Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke said the movement over alleged examination irregularities will continue after a major protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Dipke demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and gave the government seven days to act.   He warned that if no action is taken, the protest will expand across the country. Thousands of students, parents and job aspirants joined the demonstration, raising concerns over issues related to examinations and recruitment. Delhi Police said no FIR was registered over the protest and described the gathering as peaceful. (PC: HT)

US military forces intercepted and shot down two Iranian attack drones approaching the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. The incident comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran and concerns over maritime security in the Gulf. According to reports, the drones were deemed a threat to international shipping and regional stability. In response, US forces also targeted Iranian coastal radar and surveillance facilities linked to the drone activity. The latest confrontation threatens a fragile ceasefire and raises fears of further escalation, with regional allies closely monitoring developments in the volatile Middle East.

India produced a dominant display to defeat hosts Japan 4-1 and win a record third Men’s U-18 Asia Cup hockey title in Kakamigahara on Friday. Ashish Tani Purti starred with a superb hat-trick, while captain Ketan Kushwaha added another goal as India outclassed the home side. Numada Gaku scored Japan’s lone goal. Tani Purti was named Player of the Match and finished as the tournament’s highest scorer with 13 goals. Goalkeeper Ayush Rajak was awarded the Best Goalkeeper prize, while the Indian women’s U-18 team also celebrated a bronze medal finish. (PC: Sportstar )

  US President Donald Trump said Iran would eventually “have no choice” but to reach an agreement with Washington to end the ongoing conflict. Speaking in an interview in Wisconsin, Trump described Iran as “strong” and “proud” but said its leaders would have to make difficult decisions. His comments came as the US and Iran continued negotiations, with the conflict entering its fourth month. A ceasefire around the Strait of Hormuz remains fragile after fresh military exchanges. Iran also launched ballistic missiles and drones towards Bahrain and Kuwait, with Bahraini authorities saying the projectiles were intercepted.  

Russia said Ukraine carried out an "unprecedented" drone attack on and around St Petersburg, with authorities claiming more than 140 drones were intercepted over the Leningrad region. Governor Alexander Beglov urged residents to stay indoors for the first time since the war began.   Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the strikes targeted Russian naval arsenals and a base in Kronstadt, calling them a response to continued Russian attacks. He also claimed an oil depot in the Krasnodar region was hit.   The attacks came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected Zelensky's call for direct peace talks, saying Moscow would end the war only after achieving its objectives. (PC: HT)

Tensions in the Gulf escalated sharply after Bahrain condemned what it called a “blatant aggression” by Iran following the launch of seven ballistic missiles toward Bahrain and Kuwait. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), six missiles were intercepted while the seventh failed to reach its target, with no reported casualties among US personnel. The missile launches came hours after US forces shot down four Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz and carried out strikes on Iranian radar sites. Bahrain urged Tehran to halt attacks and embrace diplomacy, warning that regional security cannot be built through missiles and drones. 

US forces reportedly boarded an oil tanker carrying Iranian crude in the Indian Ocean as part of an ongoing maritime enforcement operation targeting sanctions violations. The vessel was intercepted after intelligence indicated it was involved in transporting restricted oil linked to Iran’s sanctioned energy exports. Video footage circulating online shows armed personnel securing the ship during the boarding action. The operation highlights continued US efforts to enforce sanctions on Iranian oil trade and disrupt illicit shipping networks. Authorities have not yet disclosed the tanker’s flag state or destination. The incident is likely to heighten geopolitical tensions in the region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for face-to-face negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an open letter aimed at ending the more than four-year-long war. Zelenskyy proposed holding talks in a neutral country such as Switzerland, Turkey, or an Arab state and suggested a full ceasefire during negotiations. He also advocated an “all-for-all” prisoner exchange and the return of civilians and children taken during the conflict. Former U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the proposal, saying both sides would need to make compromises. The initiative marks a renewed diplomatic push amid ongoing fighting and mounting war fatigue. (PC: The Guardian)

French-Iranian author, filmmaker, and activist Marjane Satrapi has died in Paris at the age of 56. Best known for her acclaimed autobiographical graphic novel Persepolis, she chronicled life during and after Iran’s 1979 Revolution, earning global recognition for her powerful storytelling. Her family said she died “of sadness,” reportedly following the death of her husband, Swedish producer Mattias Ripa, in 2025. Satrapi’s work explored themes of identity, exile, freedom, and women’s rights. Tributes poured in worldwide, including from French President Emmanuel Macron, who praised her lasting cultural and humanitarian legacy.

The US House of Representatives has passed a resolution calling for the withdrawal of American troops from the Iran war, marking a political setback for President Donald Trump. The measure was approved by a 215-208 vote, with four Republican lawmakers joining Democrats in support.   The resolution, which now moves to the Senate, is largely symbolic as Trump can veto it if it reaches his desk. Democrats argue that the president launched military action against Iran without congressional approval, violating constitutional war powers. The Trump administration rejects the claim and insists the conflict is effectively over. The vote reflects growing debate in Washington over the US role in the conflict and presidential war powers.