A US‑sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude oil is reportedly en route to India’s Vadinar port, marking the first direct Iranian oil import since 2019. The Eswatini‑flagged Aframax tanker Ping Shun loaded about 600,000 barrels of crude from Iran’s Kharg Island and altered its destination from China to India, according to maritime tracking data. The shipment follows a temporary US sanctions waiver amid global oil supply concerns. If completed, this move signals a potential resumption of India‑Iran energy trade, although regulatory and financial challenges persist. (PC: NDTV)

Iran condemned the US‑Israeli strike that destroyed the B1 bridge near Tehran and Karaj, one of the Middle East’s tallest structures, killing at least eight civilians and injuring about 95 others, according to Iranian state media. U.S. President Donald Trump shared footage of the collapse, warning of “much more to follow” and urging Tehran to “make a deal before it’s too late,” framing the attack as part of ongoing military pressure. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi vowed the bridge and other infrastructure would be rebuilt “stronger” and said the strike damaged America’s global standing. Iran insists such attacks won’t force its surrender. (PC: X)

Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Abhishek Sharma was reprimanded by the IPL Governing Council for breaching the league’s Code of Conduct during SRH’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. The all‑rounder admitted to a Level 1 offence under Article 2.3 for using audible obscenities and was fined 25 % of his match fee and given one demerit point on his disciplinary record. While the official statement didn’t detail the exact incident, Level 1 breaches are the least severe but can lead to harsher penalties if repeated. SRH won the game by 65 runs. (PC: ANI)

The United States is reportedly considering withdrawing from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) amid growing rifts with European allies over support for its actions in the Iran conflict, a move that could weaken Western security ties and accelerate a shift toward a multipolar world. A US exit from the 75‑year‑old military alliance would force Europe to rethink its defence strategy and reduce reliance on Washington. Analysts suggest that this geopolitical shake‑up could present strategic opportunities for India, which has been strengthening defence and security partnerships with European nations and building its defence manufacturing capabilities. A weakening U.S. role might allow India to expand its global influence. (PC: AFP)

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran to “make a deal before it is too late” following fresh airstrikes that targeted critical infrastructure in the country. A major highway bridge linking Tehran to Karaj—reportedly one of the tallest in the Middle East—was hit, causing significant damage and casualties. Trump shared footage of the strike, claiming the bridge was destroyed and hinting at further attacks. The escalation comes amid an intensifying US-Israel military campaign against Iran, with tensions rising across the region and increasing pressure on Tehran to negotiate. (PC: Reuters)

In a prime-time address, U.S. President Donald Trump defended ongoing military actions against Iran, claiming significant damage to its military capabilities while warning of further escalation if demands are unmet. However, he offered no clear timeline for ending the conflict, creating uncertainty among allies and markets. Trump avoided firm commitments on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and urged other nations to take responsibility. Despite declaring progress, Iran’s leadership and nuclear capabilities remain partly intact. The speech also impacted global markets and domestic politics, with falling approval ratings and rising fuel prices adding to public concern. 

French President Emmanuel Macron sharply criticised Donald Trump for inconsistent messaging on the Iran conflict and NATO, urging greater seriousness and stability in global leadership. Speaking during a South Korea visit, Macron warned that frequent contradictions weaken trust and alliances. He defended NATO, accusing Trump of undermining it by questioning US commitment. Macron also rejected military solutions like forcibly reopening the Strait of Hormuz, calling them unrealistic and risky. Emphasising diplomacy, he said lasting peace with Iran requires negotiations, not escalation, as tensions continue to strain transatlantic relations. (PC: The Guardian)

Amit Kshatriya, one of NASA’s highest-ranking civil servants, is playing a key role in shaping humanity’s return to deep space. Inspired by the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster he witnessed as a child, he turned tragedy into motivation. Beginning his career in 2003, he contributed to the space shuttle and International Space Station programs, later becoming a NASA flight director. Now serving as Associate Administrator and COO, he oversees major missions, including the Artemis program, driving efforts toward sustainable lunar exploration and future Mars missions. (PC: X)

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has removed Raghav Chadha from the post of deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha and nominated Ashok Mittal as his replacement. The party informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat and also requested that Chadha no longer be allotted speaking time from its quota in the House. The move signals a significant shift in AAP’s parliamentary strategy and leadership structure. While no official reason has been given, the reshuffle has sparked speculation about internal dynamics within the party. Mittal’s appointment is seen as part of a broader organisational recalibration ahead of upcoming political challenges. (PC: PTI)

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has claimed that nearly seven million volunteers are prepared to defend the country amid rising tensions with the United States. His remarks follow reports that the US is considering targeting or seizing Kharg Island, a crucial hub for Iran’s oil exports. Ghalibaf warned that any military action would provoke strong retaliation against US forces and regional interests. Iran has been bolstering its defenses in anticipation of a potential conflict. The situation underscores growing fears of escalation, with Kharg Island emerging as a key strategic and economic flashpoint in the crisis. (PC: AP)