A dramatic wildlife encounter unfolded near Chitwan National Park after two one-horned rhinos were seen engaged in a fierce fight close to a public road in Sauraha, Nepal. Videos of the clash quickly went viral, showing the rhinos charging and pushing each other as shocked tourists watched from a safe distance. Wildlife officials later urged visitors not to crowd or disturb wild animals during such incidents. Experts said the confrontation was likely linked to a territorial or dominance dispute. Chitwan is known for frequent wildlife sightings, including endangered greater one-horned rhinos near tourist and settlement areas.

A Panama-flagged LPG carrier, Tara Gas, crossed the Strait of Hormuz through an Iran-approved shipping lane amid rising tensions in the Gulf region. Ship-tracking data showed the vessel passing near Iran’s Larak Island after departing Sharjah in the UAE. The ship identified its crew and ownership as Indian during transit. Bloomberg reported that Tara Gas had earlier transported Iranian cargo and still faces risks linked to US sanctions on Iranian shipping. The vessel’s movement comes weeks after IRGC gunboats fired at two ships in Hormuz. India and other countries have opened diplomatic channels with Tehran to ensure safe passage for energy cargo vessels. (PC: India Today)

Global oil prices jumped sharply after US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s proposal to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia, calling Tehran’s response “totally unacceptable”. Brent crude rose more than 4 per cent to cross $105 a barrel before easing slightly in Asian trade. Iran had reportedly demanded an immediate end to the conflict and guarantees against future US-Israeli attacks. The Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route, remains effectively shut, disrupting energy supplies worldwide. Analysts warned that prolonged tensions in the region could push fuel prices even higher and increase pressure on global markets. (PC: BBC)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday vowed to “prove doubters wrong” as he faced growing pressure within the Labour Party following poor local election results. Addressing Labour MPs, Starmer admitted the government had made mistakes but defended its major political decisions. “Like every government, we’ve made mistakes... but we got the big political choices right,” he said. Starmer also accepted responsibility for Labour’s losses, saying the results “hurt”. The remarks came amid internal criticism, with Labour MP Catherine West hinting at a possible leadership challenge and senior leaders questioning the party’s direction. (PC: BBC)

Iran has formalised a new transit approval system for vessels crossing the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz amid tensions with the US over the Middle East conflict. According to shipping journal Lloyd’s List, ships must now submit detailed ownership, cargo and crew information to Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority and pay tolls before transit. Iranian official Mohammad Akraminia said, “Any vessel wishing to pass through it must coordinate with us.” Tehran has also warned countries supporting US sanctions could face difficulties crossing the waterway. India and Pakistan are among nations that have reportedly negotiated with Iran to secure passage for their flagged vessels. (PC: X)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to deliver a major speech as pressure grows within the Labour Party following heavy election losses across Britain. Labour lost seats in Scottish and Welsh elections and nearly 1,500 councillors in England’s local polls, triggering calls for stronger leadership. Starmer is expected to promise bold reforms and closer ties with the European Union. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner warned Labour may face its “last chance” if changes are not made quickly. Labour MP Catherine West has also hinted at launching a leadership challenge if dissatisfied with Starmer’s response. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indian families to avoid buying gold for weddings for one year as rising crude oil prices and heavy gold imports increase pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves and weaken the rupee. India imports most of its oil and large quantities of gold using US dollars. With crude prices surging due to the West Asia conflict and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, India’s import bill has risen sharply. The government fears that high gold demand during the crisis could further widen the current account deficit, fuel inflation, and put additional strain on the economy and rupee stability. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s response to Washington’s peace proposal aimed at ending the West Asia war, calling it “totally unacceptable” without disclosing specific objections. Iran’s proposal, reportedly submitted through Pakistan, demanded an end to conflict across all fronts, including Lebanon, removal of US sanctions, lifting restrictions on Iranian oil sales and an end to the naval blockade. Trump accused Tehran of “playing games” with the United States for decades and warned that Iran would soon stop “laughing” at America. Reports also suggested Iran proposed diluting part of its highly enriched uranium stockpile and transferring remaining material to a third country.

US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to Iran after Tehran formally responded to a US-backed peace proposal aimed at easing escalating Gulf tensions. Trump accused Iran of “playing games” and said the country had mocked America for decades, warning that “they will be laughing no longer.” Iran reportedly sent its response through Pakistani mediators as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal focuses on ending hostilities and reopening maritime routes while broader talks on Iran’s nuclear program continue. Despite ongoing negotiations, military tensions and threats from both sides continue to raise fears of wider regional instability. (PC: Bloomberg)

Iran issued a pointed response to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt after she announced the birth of her daughter. While congratulating her, Iranian officials referenced the deaths of 168 children in a reported U.S.- and Israel-linked strike on a school in Minab during Operation Epic Fury. The Iranian Embassy in Armenia urged Leavitt to “think of the mothers” of the victims whenever she holds her child, intensifying already high tensions between Tehran and Washington. Leavitt had earlier defended U.S. actions, insisting America does not target civilians. The exchange highlights the growing war of words amid escalating conflict and humanitarian concerns in the Middle East. (PC: X)