Former BCCI chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has spoken about the controversial omission of Rohit Sharma from India’s 2011 World Cup squad, calling it an “unfortunate” decision. Srikkanth admitted the call was difficult and acknowledged that Rohit later proved his worth with outstanding performances for India. At the time, selectors prioritised other players based on form and team balance, but the exclusion remains one of Indian cricket’s most debated decisions. His remarks have reignited discussions among fans and experts about selection choices and how they impact players’ careers in major tournaments. (PC: NDTV)

A BJP-led protest rally in Mumbai over the Women’s Reservation Bill triggered massive traffic congestion in the Worli area, leading to public frustration. A commuter, stuck for hours while on her way to pick up her child, confronted Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan and police officials, demanding the road be cleared. The rally, attended by thousands, had blocked key routes, causing widespread disruption. The incident, captured on video, quickly went viral, sparking debate over public inconvenience caused by political demonstrations. The minister later acknowledged the inconvenience and assured better planning for future events. 

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has seized two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, including one bound for India, and is reportedly taking them to Iranian waters. The IRGC claimed the ships were “violating” maritime rules, though details remain unclear. The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with ongoing US-Iran conflict, naval blockades, and repeated attacks on commercial shipping. The seizure highlights growing risks to global trade and energy routes, particularly for India, which relies heavily on oil shipments through the strait, raising concerns over safety and further escalation in the region. (PC: AP)

Amid the ongoing conflict, analysts suggest Iran’s real “nuclear weapon” is not a deployed bomb but its stockpile of enriched uranium and ability to rapidly move toward weaponisation. While there is no confirmed evidence of an operational nuclear weapon, Iran retains significant nuclear capability despite US strikes on its facilities. This strategic ambiguity allows Tehran to use its nuclear potential as leverage in negotiations. Experts say the US must now adapt its strategy, balancing military pressure with diplomacy, as completely eliminating Iran’s nuclear capacity appears difficult and risks escalating the already fragile regional situation. (PC: NDTV)

Amid the ongoing US naval blockade, two Iranian oil tankers successfully slipped through the Strait of Hormuz, exposing gaps in enforcement. Reports reveal that these vessels used “dark fleet” tactics such as switching off tracking transponders and masking identities to avoid detection. Despite US claims of intercepting several ships, multiple Iran-linked tankers have managed to bypass restrictions and continue oil exports. The incidents highlight the difficulty of fully controlling one of the world’s most critical oil routes, raising concerns over the effectiveness of the blockade and its impact on global energy markets.

US President Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran to allow more time for negotiations, but the US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in place, keeping tensions high. Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz witnessed fresh escalation as two commercial ships were attacked within hours, with one sustaining heavy damage while another was fired upon but remained safe. The incidents highlight the fragile nature of the truce, as Iran demands the blockade’s removal before talks resume. Ongoing maritime confrontations continue to threaten global oil supply routes and regional stability. (PC: The Guardian)

Just weeks after taking office, Balen Shah is facing widespread protests across Nepal triggered by multiple contentious decisions. Demonstrations erupted over the government’s move to sideline student unions, sparking strong backlash from youth groups. Additional anger stems from a new customs duty on goods imported from India, which has impacted daily life in border regions. Protesters have also demanded the resignation of Home Minister Sudan Gurung over alleged financial irregularities. The unrest has intensified, reaching Kathmandu’s administrative hub Singha Durbar, putting the new government under growing political pressure. (PC: India Today)

A year after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, emotional scars continue to haunt survivors and residents, even as the region shows signs of recovery. The incident, which disrupted the tourism-dependent town, left deep psychological wounds, with many still struggling with fear and grief. While security measures have improved and efforts are underway to restore normalcy and tourist confidence, healing remains uneven. Locals who chose to stay reflect resilience, but memories of the tragedy persist. The report highlights that rebuilding infrastructure is easier than overcoming trauma, as the community continues its long journey between remembrance and recovery. (PC: X)

The Bombay High Court has discharged four accused in the 2006 Malegaon blast case, quashing all charges against them due to insufficient evidence. The court found that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case linking the accused to the terror attack. The 2006 blasts in Maharashtra’s Malegaon had killed over 30 people and injured more than 100, making it one of the deadliest incidents at the time. The ruling marks a significant development in the long-running case, which has seen multiple twists, including earlier arrests, acquittals, and questions over the credibility of investigations.

Amid escalating tensions, Iran is being seen as possessing a different kind of “nuclear weapon” — not a missile, but control over the critical Strait of Hormuz. This vital waterway handles a significant portion of global oil and gas shipments, giving Tehran powerful leverage over global energy markets. Despite not having a fully developed nuclear bomb, Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile remains a concern. Ongoing conflict and disruption in the strait have intensified fears of a global energy crisis, with oil supply chains severely impacted and prices rising, highlighting the geopolitical and economic stakes of the standoff. (PC: NDTV)