Two days into the escalating US-Iran conflict, one crew member of a downed US F-15 fighter jet remains missing inside Iran. While one pilot has been rescued, both US forces and Iranian authorities are racing to locate the second airman. Iran has reportedly mobilised local tribesmen and “popular forces,” even offering rewards for capturing the pilot. The US has launched high-risk rescue missions using helicopters and special forces, facing hostile fire. The incident marks a major escalation, being the first confirmed US jet loss inside Iran during the war, intensifying tensions and military operations across the region. (PC: NDTV)

A tragic road accident in Gurugram claimed two lives after a speeding car driving on the wrong side rammed into a bike taxi. The collision was head-on and severe, leaving both victims with critical injuries. They were rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed during treatment. Police said the car driver fled the scene immediately after the crash, prompting a manhunt. An FIR has been registered for rash and negligent driving, and CCTV footage is being examined to identify the accused. The incident has once again raised concerns over reckless driving and poor traffic rule enforcement in the city. (PC: HT)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned of a serious risk of radioactive contamination following U.S.-Israeli strikes near the Bushehr nuclear power plant amid escalating conflict. He criticised Western “double standards,” noting global concern over similar attacks elsewhere but limited reaction to strikes on Iran. A projectile reportedly hit near the facility, killing a security personnel member and damaging an auxiliary building, though core operations remain unaffected. Araghchi cautioned that any radiation leak could impact Gulf nations, highlighting the regional danger. International agencies have expressed concern, even as no radiation increase has yet been detected. (PC: X)

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a “massive” military strike on Iran, claiming that several top Iranian military leaders were killed in attacks targeting Tehran. He shared video footage showing explosions, highlighting the scale of the operation. The strike marks a major escalation in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, which has already seen intense air raids, missile exchanges, and regional instability. Analysts note that while U.S. forces have inflicted significant damage on Iran’s military infrastructure, Tehran continues to resist and retaliate. With both sides refusing to back down, tensions in the Middle East remain high, raising fears of a prolonged and wider war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military targeted Iran’s petrochemical facilities. He said these sites are a “cash machine” for funding attacks. “We will continue to strike them,” he added. The strikes follow earlier attacks on Iran’s steel plants. Iranian media reported at least five people were killed in the Mahshahr Petrochemical Zone. The developments come amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran. Earlier, a strike was also reported near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, where one guard was killed. (PC: HT)

Iran shared a message for India after the seventh LPG tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing conflict. The tanker, named Green Sanvi, completed its passage on Friday. The Iranian Consulate in Mumbai said India and Gujarat hold a “cherished place” in shared history. It was replying to Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, who called the move a “victory for Indian diplomacy”. Iran also referred to ancient links, likely pointing to Lothal, which connected early trade routes between regions. (PC: India Today)

Indian-origin writer and translator Padma Viswanathan has been shortlisted for the 2026 International Booker Prize. She translated On Earth As It Is Beneath by Brazilian author Ana Paula Maia from Portuguese into English. Judges called the book “brutal, haunting and hypnotic”. They said it builds “an entire moral universe” in a remote prison setting. The prize is worth GBP 50,000, shared between author and translator. Each shortlisted work gets GBP 5,000. The winner will be announced on May 19 in London. (PC: X)

The UAE has asked Pakistan to repay a $2 billion loan due to rising tensions in the Middle East. Reports said the request followed the US-Israel conflict with Iran. The money was kept with Pakistan’s central bank as a deposit. Pakistan will return the amount by the end of this month. Officials said the country has been paying about 6 per cent interest. In the past, the UAE extended the deposit yearly. Pakistan has over $21 billion in reserves. However, it may need more external funding soon to manage its financial needs in the coming months. (PC: AFP)

Pakistan’s defence minister Khwaja Asif warned India of action if it stages a “false flag operation.” He said, “we will take it to Kolkata.” The remark came after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned of “decisive action” against any misadventure. Asif accused India of planning operations using detained Pakistanis. He said Pakistan would respond strongly. Tensions between the two countries remain high. The warning follows ongoing global conflict and security concerns in the region. Meanwhile, Indian agencies said they stopped a Pakistan-linked sabotage plan in Uttar Pradesh. Officials arrested four people before they could carry out an attack. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that it has “48 hours before all hell” breaks out. He reminded Iran of a deadline to make a deal or open the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said “time is running out” as the deadline nears. He claimed Iran had asked for more time, and he extended it to 10 days. Iran has rejected the US proposal, calling it unfair. Trump also warned of possible attacks on energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the region. Iran’s parliament speaker hinted at action on another key shipping route, raising concerns over global trade disruption. (PC: AP)