Evening news wrap: Iran, US truce talks begin; Artemis II completes milestone lunar return

• US and Iran peace talks began in Islamabad.
• Nasa’s Artemis II returned safely, completing the historic lunar mission with the Orion capsule safely splashing down in the Pacific.
• PM Modi targeted TMC on corruption and infiltration, promising faster CAA citizenship for eligible refugees if BJP wins.
• White House denied agreeing to unfreeze Iranian assets amid Islamabad talks.
• Teacher’s skeletal remains were found in Meerut home months after death; police say father preserved body.

Here are the top 5 updates for the day:

US-Iran peace talks begin in Islamabad; Tehran warns ‘Israel First’ approach could derail deal

High-level delegations from Iran and the US arrived in Islamabad for truce talks. Iran’s vice-president Mohammad Reza Aref stated that any agreement would depend on Iranian officials engaging with representatives aligned with an “America First” approach, warning that an “Israel First” stance would derail negotiations. Read the full story

Artemis II returns safely after historic lunar mission

Nasa's Artemis II concluded with a precise splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, ending a nearly 10-day journey that carried four astronauts farther from Earth than any humans before. The Orion capsule “Integrity” parachuted safely into calm waters off California, with all crew members confirmed unharmed. Read the full story

PM Modi ramps up campaign in Bengal, promises faster CAA citizenship

Prime Minister Narendra Modi intensified the BJP campaign in West Bengal, targeting infiltration, citizenship and alleged corruption under the Trinamool Congress government. He also pledged to fast-track citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act for eligible refugees if the BJP wins power. Read the full story

White House rejects report on unfreezing Iran funds amid talks

The White House denied reports that the United States had agreed to release Iran’s frozen assets held abroad, even as American and Iranian delegations hold ceasefire talks in Islamabad. The claim, reported by Reuters citing an Iranian source, said the funds in Qatar and other foreign banks could be unlocked. Read the full story

Teacher’s skeletal remains found in Meerut home after five months

Skeletal remains of a teacher, Priyanka Biswas, were discovered at her home in Meerut, five months after her mysterious death. Police said her father, Bhanu Biswas, had allegedly kept the body in the house, spraying perfume daily to mask the odour. Read the full story