the number of its fighters killed during the same period. Israeli officials, meanwhile, report that four Israeli soldiers have been killed since the ceasefire came into effect.

Heavy monsoon rains continued to wreak havoc across southern India, leaving at least 14 people dead and forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes as floods and landslides caused widespread destruction in the states of Kerala and Karnataka. According to local authorities, at least 11 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across Kerala since the weekend. The relentless downpours have inundated low-lying areas, damaged homes and roads, and disrupted daily life across several districts. State officials said nearly 7,700 residents have been evacuated from flood-prone areas and shifted to approximately 275 relief camps established across Kerala. Emergency response teams, including disaster management personnel and local volunteers, have been working around the clock to rescue stranded residents and provide food, shelter, and medical assistance. Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan is scheduled to hold a high-level meeting with district officials on Monday to assess the flood situation and review relief and rehabilitation measures. He stated that cleanup operations have already begun in several areas where floodwaters have started to recede, while authorities continue to monitor regions still at risk. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has warned that several parts of the state are expected to experience moderate rainfall accompanied by strong winds, raising concerns that conditions could worsen in vulnerable locations. Residents living near rivers, hillsides, and flood-prone areas have been advised to remain alert and follow official safety instructions. The severe weather has also disrupted education across Kerala. Numerous schools remained closed due to flooding and unsafe travel conditions, while the state government postponed a scheduled teacher recruitment examination to ensure the safety of candidates and staff. Meanwhile, neighboring Karnataka has also suffered significant damage from the monsoon. Heavy rainfall triggered a landslide on Saturday that claimed the lives of three members of the same family—a couple and their son—highlighting the growing threat posed by unstable hillsides during the rainy season. Meteorological officials have warned that monsoon activity is expected to remain active over parts of southern India in the coming days. Disaster management agencies are maintaining a high level of preparedness as rescue teams continue relief efforts and authorities closely monitor rivers, reservoirs, and landslide-prone regions. The annual monsoon season frequently brings heavy rainfall to southern India, but experts say increasingly intense weather events are placing greater pressure on infrastructure, emergency services, and vulnerable communities.

A court in New Delhi has acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a high-profile sexual harassment and stalking case filed by several women wrestlers, bringing an end to one of India’s most closely watched legal proceedings involving the sports community. Singh, 69, a former member of parliament from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had faced allegations from a group of prominent female wrestlers who accused him of sexual harassment, inappropriate conduct and demanding sexual favours. He consistently denied all allegations throughout the investigation and trial. The case attracted nationwide attention in 2023 after leading Indian wrestlers, including world champion Vinesh Phogat and Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik, launched weeks-long protests demanding Singh’s removal from the Wrestling Federation of India and legal action against him. The demonstrations sparked widespread debate over athlete safety, accountability and the treatment of women in Indian sports. According to Singh’s legal team, the court cleared him of all charges after finding inconsistencies in witness testimonies and contradictions in key aspects of the prosecution’s case. Following the verdict, his supporters celebrated outside the court by showering him with flower petals, bursting firecrackers and chanting slogans. Reacting to the ruling, Singh welcomed the decision and maintained that he had always been confident of his innocence. He described the judgment as a complete vindication of his position. Despite the acquittal, wrestler Vinesh Phogat said the legal battle was not over. She announced that the athletes would challenge the verdict before a higher court, insisting they would continue seeking justice. Phogat said it had taken immense courage for the wrestlers to file complaints against a politically influential figure and vowed to pursue the case through all available legal channels. The controversy first erupted in 2023 when protesting wrestlers accused authorities of delaying action despite their complaints. Images of athletes being detained while marching towards the Indian Parliament drew widespread attention and intensified public scrutiny of the case.

Authorities have issued a flash flood warning for New York City, parts of New Jersey and western Long Island as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds swept across the region, raising the threat of widespread flooding and travel disruptions. Weather officials warned that intense downpours could quickly overwhelm drainage systems, flood roads and affect low-lying areas. The flash flood warning remained in effect through Monday morning, while a broader flood watch was issued for New York City and northern and central New Jersey until the evening. Forecasters also declared a First Alert Weather Day, citing an elevated risk of flash flooding and severe thunderstorms. Moist and humid air moving into the region is expected to produce rainfall rates of one to three inches per hour, with total rainfall forecast between one and three inches. Some isolated locations could receive even higher amounts, significantly increasing the risk of flooding. In response to the severe weather threat, New York City Emergency Management activated its Flash Flood Emergency Plan. City crews were deployed to clear storm drains and catch basins in flood-prone neighbourhoods, while emergency teams were placed on standby to respond to flooded streets, fallen trees and stranded motorists. Officials warned that severe thunderstorms could also generate damaging wind gusts, increasing the possibility of power outages and hazardous driving conditions throughout the day. Meanwhile, a High Surf Advisory was issued for beaches south of New York City and across Long Island, where waves were expected to reach between six and ten feet. Authorities also warned of a high risk of dangerous rip currents and urged residents and visitors to stay out of the water until conditions improve. Temperatures were expected to remain in the low 80s under mostly cloudy skies. Weather experts forecast that storm activity would gradually weaken by Monday night, bringing an improvement in conditions.

The United Front of Afghanistan has announced the launch of an armed campaign against the Afghan Taliban, marking what it describes as a new phase in its efforts to challenge the Taliban-led administration. The group’s leader, General Sami Sadat, also appealed to the United States, NATO and other members of the international community for political support. In a video message, General Sadat said the resistance movement had formally begun military operations in Kandahar. He described the campaign as an effort to free Afghanistan from Taliban rule and restore stability to the country. Sadat said the group’s military activities are not limited to targeting the Taliban. He claimed that United Front fighters are also operating against Al-Qaeda, Daesh (ISIS) and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), saying these organisations pose a serious threat to Afghanistan and the wider region. He stressed that the resistance movement does not seek conflict with neighbouring countries. According to Sadat, the group’s objective is to establish peaceful relations with Afghanistan’s neighbours and promote regional cooperation. He argued that the Taliban’s policies have created security concerns for neighbouring states, while the United Front aims to contribute to long-term regional stability. General Sadat also pledged that his forces would conduct all military operations in accordance with international law. He said the movement would respect humanitarian principles during its campaign and insisted that it would not seek permission from any foreign country before carrying out its operations. Calling for international engagement, Sadat urged the global community to provide political backing to the resistance movement. He appealed to the United States, NATO and other governments to support what he described as the Afghan people’s struggle for freedom, saying the international community should stand on the “right side of history.” The announcement comes amid continuing political and security tensions in Afghanistan, where anti-Taliban resistance groups have periodically claimed attacks against Taliban positions, particularly in northern and central parts of the country. Despite these claims, the Taliban remain in control of most of Afghanistan and continue to reject the legitimacy of armed opposition groups.