Spanish actor Javier Bardem called for peace and support for Palestine during the Oscars 2026 ceremony on Sunday. Bardem made the statement while presenting the Best International Feature Film award with Priyanka Chopra. He wore a “No to War” pin on his tuxedo and said, “No to war and Free Palestine” on stage. The message received loud cheers from the audience. Earlier on the red carpet, Bardem also spoke about war and criticised ongoing conflicts. The award they presented went to the Norwegian film Sentimental Value. The 98th Academy Awards took place during a time of rising global tensions and political conflict in West Asia.

At least 10 patients were killed after a massive fire broke out at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, early Monday. The fire started around 3 am on the first floor of the trauma care unit, where 23 patients were admitted. Thick smoke quickly spread through the ICU, causing panic. Seven patients died inside the ward, while three others died later after inhaling smoke. Eleven hospital staff were injured during rescue efforts. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after several hours. Authorities suspect a short circuit in the ICU’s air conditioner or medical equipment caused the fire. The Odisha government has ordered a judicial inquiry.

Flights at Dubai International Airport began gradually resuming on Monday after a drone-related incident caused a fire near the airfield. Authorities said a fuel tank close to the airport was damaged, forcing a temporary suspension of flights. Emergency teams quickly put out the fire and no injuries were reported. Several aircraft had to circle outside the airport during the disruption. Passengers were advised to check with airlines for updates. The incident comes amid rising tensions in West Asia. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted three drones over Riyadh and eastern regions on Monday, adding that the drones were destroyed before causing any damage.

Donald Trump has urged NATO allies and China to help reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, after Iran effectively blocked the vital oil route amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel. The closure of the waterway, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude supply passes, has triggered sharp disruptions in global energy markets. Major economies have begun releasing strategic oil reserves to stabilise supply and curb rising fuel costs. Meanwhile, global crude prices have surged by nearly 40–50 per cent as Iran targets shipping and energy infrastructure across the Gulf in retaliation for recent military strikes. (PC: X)

A massive fire broke out near Dubai International Airport after a drone strike hit a fuel tank close to the facility, briefly forcing authorities to suspend flight operations. Officials in the United Arab Emirates said Dubai Civil Defence teams were quickly deployed and managed to contain the blaze, with no injuries reported. The incident occurred amid the ongoing regional conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which has triggered repeated missile and drone attacks across Gulf states. Authorities confirmed that some flights were temporarily halted as a precaution before operations gradually resumed.

An Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, Jag Laadki oil tanker, safely departed the Port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates after a drone attack targeted the nearby oil terminal while the vessel was loading cargo. The tanker, carrying about 80,800 tonnes of Murban crude, left the port bound for India, with all crew members reported safe. The strike briefly disrupted operations at the major oil hub, though activities resumed soon after. Officials said Jag Laadki is the fourth Indian-flagged vessel to exit the conflict-affected region unharmed amid tensions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. (PC: Reuters)

Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history by becoming the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Cinematography at the 98th Academy Awards for her work on Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler. The landmark win highlights a significant milestone for women in cinematography, a field historically dominated by men. Only three women had previously been nominated for the category: Rachel Morrison, Ari Wegner, and Mandy Walker. Arkapaw, known for projects such as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, used a combination of IMAX film and Ultra Panavision 70 to shoot Sinners, creating a visually striking cinematic experience.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said diplomatic talks with Iran are yielding results in enabling Indian vessels to cross the crucial Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing regional conflict. Speaking to the Financial Times, Jaishankar said two India-flagged LPG carriers have already been allowed safe passage, though many more ships remain stranded near the Gulf. He emphasised that there is no blanket agreement with Tehran, with each vessel being cleared individually. The discussions followed recent conversations between Narendra Modi and Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as talks between Jaishankar and Abbas Araghchi. The strait remains a critical oil route, carrying nearly one-fifth of the world’s crude supply. (PC: X)

A fire broke out near Dubai International Airport after a drone strike hit a fuel tank, prompting emergency response and temporary suspension of flights. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said Dubai Civil Defence teams quickly contained the blaze, with no injuries reported. Following the incident, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority halted flights as a precaution and diverted several aircraft to Al Maktoum International Airport. The attack comes amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, with officials saying Iran has launched more than 1,800 missiles and drones toward the UAE since the war began.

The India women's national cricket team has earned a historic nomination for the Laureus World Team of the Year Award, becoming the first women’s cricket team to receive the honour. The nomination follows India’s landmark victory in the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, where the team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, defeated South Africa women's national cricket team by 52 runs in the final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. India’s campaign also featured a record-breaking semifinal win against Australia women's national cricket team, chasing 339 the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history. The nomination marks a major milestone for women’s cricket and Indian sport.