Here are the latest news and big news stories to follow - The Hindu

• Convicted January 6 Capitol rioters are seeking payouts from a nearly $1.8 billion settlement fund established by the Trump administration. • The fund is intended for individuals claiming to be victims of a "weaponized government," though eligibility for those convicted of crimes remains uncertain.

• The "Hindu Hate Tracker" documented 40 reported incidents of alleged religious hate against Hindus across India and abroad between April 6 and April 12, 2026. • A significant controversy emerged in Tamil Nadu on April 8, 2026, after a viral video showed Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin wiping off vibhuti and kumkum applied by a priest.

• Driven by public demand and survivor advocacy, members of the U.S. Congress are attempting to set aside party politics to seek accountability for Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse network. • The effort focuses on identifying those who enabled Epstein, though survivors argue that the U.S. response has been insufficient compared to international efforts.

• The Council on Foreign Relations listed an event titled “A Conversation With Chairman Brian J. Mast,” indicating an upcoming U.S. policy discussion involving the Florida Republican. • Brian Mast’s role matters because he has been a prominent voice on national security and foreign policy issues in Congress.

• US official Hegseth praised several Asian partners for increasing their security and defense spending during a forum on May 30. • He specifically recognized Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam for their contributions.

• The "E6"—the EU's six largest economies including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, and the Netherlands—have sent a formal letter to the European Commission. • The group is urging the commission to accelerate the implementation of the Capital Markets Union to reduce market fragmentation.

• A Philippine minister stated that the country remains under severe territorial and political threat from China, despite the diplomatic outcomes of the Trump-Xi summit. • The tension stems from repeated maritime standoffs in the South China Sea, where Beijing continues to assert expansive claims over waters.

• WHO chief visited Bunia in eastern Congo on May 30, 2026, to address a current Ebola outbreak at its epicentre. • During the visit, the WHO leader urged international communities to reconsider imposing travel bans against the affected region.

• France is collaborating with Germany and Italy to advocate for a stricter European Union migration policy. • Key demands include the implementation of more rigorous border controls, accelerated deportation processes, and enhanced measures to combat illegal migration.

• Former President Donald Trump is currently weighing whether to move forward with a potential deal involving Iran. • The decision remains undecided, with Trump pondering the strategic implications of re-engaging or altering the terms of the agreement.

• During the Shangri-La Dialogue on May 30, US official Pete Hegseth praised several Asian partners for increasing their security and defense spending. • Hegseth specifically recognized Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam for their contributions.