US President Donald Trump said Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was among the first to support action against Iran. Speaking in Tennessee, Trump said, “Pete… was the first one to speak up… ‘Let’s do it.’” He suggested Hegseth backed military action over Iran’s nuclear threat. Trump also said the US was having “very good” discussions with Tehran. Iranian officials denied any talks. Trump had earlier delayed a deadline linked to the Strait of Hormuz. Fighting has continued, with strikes and missile attacks reported. Differences within the US administration over the war have also emerged in recent days. (PC: X)

The Delhi government has set aside ₹260 crore to give free LPG cylinders on Holi and Diwali. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta made the announcement while presenting the budget. Each household will get one cylinder on each festival. The total budget is ₹1,03,700 crore. Gupta said the plan is part of public support measures. She also called it a “green budget” and spoke about changes in the city. “Our aim is safe roads, climate corridors and flawless connectivity,” she said. The war in West Asia has also affected supplies, she noted. Funds were also allocated for civic services, water, roads and power. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said several Indians are stranded on vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. He called the situation a concern for the government. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, he said, “The lives of Indians are our top priority.” He added that the war in West Asia has lasted over three weeks. It has caused a global energy crisis. He said the conflict has affected India’s trade routes. Supplies of petrol, diesel, gas and fertilisers have also been hit. The government is closely watching the situation and focusing on the safety of Indian citizens in the region. (PC: India Today)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru said pacer Yash Dayal, who faces rape allegations, will not play in IPL 2026. He remains under contract with the team. Director of cricket Mo Bobat said, “Yash is going through a personal situation. He remains under contract, but he won't be with us this season.” Dayal has not joined training before the season. His absence is linked to ongoing legal cases. He took 13 wickets in RCB’s 2025 title-winning season. The team cannot sign a replacement as he is still contracted. RCB will depend on other bowlers to manage the season without him.

US President Donald Trump mixed warnings and diplomacy as tensions with Iran continued. On Saturday, he gave Iran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face new strikes. Iran warned it would target regional energy and water sites. By Monday, Trump paused the threat after what he called “constructive” contact with an Iranian leader. Iran denied any talks. “They want very much to make a deal,” Trump said. He later spoke of “very, very good discussions.” Airstrikes and missile attacks continued. Trump also travelled to Memphis and visited Graceland during the crisis, as markets reacted to signs of possible talks. (PC: BBC)

Uncertainty remains over Pakistan’s role in mediating between the US and Iran, as both sides gave mixed signals on possible talks. Reports said Islamabad could host talks, but no final decision has been made. US President Donald Trump said he delayed strikes after “productive” contacts. Iran denied any direct talks. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iran’s president held discussions, while army chief Asim Munir spoke to Trump. The White House said the situation is “fluid” and not final. Pakistan has said it is willing to host talks if both sides agree. (PC: HT)

The Supreme Court has ruled that only Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists can claim Scheduled Caste (SC) status. It said conversion to any other religion leads to loss of SC status and related legal protection. “No person who professes a religion other than Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist shall be a member of the Scheduled Caste,” the court said. SC Status Limited to Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists, Says Supreme Court; Conversion Ends Eligibility The bench upheld an Andhra Pradesh High Court order in a case involving a pastor who had converted to Christianity. The court noted he continued to follow Christianity and had not returned to his original faith. It said SC status depends on religious identity. (PC: India Today)

Pakistan is trying to position itself as a mediator in the ongoing Iran conflict, with possible US-Iran talks likely in Islamabad. Officials said the country is using ties with both sides to support dialogue. Army chief Asim Munir spoke to US President Donald Trump, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks with Iran’s president. Iran confirmed it received messages via “friendly states” but denied direct talks. Pakistan said it will play a “constructive role” in peace efforts. However, officials say talks remain at an early stage with no clear breakthrough yet. (PC: NDTV)

The White House said plans for possible talks with Iran remain “fluid” and not final. It urged caution against speculation amid mixed signals from both sides.   US President Donald Trump said he delayed strikes on Iranian power plants after “productive” contacts. Iran denied this and called such claims “fake news”.   An Iranian official said Tehran received “points from the US” through mediators, which could lead to talks.   Amid the uncertainty, global oil prices rose again above $100 per barrel after a brief fall on Monday, reflecting market concerns over the ongoing conflict. (PC: BBC)

A strong earthquake of magnitude 7.6 struck near Neiafu in Tonga on Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. The quake hit at a depth of about 237 km and was located 153 km west of Neiafu.   There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami threat as the quake was too deep.   The tremor came a day after a 6.2 magnitude quake hit Tonga’s Hihifo region.   Separately, Nepal recorded a 4.1 magnitude earthquake on Monday, with no reports of damage or loss of life. (PC: HT)