Amazon’s cloud facility in Bahrain was damaged in an Iranian strike as tensions escalate between Tehran and US-linked technology firms. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned it would target major American companies, including Apple, Google and Meta, if further Iranian officials are killed. The statement alleged these firms assist in tracking and designing assassination operations. Employees and nearby residents were urged to evacuate areas around such facilities. The incident follows earlier drone strikes on Amazon data centres in the region. The developments highlight a widening conflict scope, with corporate infrastructure increasingly drawn into the confrontation amid ongoing US-Iran hostilities and rising regional instability concerns. (PC: Times Now)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain will not be drawn into the Iran-US-Israel conflict while announcing a 35-nation meeting to address the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. The talks, to be hosted by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, will focus on diplomatic and political measures to restore navigation, ensure safety of vessels, and resume movement of vital commodities. Starmer warned the war’s economic impact will affect the UK but said the country is prepared to withstand the disruption. He emphasised closer cooperation with European allies and reaffirmed commitment to NATO amid rising global tensions and energy market instability. (PC: Reuters)

An explosion occurred near a BJP office in Chandigarh Sector 37 on Wednesday evening, prompting a swift security response. Preliminary inputs indicate two individuals arrived on a two-wheeler and hurled a crude bomb or improvised explosive device before fleeing. Khalistani terrorist Sukhjinder Singh Babbar later claimed responsibility, describing the attack as retaliation and issuing further threats. No casualties were reported, though vehicles were damaged by shrapnel. Police cordoned off the area and recovered CCTV footage, while forensic teams, including the Central Forensic Science Laboratory, began analysis. The incident has raised serious concerns about targeted militant activity and security vulnerabilities near political establishments. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely to attend the BRICS summit scheduled in September in India, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko. Speaking in Colombo, he said Moscow would support New Delhi’s efforts to build consensus among member nations. He also confirmed that Russia will honour all existing oil export contracts despite its decision to ban gasoline exports from April 1 due to price fluctuations. The assurance comes amid global energy uncertainty, signalling Russia’s intent to maintain reliability in ongoing commitments while managing domestic market pressures through export restrictions on refined fuel supplies. (PC: AP)

IndiGo has increased fuel charges after a rise in aviation turbine fuel prices. The government raised ATF prices by 25%. IndiGo said fares will now be higher. Domestic fuel charges range from ₹275 to ₹950 based on distance. International charges range from ₹900 to ₹10,000. The highest increase is for routes to Europe and the UK. The new rates apply to bookings from April 2. The airline said fuel costs form a large part of expenses. The hike comes as global fuel prices rise due to the ongoing Iran conflict. Passengers may now face higher travel costs. (PC: HT)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the Iran war shows the need for “closer ties with Europe”. He announced a new summit with EU leaders. Starmer said the UK is “well-placed to weather” the crisis, but warned it “will not be easy”. He stressed the UK will not join the war. “This is not our war,” he said. He added the country remains committed to NATO. Starmer said stronger EU links will help security and the economy. Critics asked what the UK may give up. Rising energy prices remain a major concern for people.

A Russian military plane crashed in Crimea, killing 29 people on board. The aircraft lost contact during a “routine flight”, officials said. Wreckage was later found after a search. Russia’s defence ministry blamed a “technical failure” and ruled out any external attack. The plane was an Antonov An-26, a Soviet-era transport aircraft. It carried seven crew members and 23 passengers. Authorities have opened an inquiry into flight safety. Ukraine has not commented on the crash. Crimea was annexed by Russia in 2014 and remains a conflict zone. Fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces continues in the region. (PC: AirTeamImages)

The United States is considering two ground assault plans in Iran, awaiting approval from Donald Trump. According to a report, one plan targets Kharg Island, a key oil hub. Another aims to seize “highly enriched uranium” linked to Iran’s nuclear programme. Officials warned both options are “highly risky”. Around 7,000 US troops are being moved to the region. Special forces are also on standby. The report said such action could escalate the conflict. It may not end the war or reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has not made a final decision yet, as tensions remain high.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has reportedly emerged as the de facto authority amid a leadership vacuum following the absence of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and tensions with President Masoud Pezeshkian. Reports suggest a military council of IRGC commanders is making key decisions, sidelining civilian leadership and blocking presidential appointments. Limited access to Mojtaba and lack of communication have deepened uncertainty over authority. The IRGC, already controlling military operations and the Strait of Hormuz, has expanded influence across governance and security. The situation reflects an intensifying power struggle, raising concerns over institutional balance and the future of Iran’s political structure. (PC: India Today)

Iran has said it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz despite pressure from Donald Trump. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the strait is under its “full and decisive control”. It called Trump’s statements “ridiculous displays”. Trump had said the US may consider a ceasefire if the strait is “open, free, and clear”. Iran denied seeking any ceasefire. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “No proposal was made.” He added that Iran will continue the conflict until its demands are met. Iran also said only regional countries will decide the strait’s future. Tensions remain high.