US President Donald Trump criticised Iran over threats to close the Strait of Hormuz. He said the US will not be blackmailed. “They got a little cute… they can’t blackmail us,” Trump said. He claimed Iran tried to pressure Washington during ongoing talks. He added that a decision on a possible deal could come soon. Despite strong words, both sides are still negotiating. Trump also questioned Iran’s military strength and leadership. Tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. Talks continue, but key issues remain unresolved between the two sides. (PC: AP)

The Iran Navy fired on a large Indian crude oil tanker north of Oman on Saturday. The tanker, Jag Arnav, was carrying about two million barrels of Iraqi oil. A second vessel, Sanmar Herald, was nearby but was not attacked. The Indian Navy is working to get more details. It has no ships in the Strait of Hormuz but has two destroyers, one frigate, and one tanker in the Gulf of Oman. Officials said India takes the firing by Iran's Revolutionary Guard seriously. India stands for "open and free navigation" in the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: HT)

India has summoned Iran's ambassador after Iranian forces fired on an Indian-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. No crew injuries or ship damage were reported. The vessel had to change course after gunfire from Iranian Revolutionary Guard units. The Ministry of External Affairs called in the Iranian envoy to register India's "serious concerns and displeasure." New Delhi wants to know under what authority Iran fired on civilian ships in one of the world's busiest sea lanes. India's Directorate General of Shipping is now monitoring the situation. Seafarer safety remains the government's top priority. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the opposition after three key bills failed in the Lok Sabha. These included the Constitution Amendment Bill, the Delimitation Bill, and the Union Territories Amendment Bill. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Modi said the opposition would “pay a price” for not supporting the women’s reservation move. The government failed to secure a two-thirds majority needed to pass the bills. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju called it a missed chance for reform. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi said the defeat was a “victory for democracy” and accused the government of trying to weaken democratic values.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 8:30 pm today. The topic is not confirmed, creating suspense. The address comes a day after the Women’s Reservation Bill failed in Parliament. The bill aimed to reserve 33 per cent seats for women in the Lok Sabha. It did not get the required votes. The government blamed the opposition for blocking it. The opposition said the bill had flaws. More linked bills were not taken up after the failure. Parties from the INDIA alliance plan to respond. Modi’s last address to the nation was in September 2025 on GST reforms.

2 merchant ships, including an Indian-flagged tanker, came under gunfire in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. Maritime sources said Iranian gunboats opened fire as the vessels tried to pass. Both ships turned back, and no injuries were reported. Iran said it has restored strict control over the strait and warned that no ship can cross without approval. The move comes as tensions rise with the United States over blockades. Officials also confirmed some ships heard radio messages declaring the route closed. The Strait of Hormuz handles a large share of global oil, raising fears of supply disruptions worldwide.

Tensions rose in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran said it would close the key shipping route in response to the US blockade. A tanker reported being fired upon by two Iranian gunboats, according to UK maritime officials. Iran’s foreign minister earlier said the strait would remain open during the ceasefire, creating confusion. US President Donald Trump claimed the route is open and Iran has agreed to terms, including removing enriched uranium. Tehran denied this. Ship tracking data showed some vessels still moving through the strait, even as uncertainty and risk in the region continue to grow.

A report by UN Women states that over 38,000 women and girls were killed in Gaza between October 2023 and December 2025, including 22,000 women and 16,000 girls, averaging at least 47 deaths daily. The findings, detailed in The Cost of the War in Gaza on Women and Girls, prompted calls for a full ceasefire and accountability for violations of international law, including actions attributed to Israel Defense Forces. Despite a ceasefire since October 2025 in the Gaza Strip, violence persists, with over 750 Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers reported killed amid ongoing accusations of truce violations. (PC: X)

Iran’s “mosquito fleet” refers to swarms of small, fast attack boats used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to control the Strait of Hormuz. Designed for asymmetric warfare, these nimble vessels often modified with machine guns or rockets can reach speeds up to 100 knots and execute hit-and-run attacks. Hidden in coastal caves and deployed within minutes, they are difficult to detect and target. Despite US-Israel strikes damaging part of the fleet, hundreds remain operational. Combined with drones and missiles, they pose a persistent threat to commercial shipping, reinforcing Iran’s ability to disrupt one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints. (PC: X)

The Centre has increased Dearness Allowance (DA) by 2%, raising it from 58% to 60% of basic pay for central government employees and pensioners, effective January 1, 2026, with arrears for previous months. The hike boosts take-home salaries amid rising living costs for instance, Rs 18,000 basic pay may rise to around Rs 28,800, while higher pay brackets will see proportionate increases. DA revisions are typically announced twice yearly, though this one was delayed. The move comes as unions intensify demands under the proposed 8th Pay Commission, seeking a minimum basic salary of Rs 69,000, higher fitment factor, increased allowances, and pension reforms. (PC: NDTV)