Iran has claimed it shot down two US F-35 stealth fighter jets within 24 hours during the ongoing conflict, asserting that advanced air defence systems brought down the aircraft over central Iran. Iranian media suggested the pilots were unlikely to have survived. However, there has been no official confirmation from the United States, and defence analysts have questioned the authenticity of images and evidence released by Iran. Reports also highlight conflicting narratives, including AI tool Grok casting doubt on Tehran’s claims. The incident, if verified, would mark a major escalation in the war and raise concerns about the vulnerability of advanced stealth technology. (PC: X)

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has criticised Sunrisers Hyderabad for overlooking Abhishek Sharma for captaincy in IPL 2026, drawing parallels with how MS Dhoni was once promoted over him. Despite Abhishek’s long association and consistent performances, SRH appointed Ishan Kishan as stand-in skipper in the absence of injured Pat Cummins. Yuvraj, who mentors Abhishek, said such decisions can impact a player’s mindset and sense of belonging. He highlighted Abhishek’s loyalty and leadership experience, questioning why a long-serving player was sidelined for a newer entrant. (PC: AP & AFP)

India is facing a worsening LPG crisis as the ongoing Middle East conflict disrupts supply routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, delaying shipments. Households across at least 12 states report waiting over a week—and in some cases up to 40 days—for cylinder deliveries that earlier took 1–2 days. Booking systems are strained, long queues have emerged, and many families are switching to coal or firewood. Small businesses and eateries are also hit, with some shutting down. Meanwhile, black market activity has surged, with cylinders sold at inflated prices, exposing gaps between official claims and ground realities. (PC: PTI)

Following a US‑Israeli airstrike that partially destroyed the B1 bridge near Tehran—one of the Middle East’s tallest and strategically vital under-construction bridges—Iran has released a list of eight major bridges across Gulf states and Jordan as potential targets for retaliation. The strike reportedly killed at least eight civilians and wounded dozens, marking a sharp escalation in tensions. Iranian officials cited the attack as justification for targeting key infrastructure in Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia–Bahrain, and Jordan, signaling Tehran’s readiness to expand the conflict regionally if further strikes occur. (PC: NDTV)

NASA’s Artemis II mission has successfully fired its engines to leave Earth orbit, sending the Orion spacecraft and four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — on a historic lunar flyby, the first since 1972. The roughly 10-day mission follows a “free-return” trajectory around the Moon, allowing the crew to test life-support systems, navigation, and deep-space operations, crucial for future Artemis lunar landings and eventual Mars missions. The flawless launch and orbital maneuvers mark a major milestone in NASA’s Artemis program and human space exploration. (PC: AP)

A US‑sanctioned Aframax tanker, Ping Shun, carrying about 600,000 barrels of Iranian crude initially signalled India’s Vadinar port as its destination – potentially marking India’s first Iranian oil import in nearly seven years – under a temporary sanctions waiver from Washington. However, the vessel altered course mid‑voyage and is now signalling Dongying in China, according to maritime tracking data. The rerouting reflects lingering hurdles with sanctions compliance, payment terms, shipping and insurance that continue to complicate Iran‑India oil trade. India has not imported Iranian crude since 2019 due to longstanding US sanctions. The episode underscores geopolitical and commercial complexities in global energy markets amid ongoing Middle East tensions. (PC: Reuters)

The US‑Israel conflict with Iran continued to escalate on April 3 as attacks swept across the Middle East with no signs of de‑escalation. Iran launched missiles and drones at Israel and Gulf states, including strikes on Kuwait’s oil refinery, while US‑Israeli airstrikes hit Iranian infrastructure. The vital Strait of Hormuz remains effectively blocked, driving oil prices above $109 a barrel and disrupting global energy supplies. Iran vowed continued “crushing” attacks, targeting military and civilian infrastructure, as the war entered its 35th day. International efforts to reopen shipping routes and seek a ceasefire gained momentum, with UN warnings of a broader regional war. (PC: Reuters)

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has removed Raghav Chadha from his position as Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing him with Ashok Mittal and informing the Secretariat not to allot him speaking time in Parliament, signalling a major leadership shift. The party describes the move as internal restructuring, but critics tie it to Chadha’s perceived distance from core AAP leadership. In his first public response, Chadha asked if raising public issues in Parliament was a “crime,” calling himself “silenced, not defeated.” The change has fuelled speculation about internal tensions within AAP’s ranks.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed it shot down a second U.S. F‑35 fighter jet near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz as the US–Israel war with Iran intensifies. Tehran asserts the advanced jet was downed by its air defenses amid heavy conflict, though the U.S. Central Command has rejected such claims, saying all its aircraft are accounted for and dismissing the reports as false. The alleged shootdown follows earlier Iranian strikes on U.S. and allied assets amid escalating regional hostilities affecting global security. (PC: X)

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George to step down and retire immediately, a highly unusual move that comes as the United States continues its military engagement against Iran. Gen. George, appointed in August 2023, was expected to serve a four‑year term but was told to leave his post early without an official reason. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced George’s immediate retirement, thanking him for his decades of service. The change adds to a series of senior leadership shakeups under Hegseth’s tenure. (PC: Reuters)