Authorities in Dubai said no oil leaked after a Kuwaiti tanker caught fire in a drone strike. The Al Salmi tanker was carrying about two million barrels of oil and was docked at the port. It was on its way to China when the attack took place. A fire broke out after the strike. Emergency teams responded and brought the situation under control. “Response teams have successfully contained the incident, with no oil leakage and no injuries reported,” the Dubai media office said. Officials confirmed the vessel was secured and there was no environmental damage reported. (PC: X)

Donald Trump is willing to end the military operation against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing officials.   The report said reopening the key shipping route could extend the conflict beyond the planned four to six weeks. The White House said, “We’re on day 30 today.”   Officials said the US wants to weaken Iran’s navy and missile stocks before winding down fighting. The focus is on meeting core goals first.   If the strait remains shut, Washington may push allies in Europe and the Gulf to reopen it later. The closure has slowed global oil and cargo movement. (PC: The hindu)

Satellite images show large fires at Russian oil facilities after recent Ukrainian strikes. The attacks hit sites in the Leningrad region near St Petersburg. Reports confirm strikes on ports at Primorsk and Ust-Luga, and the Kirishi refinery. Several oil storage tanks were damaged or destroyed. Thick smoke was seen rising for days. Ukraine’s drone commander said the aim was to hit Russia’s “oil arteries” and reduce its export capacity. Data showed no oil shipments from key Baltic ports for two days. Officials said some fires were contained and no casualties were reported. Analysts say the strikes may affect Russia’s oil exports and revenues. (PC: BBC)

Mohammad Tahir Anwar, brother of Masood Azhar, has died in Pakistan, according to reports. The cause of death has not been confirmed. The announcement was made through Jaish-e-Mohammed channels. It said his funeral will take place in Bahawalpur. Anwar was linked to the group for several years. No details were shared on illness or any incident. Jaish-e-Mohammed has been involved in multiple attacks in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama bombing. Officials have not issued any statement on his death so far. (PC: News18)

Gulf countries are seeking help from Ukraine to counter Iran’s low-cost Shahed drones. The US and its allies have been using expensive missiles, raising costs sharply.   Ukraine has developed cheaper “Sting” and “Bullet” interceptors after years of fighting similar drones. These systems cost far less and have shown high success rates.   Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, “We are ready to help,” highlighting Ukraine’s experience.   Deals have been signed with Gulf nations for supply and training. Experts say the move is driven by rising war costs and limited missile supplies. (PC: India Today)

Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s military goals in the Iran war are “definitely beyond the halfway point,” clarifying it refers to missions, not time.   At the same time, a Kuwaiti oil tanker caught fire after being hit while docked in Dubai. Officials blamed Iran. All 24 crew members are safe and the fire is under control.   Fresh strikes were reported in both Israel and Iran, with parts of Tehran facing power cuts.   Donald Trump warned of stronger action, saying the US could “obliterate” Iran’s key facilities if no deal is reached soon. Iran denied any ongoing talks.

The United States is spending about Rs 9.8 lakh every second on its war with Iran, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The conflict has entered its 31st day and cost around $27.68 billion so far.   Under Donald Trump, daily spending is estimated at $890 million, or about Rs 8,455 crore.   Munitions and missiles form the largest share at $320 million per day. Air operations and naval deployments also add major costs.   The White House said Trump may ask Arab nations to share expenses. “It’s something the president would be quite interested in,” a spokesperson said. (PC: NDTV)

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has urged India to include Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the England tour squad after his explosive IPL innings. The 15-year-old scored 52 off 17 balls against Chennai Super Kings and impressed with his attacking style. Vaughan said, “Just bring him in… get him on a tour.” He added that early exposure will help the youngster. Sooryavanshi shared a 75-run stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal but dominated the scoring. Vaughan noted a clear difference in approach, calling it a “gulf in fearlessness.” Jaiswal stayed unbeaten on 38, playing a steady role in the chase. (PC: HT)

Abu Faye, 26, sparked a major manhunt after escaping mid-hearing from Croydon Crown Court on March 17. The incident occurred when he realised the judge intended to remand him in custody. Faye, who had admitted to drug possession, fled before entering pleas on more serious charges, including supplying Class A drugs such as cocaine and MDMA, along with ketamine and cannabis. Charged with 10 offences, he escaped on foot, prompting an urgent response from Metropolitan Police. Authorities are analysing CCTV and urging public assistance, warning people not to approach him. (PC: NDTV)

Donald Trump has postponed his China visit to mid-May due to uncertainties from the West Asia conflict. Reports suggest Vladimir Putin may also visit China around the same time, signalling Beijing’s strategic global positioning. The developments highlight China’s efforts to balance major power relations amid shifting geopolitical tensions. Trump is expected to use the visit to engage key domestic constituencies, including farmers, ahead of US midterm elections. Separately, India has appointed a new ambassador to China, while reports indicate China is expanding ocean mapping activities, underlining its growing maritime and strategic ambitions. (PC: X)