Explosions were heard on Saturday near Iran’s Kharg Island, a strategically important oil terminal in the Persian Gulf, amid renewed US-Iran tensions. Iranian media reported that a US missile strike targeted an Iranian oil tanker near the island, although the exact cause of the explosions was not immediately confirmed. Kharg Island is central to Iran’s crude-oil exports, making any attack in the area particularly significant for regional energy security. The incident comes amid escalating military activity around the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian maritime infrastructure. Independent verification of the reported tanker strike and damage remains pending. (PC: India Today)

The UK is set to increase the financial maintenance requirement for international students applying for Student visas from November 2026. Under the revised rules, students will need to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover higher living costs during their stay. The change is part of broader amendments to the UK’s Immigration Rules announced by the Home Office. The existing framework already requires applicants to show funds for accommodation and living expenses, with different thresholds for London and other parts of the UK. The increase could raise the upfront financial burden for students, including Indians planning to pursue higher education in Britain. 

A Guardian investigation has reported that seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza in April 2024 may have been targeted under an Israeli military policy allowing strikes based on suspected association with militants. The workers’ convoy had briefly interacted with armed men who were mistakenly believed to be Hamas members. Despite the vehicles being marked and the convoy having coordinated movements, Israeli drones struck three vehicles after they had left the delivery site, killing workers from Australia, Britain, Poland, the US and Palestine. The findings raise renewed questions about targeting procedures, accountability and protection of humanitarian personnel. (PC: Getty Images)

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution supporting the Equal Earth map projection, designed to represent continents and countries more accurately. The move addresses distortions caused by the widely used Mercator projection, which makes regions near the poles appear disproportionately large while shrinking areas around the equator, including Africa. The resolution received 164 votes in favour, while the United States voted against it and six countries abstained. The US criticised the initiative as an ideological distraction from pressing global issues. The resolution is not legally binding but encourages wider use in education, institutions and digital mapping.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for two separate attacks on Pakistani military forces in Balochistan, alleging that 25 military personnel were killed and three vehicles destroyed. The group said fighters ambushed a military convoy at Ziarat Cross, initially claiming 18 deaths before revising the figure to 25. The BLA also released a 71-second video that it said showed the attack site, burning military vehicles and seized weapons. In a second attack near Hajika in Surab, the group said an explosives-laden vehicle destroyed a military vehicle and killed seven personnel. Pakistan has not independently confirmed the BLA's casualty claims. 

A US airstrike in Kuhestak, southern Iran, reportedly struck a home where dozens had gathered for a wedding, turning the celebration into a tragedy. Iranian state media said four people, including two children, were killed and more than 60 wounded, while other officials initially reported five deaths. The strike occurred during US attacks targeting Iranian military and communications infrastructure near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Weapons experts cited by Reuters assessed that the damage was likely caused by a direct hit from a US munition. The US military said it was investigating the incident and maintained that civilians are not targeted.

US diesel prices have reached a record $5.85 per gallon, driven by prolonged disruptions in global fuel supplies linked to the six-month US-Israel war with Iran. Brent crude oil climbed above $95 a barrel, compared with around $70 before the conflict, while disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have tightened supply. US diesel inventories are also at historically low levels, increasing pressure as autumn harvest and winter heating demand approach. Refinery disruptions and Russia’s restrictions on diesel exports have further strained supplies. Higher diesel costs are raising transportation and production expenses, potentially increasing prices for food, deliveries and other consumer goods. 

The US Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has arrived at Thailand after an extraordinary 286-day deployment, including months of combat and blockade operations against Iran. Images show extensive rust, faded paint and marine growth along the carrier’s hull, drawing widespread attention. Naval experts say such corrosion is expected after prolonged exposure to seawater and cannot be properly treated during active combat operations. The 1,092-foot carrier, carrying around 5,000 sailors and Marines, has now received an opportunity for rest and maintenance. Experts estimate removing the rust and repainting the affected areas could require about 30 days. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could strike Iran’s heavily fortified underground Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility “very soon” if American officials detect activity there. Located near the damaged Natanz uranium-enrichment complex, the site reportedly contains deeply buried tunnel systems believed to be capable of protecting nuclear equipment. Trump said Washington is closely monitoring movements at the facility and defended the ongoing US military campaign, claiming it has prevented Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. His warning follows recent US strikes on Iranian military targets, including air-defence and radar systems. Iran has condemned the attacks and vowed defensive retaliation. (PC: Reuters)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a temporary halt to airstrikes with Russia during upcoming US-led peace talks. Zelensky said Ukraine would not carry out airstrikes during the visit of US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, provided Moscow also refrains from attacking Kyiv. The envoys are expected to visit Moscow and then Kyiv as Washington seeks to revive efforts to end the war. The proposal comes amid intensified long-range attacks by both sides, with Russian strikes continuing across Ukraine and Ukrainian drones targeting sites deep inside Russia.