Eyewitnesses across Iran have told BBC Persian that security forces used live fire against unarmed protesters last week, killing people in several cities. A man in southern Iran said troops shot directly into crowds with assault rifles. Residents of Tehran and nearby Fardis described Basij forces on motorcycles opening fire and unmarked cars shooting in narrow streets. Internet access has been largely cut, limiting reporting. Norway-based Iran Human Rights said at least 648 protesters have been killed, including minors, though figures cannot be independently verified. Medics said hospitals were overwhelmed, with many bodies brought to morgues and some not released to families. (PC: BBC)

Germany has announced that Indian passport holders will no longer need a Schengen Airport Transit visa while changing flights at its airports. The rule was revealed during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to India this week. It will apply to travellers transiting through hubs such as Frankfurt and Munich on the way to non-Schengen countries. Passengers must stay inside the international transit area and leave within 24 hours. The policy does not allow entry into Germany or any other Schengen state. The government has said the decision is yet to be implemented. Once active, it is expected to reduce paperwork, cost, and missed connections for Indian flyers. (PC: NDTV)

The BJP suffered a setback on Tuesday after losing the Vizhinjam ward bye-election in Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. The party had hoped the result would secure a clear majority. UDF candidate K H Sudheer Khan defeated LDF nominee N Noushad by 83 votes. Khan polled 2,902 votes, while Noushad secured 2,819. BJP candidate Sarvashaktipuram Binu finished third with 2,437 votes. With this result, the BJP remains at 50 seats in the 101-member council and needs the support of Independent councillor P Radhakrishnan to reach the majority mark of 51. The UDF’s tally has risen to 20 seats, while the LDF stays at 29. (PC: HT)

A small Spanish satellite has survived Isro’s troubled PSLV-C62 mission and sent data back to Earth, its maker said on Tuesday. Orbital Paradigm said its 25-kg Kestrel Initial Demonstrator, or “KID”, separated from the rocket and transmitted signals for over three minutes. The capsule was launched as a co-passenger on January 12. The main mission failed after a problem in the rocket’s third stage, likely losing the primary payloads. Isro has confirmed a deviation and is studying the data. Orbital Paradigm said the capsule recorded peak loads of about 28g and high heat during its unexpected re-entry, providing useful test results. (PC: India Today)

Blinkit has removed its 10-minute delivery claim after government talks with quick commerce firms over rider safety, sources said. The meeting included Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato and Swiggy. Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya led the effort to end strict delivery deadlines. Officials said the targets were pushing workers to take risks on the road. Other platforms are expected to follow in the coming days. The issue was raised in Parliament, where AAP MP Raghav Chadha said short timelines put lives in danger. The labour ministry has also issued draft rules under four labour codes to extend minimum wage, safety and social security benefits to gig workers. (PC: News18)

Iran faced continued unrest on Tuesday as an official told Reuters that about 2,000 people have been killed during nationwide protests. The official blamed “terrorists” for the deaths. Authorities began easing a communications blackout, allowing some international calls for the first time in days. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the regime may be in its “final days”, adding that a system surviving only through violence is finished. Protests began in late December over economic concerns and later turned political. Courts have started hearing protest cases, with senior judicial officials warning that charges such as moharebeh could bring the death penalty under Iranian law. (PC: X)

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said on Tuesday that Indian forces were prepared to launch ground operations during Operation Sindoor if Pakistan had taken any hostile step. He said the Army expanded the scope for conventional action and changed earlier views that such conflicts would quickly turn nuclear. The operation began on May 7 last year after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Indian strikes hit terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Dwivedi said around 100 Pakistani personnel were killed. He added that Pakistan sought a ceasefire on May 10 after Indian counter strikes. He said the response remains firm against future threats. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday warned states that it may fix heavy compensation for every dog bite, injury or death, especially involving children and the elderly. Justice Vikram Nath said the court wanted strict use of existing laws and that the issue had turned into a “public platform”. He added that people who feed stray dogs may also face liability. The remarks came during a hearing on rising dog bite cases. The court had earlier ordered removal of stray dogs from schools, hospitals and transport hubs. It also directed local bodies to stop dogs from returning to unsafe areas and to set up proper shelters and feeding zones. (PC: NDTV)

Congress has criticised the BJP for holding talks with a Chinese Communist Party team in Delhi amid reports of Chinese activity in the Shaksgam Valley in Jammu and Kashmir. Party leader Supriya Shrinate said China was asserting claims while political meetings were taking place in India. She cited reports of construction in the area and raised concerns over border tensions. The BJP confirmed that a CCP delegation led by Sun Haiyan met party leaders at its headquarters. BJP leader Vijay Chauthaiwale said the meeting was part of routine inter party dialogue. The row has revived debate over past India China political engagements. (PC: India Today)

President Donald Trump has been briefed on military and covert options for possible action in Iran, US officials told CBS News. The options include long range air strikes, cyber moves and steps to disrupt command systems. The talks come as rights groups say more than 600 protesters have died in three weeks of unrest. Trump has warned that the US could act if the killings continue. He also announced a 25% tariff on goods from countries that trade with Tehran. Iran’s foreign minister said the country is open to talks but “prepared for war”. A White House meeting on Iran is due on Tuesday. (PC: BBC)