An India-bound oil tanker carrying around 700,000 barrels of Saudi crude reversed course in the Red Sea after Yemen's Houthi militia warned ships linked to Saudi ports could be targeted. Reuters reported the tanker, Rodos, turned north towards the Suez Canal instead of continuing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Another China-bound tanker, Xin Long Yang, also altered course, while New Prime turned back near Oman. The warning follows the Houthis' declaration of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. For India, the immediate concern is potential shipping delays, higher freight charges and rising insurance costs rather than crude shortages, as longer alternative routes could significantly disrupt deliveries. (PC: Reuters)

Andhra Pradesh reported seven new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, taking the state's total infections to 26, the Health Department said. Officials said the fresh cases were detected across different districts and are not linked to any cluster outbreak. Of the total cases, 10 patients are hospitalised, nine are in home isolation, three have recovered and been discharged, while four have died. Authorities said all four deceased patients had pre-existing health conditions. So far, 145 samples have been tested. The new cases include four from Guntur, two from East Godavari and one from Bapatla. Kadapa has reported the highest caseload with eight infections, followed by Guntur with six overall. (PC: The Indian Express)

Argentina’s Premier League stars Lisandro Martinez, Christian Romero and Enzo Fernandez could face UK visa action after displaying a Falklands banner following Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory over England. The incident triggered outrage in Britain, with several MPs urging FIFA to punish Argentina for mixing politics with sport. FIFA has confirmed it is investigating the controversy but has not announced any sanctions. According to an Express UK report, legal experts have examined whether the players’ UK work visas could be revoked, potentially preventing them from returning for the 2026-27 Premier League season. Former Margaret Thatcher aide Nile Gardiner demanded the visas be cancelled, calling for “zero tolerance” toward the anti-British display shown after the match. (PC: Getty Images)

As the Cockroach Janta Party's protest over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak intensified in Delhi, people across India used Zomato, Swiggy and other delivery platforms to send food to demonstrators at Jantar Mantar. Viral videos showed a Zomato delivery partner arriving in heavy rain with a meal ordered by Mumbai resident Anuj Rawat for hungry protesters. Protesters thanked both the sender and the delivery worker. Other videos showed McDonald's meals, biryani, rolls and snacks reaching the site through online platforms, while a free tea stall also served demonstrators. The protest later turned violent after police action, with injuries reported. The Centre said those responsible for paper leaks would face legal action.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the Centre is ready for a discussion on the NEET issue in Parliament, asserting that the government remains committed to addressing students' concerns through democratic debate. He accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of exploiting students for political gains and choosing protests over parliamentary engagement, despite the government's willingness to discuss the issue. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to students over the handling of the NEET controversy and the police action against protesters. Gandhi also reiterated his demand for Pradhan's resignation, alleging the government had failed to adequately address concerns surrounding examination irregularities and student grievances. (PC: India TV)

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reportedly approved the continued use of British military bases by the United States for operations against Iran, following renewed US airstrikes, according to reports. The decision came after the 10th consecutive day of US military action, with US Central Command saying it targeted Iranian military command centres, missile and drone launch sites, and air defence systems. The move signals London's continued support for Washington's regional security operations under Burnham's new government, even as the conflict intensifies. The reported approval follows growing military coordination between the allies amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran. (PC: BBC)

Pakistan has reportedly sought a $10 billion US exchange stabilisation facility to strengthen its foreign exchange reserves and support the rupee, according to a Reuters report cited by Firstpost. The request comes after Islamabad's role in facilitating Iran war-related diplomacy, with officials hoping to leverage improved ties with Washington. Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb discussed strengthening economic cooperation with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington, although Islamabad did not officially confirm the reported funding request. If approved, the facility could reduce Pakistan's dependence on IMF financing and bolster currency stability. Pakistan remains under a $7 billion IMF programme while pursuing broader economic cooperation with the United States. (PC: Money Control)

Russia said it remains in contact with India following the deaths of four Indian seafarers in the missile strike on the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo, but insisted its military campaign would continue. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russian forces would keep targeting vessels Moscow believes are transporting military supplies for Ukraine. The remarks came a day after India lodged a strong diplomatic protest, summoning Russia's Charge d'Affaires and condemning the attack. The Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel was struck while departing Ukraine's Odesa port, killing 10 crew members, including four Indians and six Syrians. India called attacks on commercial shipping and civilian crews "deplorable" and unacceptable. (PC: NDTV)

Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid the ongoing controversy over the NEET paper leak and examination reforms. Calling the situation "very serious" and "very grave", Patnaik said several students were violently attacked and injured during the protests. Speaking publicly on the issue for the first time since the controversy erupted, he said he agreed with Opposition parties demanding Pradhan's resignation. His remarks add to growing political pressure on the Narendra Modi government over the handling of the NEET crisis, as Opposition leaders continue to seek accountability and reforms in the examination system. (PC: The Telegraph)

A Mittal-backed consortium led by businessman Amit Bhatia is in talks to acquire a significant minority stake in Liverpool FC at a valuation exceeding $6 billion, according to reports. The proposed deal would rank among the largest investments in Premier League history and value Liverpool among the world’s most expensive football clubs. Bhatia has already transferred his stake in Queens Park Rangers to the club’s majority owner, a move seen as preparation for the potential Liverpool investment. Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), have confirmed discussions with prospective investors as they explore strategic investment options while retaining overall control of the club. (PC: Getty Images)