Two Indian LPG tankers have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are heading to ports in Gujarat. The ships, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, are carrying about 92,700 tonnes of LPG. Officials said the vessels crossed the strait between Friday night and Saturday morning. Shivalik is expected to reach Mundra port on Monday. Nanda Devi is likely to arrive at Kandla on Tuesday. The government said 22 Indian vessels remain stuck in the Persian Gulf. Many of them are carrying energy cargo. Sources said the Indian Navy has deployed warships in the region. They may escort merchant ships if needed to ensure safe passage. (PC: The Indian Express)

Hamas has urged Iran to stop attacks on Gulf countries during the ongoing Middle East war. The Palestinian group made the appeal in a statement on Saturday. Hamas asked its “brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries”. It said regional nations should work together “to preserve the bonds of brotherhood”. At the same time, the group said Iran has the right to defend itself against strikes by the United States and Israel. Iran says its missile and drone strikes target American installations in the Gulf. However, some attacks have hit civilian infrastructure in the region. Iran is Hamas’s main supporter and provides funding, weapons and political backing. (PC: BBC)

Explosions were heard in parts of Dubai on Sunday as Iran launched fresh missile and drone attacks during the ongoing Middle East war. Authorities said loud sounds were reported in the Marina and Al Sufouh areas. Some were linked to air defence interceptions. Iranian strikes also forced operations to stop at the Fujairah oil terminal in the UAE. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the site. Officials said a Jordanian national was injured in the incident. Several drones also struck Kuwait’s international airport, though no injuries were reported there. According to officials, Iran has fired more than 1,800 missiles and drones at the UAE since the conflict began. (PC: NDTV)

The Election Commission will announce the schedule for Assembly elections in five states and one Union Territory at 4 pm on Sunday. Polls are due in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry. The terms of these assemblies end between May and June. Under election rules, voting must take place before the terms expire. The poll panel held a key meeting in New Delhi earlier this week to finalise the election timetable and polling phases. Officials also reviewed security deployment and preparedness in the poll-bound regions. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi led the review process ahead of the announcement. (PC: HT)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reportedly offered actor-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), around 80 assembly seats and the post of Deputy Chief Minister as part of a potential alliance for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. According to sources, talks between the BJP and TVK have entered the final stage, with the offer aimed at strengthening the NDA’s prospects in the state. However, negotiations are not yet concluded, as Vijay is reportedly seeking the Chief Minister’s post, which remains a key sticking point. If the alliance materialises, it could significantly reshape Tamil Nadu’s electoral landscape, where small vote shifts often decide closely contested constituencies. (PC: India Today)

Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, said Tehran has allowed some ships to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz despite heightened tensions from the ongoing Iran–U.S.–Israel conflict. Speaking in New Delhi, the envoy indicated that certain vessels, including some linked to India, had been permitted safe transit, reflecting the close ties between the two countries. Several ships had earlier been stranded due to security concerns and restrictions in the waterway. The Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas shipments, has seen major disruptions during the conflict, with many vessels avoiding the area due to safety risks. (PC: ANI)

India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has announced that households with piped natural gas (PNG) connections will no longer be allowed to keep or refill LPG cylinders. The rule aims to prevent duplication of domestic gas connections and reduce pressure on LPG supplies during global energy disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict. Oil marketing companies have been instructed not to provide new LPG connections or refills to consumers who already receive piped gas. The government said the move will help ensure sufficient LPG availability for households that depend entirely on cylinders for cooking fuel across the country. (PC: HT)

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged the UK and other global powers to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz after rising attacks and threats linked to the Iran conflict. The strategic waterway, through which a major share of the world’s oil supply passes, has faced disruption following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Trump said multiple countries could join a naval effort to keep shipping lanes open and deter Iranian actions. Britain said it is discussing maritime security with allies, while experts warn that escalating military deployments in the region could increase the risk of wider confrontation and instability. (PC: Getty Images)

At least 12 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, were killed after an Israeli airstrike hit a primary health centre in Burj Qalaouiyah, a village in southern Lebanon. Lebanese health officials said the medics were on duty when the strike occurred during escalating clashes between Israel and Hezbollah along the border. The World Health Organization condemned the attack, stressing that medical facilities and personnel are protected under international humanitarian law. Lebanese authorities accused Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure, while Israel alleged Hezbollah operates from within civilian areas. The ongoing conflict has intensified in recent weeks, causing heavy casualties and displacement across southern Lebanon. (PC: AFP)

Viral social media posts claiming that Benjamin Netanyahu had died or gone missing have been dismissed as false by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. The rumours spread widely online during heightened tensions in the Middle East, with some posts alleging the Israeli leader was killed in an attack or replaced by an AI-generated video. The speculation intensified after a viral clip appeared to show Netanyahu with “six fingers,” prompting claims the footage was digitally manipulated. Fact-checks found the unusual image was caused by camera angle and lighting distortion, not artificial intelligence. Officials confirmed Netanyahu is alive and continuing his duties, calling the viral claims misinformation spreading on social media. (PC: AFP)