Iran has rejected a ceasefire plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. Officials called the 15-point plan “excessive” and unfair. Iran has instead shared five new demands to end the conflict. These include stopping all attacks and killings, and ensuring the war does not restart. Iran also wants full payment for war damages. It has asked for an end to fighting across all regions and groups. A key demand is control over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran says this is its legal right. Officials added that the US cannot decide when the war will end. Iran will choose the timing and conditions itself. (PC: AP/AFP)

Parliament has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing significant changes to the 2019 law. The legislation redefines “transgender persons,” narrowing its scope and removing the earlier provision for self-perceived gender identity. It introduces a mandatory medical verification process, requiring certification by a medical board and approval from a district magistrate. The government says the changes aim to ensure targeted welfare delivery and prevent misuse. However, opposition leaders and activists have criticised the move as regressive, arguing it undermines dignity, privacy, and rights guaranteed by the Supreme Court’s landmark NALSA judgment on gender self-identification. (PC: The Hindu)

The sale of Rajasthan Royals for around $1.63 billion (₹15,000+ crore) has resulted in a massive financial gain for Shane Warne’s family. During the inaugural Indian Premier League season in 2008, Warne negotiated a special clause granting him a 0.75% ownership stake for each season he played. Having played four seasons, he accumulated a 3% stake. With the franchise’s soaring valuation, this stake is now worth approximately ₹450–460 crore. The payout, subject to approvals, highlights Warne’s foresight in securing long-term financial benefits beyond his playing career. (PC: HT)

The Indian government has stated that more Indian ships will continue to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz despite rising tensions in West Asia. Officials emphasized that maritime operations remain active with necessary security precautions in place. At the same time, the Centre reiterated that the safety of the Indian diaspora in the region is its top priority. Authorities are closely monitoring developments and are prepared to take evacuation or emergency measures if needed, while maintaining coordination with regional governments to ensure the protection of Indian nationals and trade routes. (PC: HT)

Iran has claimed it launched coast-to-sea cruise missiles at the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Gulf, escalating the ongoing West Asia conflict. Iranian state media said the strike forced the carrier to change position and released an unverified video showing missile launches. The attack followed earlier warnings from Iran’s navy that the vessel would be targeted if it entered missile range. However, the United States has not confirmed any strike or damage, keeping the claim unverified. The incident comes amid rising hostilities, continued missile exchanges, and stalled ceasefire efforts, further heightening regional instability. 

Iran has dismissed Donald Trump’s claims of ongoing ceasefire talks, mocking Washington for “negotiating with itself” while denying any diplomatic engagement. Even as the US signalled a proposed peace plan, Tehran intensified military action, launching overnight missile and drone strikes targeting Gulf states and US bases in countries such as Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. The escalation highlights deep mistrust between both sides, with Iran continuing retaliation against US-Israeli operations. Rising regional tensions have disrupted oil routes and prompted global concern, as diplomacy stalls and the conflict shows no immediate signs of de-escalation. (PC: AP)

Rishi Sunak has praised India’s rapid rise in artificial intelligence, stating that both India and the United Kingdom are now “AI superpowers.” His remarks come as India surpasses the UK in global AI rankings, reflecting its growing technological capabilities, talent pool, and innovation ecosystem. Sunak highlighted the importance of collaboration between the two nations in advancing AI development responsibly. The development underscores India’s increasing global influence in cutting-edge technology sectors, while also reinforcing the UK’s continued leadership and commitment to strengthening international partnerships in AI research, governance, and innovation.

Tensions in the ongoing US-Iran conflict have intensified following claims that Iran launched missiles toward the USS Abraham Lincoln, after warning it was under surveillance. While Iranian state media reported the strike, independent confirmation remains unclear, adding to uncertainty on the battlefield. The escalation comes amid fragile diplomatic efforts, with the United States proposing a ceasefire plan through intermediaries like Pakistan. However, Tehran has denied direct negotiations and set strict conditions, including security guarantees and reparations. Despite ongoing talks, continued missile exchanges and military deployments suggest the conflict remains volatile, threatening regional stability and global energy supplies. (PC: X)

Indian police have been deployed at petrol pumps, particularly in Gujarat, to manage large crowds as panic buying intensifies over fears of fuel shortages. The anxiety is linked to the ongoing global crisis, where disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—through which India imports a significant share of crude oil—have raised supply concerns. Long queues and traffic congestion have been reported as people rush to secure fuel, despite authorities repeatedly assuring that supplies remain stable. Officials emphasize that misinformation and rumours are largely driving the panic rather than any immediate shortage. Across several regions, similar scenes of overcrowding at fuel stations have prompted increased police presence to maintain order and prevent chaos.

Iran said it struck the USS Abraham Lincoln with cruise missiles on Wednesday, claiming the US carrier was forced to change position. The Iranian military said its Qader missiles targeted the vessel after earlier warning it was under “constant monitoring.”   “The firing of coast-to-sea cruise missiles… targeted this vessel,” Iran’s army said. A video shared by Fars news agency showed projectiles and loud blasts, but it has not been independently verified.   Earlier, Iran had warned it would act once the carrier entered missile range. The USS Abraham Lincoln was also reportedly targeted earlier this month with ballistic missiles.