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.

Tensions in the ongoing US-Iran conflict have intensified following claims that Iran launched missiles toward the USS Abraham Lincoln, after warning it was under surveillance. While Iranian state media reported the strike, independent confirmation remains unclear, adding to uncertainty on the battlefield. The escalation comes amid fragile diplomatic efforts, with the United States proposing a ceasefire plan through intermediaries like Pakistan. However, Tehran has denied direct negotiations and set strict conditions, including security guarantees and reparations. Despite ongoing talks, continued missile exchanges and military deployments suggest the conflict remains volatile, threatening regional stability and global energy supplies. (PC: X)

Indian police have been deployed at petrol pumps, particularly in Gujarat, to manage large crowds as panic buying intensifies over fears of fuel shortages. The anxiety is linked to the ongoing global crisis, where disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—through which India imports a significant share of crude oil—have raised supply concerns. Long queues and traffic congestion have been reported as people rush to secure fuel, despite authorities repeatedly assuring that supplies remain stable. Officials emphasize that misinformation and rumours are largely driving the panic rather than any immediate shortage. Across several regions, similar scenes of overcrowding at fuel stations have prompted increased police presence to maintain order and prevent chaos.

Iran said it struck the USS Abraham Lincoln with cruise missiles on Wednesday, claiming the US carrier was forced to change position. The Iranian military said its Qader missiles targeted the vessel after earlier warning it was under “constant monitoring.”   “The firing of coast-to-sea cruise missiles… targeted this vessel,” Iran’s army said. A video shared by Fars news agency showed projectiles and loud blasts, but it has not been independently verified.   Earlier, Iran had warned it would act once the carrier entered missile range. The USS Abraham Lincoln was also reportedly targeted earlier this month with ballistic missiles.

Fires and strikes at oil and gas sites across regions have raised fears of a major global supply shock. Energy hubs in the Middle East, Russia, and the US have been hit by attacks and accidents. In the US, the Valero refinery in Texas was shut after explosions. In Russia, Ukrainian drones struck refineries and an export terminal. In the Gulf, key gas and oil sites faced missile and drone attacks. The International Energy Agency called it the “largest supply disruption in history.” Brent crude has crossed $100 per barrel. Experts warn rebuilding damaged infrastructure may take years, keeping markets under pressure.

Iran fired missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln on Wednesday, according to state media. The strike came shortly after Iran warned it was closely tracking US naval movements in the region. Iran’s naval commander had said the carrier was under “constant Iranian monitoring.” He added that once it entered missile range, it would be targeted.   The development comes amid rising tensions between Iran and the US. Reports of a peace proposal earlier in the day also affected markets. Oil prices fell after the news. Brent crude dropped over 4 per cent to $100.32 per barrel. US West Texas Intermediate fell 3.4 per cent to $89.24. (PC: X)

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2 is close to the Rs 1,000 crore mark worldwide. The film has earned Rs 937.49 crore gross in just six days, according to Sacnilk.   “The film has reached 937.49 crore within six days,” Sacnilk said, calling it an “All-Time Blockbuster.” Overseas earnings stand at Rs 250 crore, while domestic gross is Rs 687.49 crore.   In India, the film collected Rs 575.67 crore so far. On Tuesday alone, it earned Rs 56.55 crore.   Experts say the film may cross Rs 1,000 crore by day eight. The sequel continues the strong run of the first Dhurandhar film. (PC: X)

Netherlands pacer Paul van Meekeren said a small share of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Rs 16,660 crore sale could help Dutch cricket grow. After the franchise was sold to a multi-industry consortium, he posted that “0.5%” of the amount could help close the gap with top teams. “If only they could give 0.5%… we could close the gap to full members,” he wrote on X. The Netherlands recently competed in the T20 World Cup 2026 and showed strong performances despite an early exit. Players from associate nations have asked for more matches against top sides. RCB’s sale came after former owners United Spirits reviewed its stake. (PC: India Today)