Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has departed for Moscow on a two‑week mission, the second phase of the post‑Operation Sindoor diplomatic outreach to Russia and the UK—reportedly without prior sign‑off from party leadership. He reportedly sought a pre‑departure meeting with AICC chief Kharge, which was denied. This ruffled feathers among state and national leaders. Kerala rivals criticized Tharoor’s autonomy, citing his decision to skip Nilambur campaigning (“I do not go where I am not invited”), although KPCC leader Sunny Joseph affirmed he was officially a star campaigner. AICC’s Venugopal emphasized that boundaries must be respected, but also defended individual freedom. (PC: JLF USA)

Anti‑war demonstrations have swept major US cities including New York, Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles after the US, under “Operation Midnight Hammer,” bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities (Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan). Rallying under slogans like “Hands off Iran” and “No US‑Israel war on Iran,” protesters demanded Washington halt support for Israel and avoid further entanglement in the Middle East. Authorities elevated security around diplomatic, cultural, and religious sites, though no credible threats emerged. President Trump celebrated the strikes as “monumental” wins and called for peace talks, while Iran’s leadership condemned the strikes, declaring they would retaliate. Satellite images allegedly confirm significant damage, yet Iran’s nuclear agency reports no radioactive leaks.

Israel and Iran exchanged missile attacks over the past 24 hours, intensifying regional tensions. Iran launched 27 ballistic missiles at Israeli cities, damaging residential areas in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Nes Ziona, and Rishon Lezion. In retaliation, Israel deployed 20 fighter jets targeting missile facilities, radar systems, and launchers across Tehran, Kermanshah, and Hamedan. The Israeli military later declared the immediate threat over. Meanwhile, Brent crude oil prices jumped over 3% amid fears of supply disruption. The US State Department issued a global security alert, urging citizens to exercise caution due to heightened anti-US sentiments following recent military actions. (PC: EPA, Reuters)

Jasprit Bumrah took a stellar 5/83 in the Headingley Test against England but was left disappointed after four dropped catches off his bowling. Despite the setbacks, Bumrah remained composed, saying, “It’s part of the game. I don’t want to create pressure; they’ll learn.” He acknowledged the cold conditions and praised his teammates’ efforts. England scored 465 in reply to India’s 471, with Harry Brook scoring 99 after three reprieves. Bumrah ended England’s innings with a late burst. At stumps on Day 3, India stood at 90/2 in their second innings, leading by 96, with KL Rahul on 47*. (PC: BCCI)

Indian stock markets tumbled on Monday as rising geopolitical tensions following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites shook investor confidence. The BSE Sensex fell 503 points to 81,905, while the Nifty slipped below 25,000 to 24,977. All sectoral indices were in the red. Broader markets and Asian equities also declined, while oil and gold prices surged. Brent crude rose 2.62% to $79.06/barrel and gold jumped nearly 3% as investors turned to safe havens. Experts warn of limited upside amid weak momentum. Iran’s threat to close the Strait of Hormuz further deepened global concerns over energy supply disruptions. (PC: News18)

US President Donald Trump declared the airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities a “bullseye,” claiming “monumental damage” was done during ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’. Posting on Truth Social, Trump cited satellite images showing the Fordow site deeply damaged underground. However, Iran downplayed the attack, claiming key materials were evacuated beforehand. Experts, including Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute, warned the damage may only delay Iran’s program by a few years. “There are likely hidden sites we don’t know about,” he said. Iran may now be hiding enriched uranium in undisclosed locations, raising fears about future escalation and nuclear secrecy. (PC: HT):

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed no radiation leak following US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. Director General Rafael Grossi urged renewed diplomacy, offering IAEA mediation. While Esfahan sustained “extensive additional damage,” the underground Fordow site’s internal impact remains unclear. Experts noted “unusual activity” at Fordow before the strikes, suggesting Iran moved its 60% enriched uranium stockpile. Natanz was also struck with bunker-buster bombs. Grossi said the IAEA is ready to resume inspections and facilitate peace efforts. “We must return to negotiations,” he stressed, urging access for inspectors and coordination between Iran and the US. (PC: NDTV)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has condemned US airstrikes on three nuclear facilities, calling them a "grave crime" by the "Zionist enemy" and vowing harsh retaliation. “It must be punished and it is being punished,” he warned. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said the US “must receive a response.” The attacks involved 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, marking the most severe US military action since Iran’s 1979 revolution. At the UN Security Council, Iran accused the US and Israel of sabotaging diplomacy. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged an immediate return to negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, warning of a “perilous turn.” (PC: India Today)

Iranians have expressed deep fear, anger, and defiance after US airstrikes destroyed key nuclear sites in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordo. “I feel paralysed,” said one woman, while another blamed leaders in Iran, Israel, and the US for fueling war. With over 430 deaths reported by Iran’s health ministry, emotions run high. Protesters filled Tehran’s streets as others fled the country. Some voiced hope for de-escalation, while others demanded resistance. Internet restrictions are worsening isolation. Iran’s foreign minister vowed to defend the country, and the IRGC warned US bases are now “vulnerabilities, not strengths,” as fears of full-scale war grow. (PC: EPA)

Arab nations condemned the recent US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, warning of regional chaos. Saudi Arabia, now in détente with Tehran, voiced "great concern," while Qatar feared "catastrophic consequences." Bahrain, home to the US Fifth Fleet, told staff to work from home; Kuwait activated emergency shelters. Iran-backed Huthi rebels called the attacks a "war declaration" and threatened Red Sea strikes. Egypt and Iraq warned of destabilization, and Lebanon urged renewed diplomacy. US President Donald Trump called the strike a “spectacular military success,” but Arab states stressed de-escalation to avoid economic and security disaster across the oil-rich region. (PC: NDTV )