Top Iranian diplomat expects ‘critical’ talks with Putin

Two former British & Irish Lions players, Matt Dawson and Jamie Roberts, teamed up with BBC rugby correspondent Chris Jones to debate and rank the top 10 most iconic figures in Lions history. Their picks—likely a mix of fearless leaders, game-changers, and unforgettable personalities—are featured in a new BBC Sounds podcast series diving into Lions tour lore.

Editor’s Note: For rugby fans, especially those who bleed Lions red, this is like sitting in a pub with legends arguing over the all-time greats. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s a celebration of the players who defined one of sport’s most storied teams, sparking debates and maybe even a few friendly disagreements among supporters.

The head of London's Metropolitan Police has expressed shock over an upcoming protest organized by Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian group. While the demonstration is set for Monday, police say they lack the legal authority to prevent it from going ahead.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another protest story—it highlights the tension between law enforcement's concerns and the legal limits on their power to intervene. With emotions running high over the Israel-Palestine conflict, authorities are walking a tightrope between public safety and free speech. It’s a reminder of how divisive geopolitical issues can spill into local communities, forcing police into tough positions.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has vowed to continue retaliating against Israel, calling it a "punishment," while U.S. forces struck three Iranian nuclear-linked sites over the weekend. The situation remains volatile, with both sides escalating tensions in a dangerous back-and-forth.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another flare-up—it's a worrying escalation between two longtime adversaries, with the U.S. now directly involved. If tit-for-tat strikes keep happening, the risk of a wider regional war grows. For global security and oil markets, that’s a big deal.

India's Oil Minister assures the public that the country has sufficient crude oil stockpiles to last for several weeks, despite importing 2 million barrels daily through the critical Strait of Hormuz. The statement aims to ease concerns about potential supply disruptions in a geopolitically tense region.

Editor’s Note: With global oil markets often rattled by instability in the Middle East, India’s reassurance about its reserves is a way to preempt panic—both for everyday consumers and industries reliant on fuel. It’s a balancing act: acknowledging dependence on imports while projecting confidence in short-term stability. For a fast-growing economy like India, keeping energy supplies steady is non-negotiable.

India’s aviation watchdog, the DGCA, is conducting a routine inspection of Air India’s Gurugram operations hub, reviewing aircraft paperwork and crew records. Officials clarify this isn’t tied to the recent Ahmedabad crash—it’s just their annual checkup to ensure everything’s up to snuff.

Editor’s Note: Routine checks like these are the boring-but-necessary paperwork of flying safely. While the timing might raise eyebrows after a crash, officials are stressing this is standard procedure—not a red flag. For travelers, it’s a reminder that regulators do keep tabs on airlines, even when there’s no crisis.