1. Apple said it had removed Meta Platforms' WhatsApp and Threads from its App Store in China after being ordered to do so by the Chinese government.

2. The U.S. Senate voted to approve the reauthorization of a surveillance program that opponents say violates Americans’ constitutional right to privacy.

3. The U.S. effectively stopped the United Nations from recognizing a Palestinian state by casting a veto in the Security Council.

4. Airlines quickly changed flight paths over Iran, diverted to alternate airports or returned planes to their departure points.

5. Indians began voting in the world's largest election as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a historic third term on the back of issues such as growth, welfare, Hindu nationalism and personal popularity.

6. Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering "moderate to severe" levels of subsidence, putting millions of people at risk of flooding.