Iran has set strict conditions to join ceasefire talks with the United States. It has demanded closure of US military bases in the Gulf. Iran also wants sanctions removed and freedom to keep its missile programme. It has asked for war compensation and control rules over the Strait of Hormuz. US officials called these demands unrealistic. Talks are happening through mediators, not directly. President Donald Trump said discussions are ongoing. The US has proposed a 15-point peace plan. It includes limits on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. Fighting continues in the region. Airstrikes and missile attacks have been reported in Iran, Israel and nearby areas.

India is facing an LPG shortage due to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. A key supply route has been affected by the West Asia conflict. Argentina has stepped in to help India meet its energy needs. In early 2026, Argentina exported 50,000 tonnes of LPG to India. This is more than double last year’s supply. Shipments were sent from Bahia Blanca port. Officials said the partnership is growing quickly. The long distance makes transport costly and slow. Still, India is working to diversify energy sources. The government is also promoting piped gas to reduce pressure on LPG supply across the country. (PC: Reuters)

India has criticised Pakistan’s offer to mediate in the Iran war. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said India is not a “broker nation” like Pakistan, sources said. The remarks were made at an all-party meeting in Delhi. Pakistan had offered to help talks between the US and Iran. India said such moves are based on US-Pakistan ties. The government defended its approach to the crisis. It said India is in touch with all sides. Over 4.25 lakh Indians have been brought back from Iran so far. Officials said energy supplies remain stable. India stressed it will protect national interests and maintain balanced ties in the region.

Iran has rejected a ceasefire plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. Officials called the 15-point plan “excessive” and unfair. Iran has instead shared five new demands to end the conflict. These include stopping all attacks and killings, and ensuring the war does not restart. Iran also wants full payment for war damages. It has asked for an end to fighting across all regions and groups. A key demand is control over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran says this is its legal right. Officials added that the US cannot decide when the war will end. Iran will choose the timing and conditions itself. (PC: AP/AFP)

Parliament has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing significant changes to the 2019 law. The legislation redefines “transgender persons,” narrowing its scope and removing the earlier provision for self-perceived gender identity. It introduces a mandatory medical verification process, requiring certification by a medical board and approval from a district magistrate. The government says the changes aim to ensure targeted welfare delivery and prevent misuse. However, opposition leaders and activists have criticised the move as regressive, arguing it undermines dignity, privacy, and rights guaranteed by the Supreme Court’s landmark NALSA judgment on gender self-identification. (PC: The Hindu)

The sale of Rajasthan Royals for around $1.63 billion (₹15,000+ crore) has resulted in a massive financial gain for Shane Warne’s family. During the inaugural Indian Premier League season in 2008, Warne negotiated a special clause granting him a 0.75% ownership stake for each season he played. Having played four seasons, he accumulated a 3% stake. With the franchise’s soaring valuation, this stake is now worth approximately ₹450–460 crore. The payout, subject to approvals, highlights Warne’s foresight in securing long-term financial benefits beyond his playing career. (PC: HT)

The Indian government has stated that more Indian ships will continue to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz despite rising tensions in West Asia. Officials emphasized that maritime operations remain active with necessary security precautions in place. At the same time, the Centre reiterated that the safety of the Indian diaspora in the region is its top priority. Authorities are closely monitoring developments and are prepared to take evacuation or emergency measures if needed, while maintaining coordination with regional governments to ensure the protection of Indian nationals and trade routes. (PC: HT)

Iran has claimed it launched coast-to-sea cruise missiles at the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Gulf, escalating the ongoing West Asia conflict. Iranian state media said the strike forced the carrier to change position and released an unverified video showing missile launches. The attack followed earlier warnings from Iran’s navy that the vessel would be targeted if it entered missile range. However, the United States has not confirmed any strike or damage, keeping the claim unverified. The incident comes amid rising hostilities, continued missile exchanges, and stalled ceasefire efforts, further heightening regional instability. 

Iran has dismissed Donald Trump’s claims of ongoing ceasefire talks, mocking Washington for “negotiating with itself” while denying any diplomatic engagement. Even as the US signalled a proposed peace plan, Tehran intensified military action, launching overnight missile and drone strikes targeting Gulf states and US bases in countries such as Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. The escalation highlights deep mistrust between both sides, with Iran continuing retaliation against US-Israeli operations. Rising regional tensions have disrupted oil routes and prompted global concern, as diplomacy stalls and the conflict shows no immediate signs of de-escalation. (PC: AP)

Rishi Sunak has praised India’s rapid rise in artificial intelligence, stating that both India and the United Kingdom are now “AI superpowers.” His remarks come as India surpasses the UK in global AI rankings, reflecting its growing technological capabilities, talent pool, and innovation ecosystem. Sunak highlighted the importance of collaboration between the two nations in advancing AI development responsibly. The development underscores India’s increasing global influence in cutting-edge technology sectors, while also reinforcing the UK’s continued leadership and commitment to strengthening international partnerships in AI research, governance, and innovation.