The escalating conflict between Iran and the United States is putting global energy markets under pressure, but India's diversified crude oil import strategy has helped reduce immediate risks. Over the past few years, India has increased oil purchases from countries including Russia, the United States and Brazil, lowering its dependence on Middle Eastern supplies. However, any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could still affect shipping, insurance costs and global crude prices. Industry experts say India's diversified sourcing and strategic planning have strengthened its energy security, though continued regional instability remains a concern for the country's fuel imports and economy.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has moved closer to securing a majority in the Rajya Sabha after strengthening its position with recent gains in West Bengal. According to the latest numbers, the party is now just 6 seats short of the 123-member majority mark in the 245-seat Upper House. The improved tally is expected to make it easier for the BJP-led NDA to push key legislation, though support from allies and nominated members will still remain important. The development marks another significant milestone in the party's parliamentary expansion ahead of future elections. (PC: News18)

Veteran actor Sam Neill, best known for playing Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, has died at the age of 78. His family said he died suddenly in Sydney, surrounded by loved ones. Neill had revealed in 2023 that he was battling cancer but announced earlier this year that he was cancer-free. Born in Northern Ireland and raised in New Zealand, he built a celebrated career spanning more than 5 decades with acclaimed roles in The Piano, The Hunt for Red October, Event Horizon and Peaky Blinders. Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans worldwide. (PC: BBC)

India wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia said it felt "like a dream" after becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord's. The unbeaten 113 not only secured her place on the iconic honours board but also marked a remarkable comeback from a serious knee injury that kept her out for months. Yastika said that six months ago she could never have imagined achieving such a milestone. She credited her family, teammates and the BCCI support staff for helping her through rehabilitation and described kissing the Indian flag after reaching her hundred as one of the proudest moments of her career. (PC: NDTV)

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari defended the proposed relocation of the century-old Bankra Mosque near Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, saying national security must take priority. He said the airport's strategic location and security requirements make unrestricted public access unacceptable. Adhikari also argued that the mosque's location has delayed runway expansion and the installation of advanced landing systems. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress opposed the move, calling for any decision to be taken only after consultation with the local Muslim community. Airport authorities have suspended public access to the mosque, citing security concerns. (PC: India Today)

Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has come to a halt after fresh overnight strikes between the United States and Iran sharply escalated tensions in the Gulf. The US said it targeted dozens of Iranian military sites, including air defence systems, radar installations, missile and drone capabilities, in response to attacks on commercial vessels. Iran said it struck US bases in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, along with radar systems in Oman. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged maximum restraint, warning that renewed full-scale conflict would have "catastrophic consequences" and calling for freedom of navigation through the vital shipping route. (PC: X)

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said discussions on expanding the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams will take place only after the conclusion of the 2026 tournament. The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will already feature 48 teams for the first time. Infantino said FIFA will first assess how the expanded 48-team format performs before considering any further increase. The proposal for a 64-team tournament has sparked debate within world football, with supporters citing greater inclusivity and critics warning about scheduling, player workload and the overall quality of the competition. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court on Monday set aside 27 Gauhati High Court judgments that had upheld Foreigners Tribunal decisions declaring the appellants as foreigners in Assam. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta ruled that citizenship cases must be decided through a fair, lawful and reasonable process. The court sent all 27 cases back to the concerned Foreigners Tribunals for fresh hearings, stressing that questions of citizenship carry significant constitutional importance. The ruling gives the affected individuals another opportunity to present their cases before the tribunals under due legal procedure. (PC: The Indian Express)

Chennai Super Kings and head coach Stephen Fleming have mutually ended their 18-year association, bringing to a close one of the most successful partnerships in IPL history. Fleming, who became CSK's head coach in 2009 after playing in the inaugural 2008 season, guided the franchise to 5 IPL titles and 2 Champions League T20 trophies. The decision followed "open and honest" discussions between Fleming and the franchise management after CSK missed the playoffs for 3 straight seasons. Fleming thanked the franchise, calling his time with CSK the greatest privilege of his coaching career and saying the team would always remain close to his heart. (PC: NDTV)

At least 27 people were killed and 22 others remain in critical condition after a massive fire tore through Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar in Bangkok's Chatuchak district late Sunday. Officials said the blaze spread rapidly after breaking out near the stage, filling the venue with thick smoke and trapping customers inside. Preliminary findings suggest an electrical short circuit in an air conditioner may have caused the fire, though investigations are ongoing. Authorities also suspect flammable ceiling materials and possible obstruction near an emergency exit worsened the tragedy. The Thai government has ordered a full investigation. (PC: BBC)