West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee denied claims that President Droupadi Murmu was insulted during her recent visit to the state. Banerjee said there was no breach of protocol at the President’s event near Siliguri. She blamed private organisers and the Airports Authority of India for the mismanagement. The controversy began after President Murmu expressed displeasure over a venue change for a Santal community conference. She also noted that the Chief Minister and ministers were absent. Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Trinamool Congress government and called the incident shameful. Banerjee responded that Bengal was being unfairly targeted ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. (PC: Hindustan Times)

The United States said energy supplies may soon resume through the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing conflict with Iran. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said a large oil tanker has already passed through the key waterway without problems. The strait is a major global route for oil and gas shipments. Fighting in the region had disrupted supplies and pushed oil prices higher. Brent crude rose about 30% last week, close to 100 dollars per barrel. Many Asian countries depend on Gulf oil and are feeling the impact. Iran, however, warned it could block ships passing through the strait, raising fears of further disruption to global energy supplies. (PC: Reuters)

India is speeding up the development of long-range strike drones after Iran used Shahed drones in its war with Israel. Military planners say the conflict showed how low-cost drones can attack targets and overwhelm air defences. India is now testing two projects, the Sheshnaag drone and Project KAL. Recent trials included launching drones from highways. The Sheshnaag-150 drone has a range of over 1,000 km and can stay in the air for more than five hours. It can also identify and strike targets with little human control. Defence officials say these drones will strengthen India’s modern warfare capabilities and improve surveillance and precision attack operations.

New Zealand lost three early wickets in their chase during the T20 World Cup final against India.   Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s decision to bring Axar Patel into the attack in the powerplay worked quickly. Axar removed Finn Allen for 9 after he mistimed a big shot to Tilak Varma at long-on.   He struck again soon after when Glenn Phillips missed a cross-batted shot and was bowled.   Jasprit Bumrah then dismissed Rachin Ravindra on the first ball of his spell. Ravindra miscued his shot and Ishan Kishan completed a running catch at fine leg.   New Zealand were 52/3 after six overs, with Tim Seifert and Mark Chapman at the crease. (PC: BCCI)

An Indian-origin man in the United States may face deportation after a video showed him dancing at the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. The man, identified online as Madhu Raju, posted the video on TikTok. The clip quickly went viral and drew strong criticism. Many users said dancing at a war memorial was disrespectful. Some also tagged his alleged employer, a cybersecurity firm, on social media. Soon after the backlash, Raju deleted his social media accounts and a dance studio page linked to him. US authorities are now reviewing whether the act violated rules at the memorial and if it could affect his visa status.

Huge fires and thick black smoke covered parts of Tehran after Israeli strikes hit oil storage sites on Sunday.   The attacks targeted the Aghdasieh oil warehouse, the Shahran oil depot, and another facility in Karaj, according to Iranian authorities. Israel confirmed striking “fuel storage facilities in Tehran” linked to military infrastructure.   Residents said the smoke blocked sunlight across the city of more than 10 million people. Many switched on lights during the day to see through the fumes.   Some residents reported “black and oily” rain as the fires burned for hours.   Tehran governor Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian said fuel distribution in the capital has been “temporarily interrupted.”   Authorities warned that toxic fumes could cause breathing problems and urged people to stay indoors.

India finished with 255/5 in 20 overs against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad on Sunday. It is the highest total in a T20 World Cup final.   Shivam Dube led the late charge. He smashed James Neesham for 24 runs in the final over with two sixes and three fours.   Sanju Samson top scored with 89. It is the highest individual score in a T20 World Cup final.   Abhishek Sharma earlier hit the fastest fifty of the tournament in 18 balls.   Ishan Kishan added 54 off 25 balls.   India crossed the previous record for the biggest total in a T20 World Cup final with the late surge. (PC: BCCI)

The ongoing war involving Iran, the US, and Israel is raising concern over the Gulf’s fragile water supply. Experts say desalination plants, which provide most drinking water in the region, could become targets.   About 60% of the world’s desalination plants are in the Gulf. Countries like the UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia depend heavily on them for daily water needs.   Iran accused the US of damaging a desalination plant on Qeshm Island. The US and Israel denied the claim.   Experts warn the systems are vulnerable. “None of these assets are any more protected than municipal areas hit by missiles,” water analyst Ed Cullinane said.   Analysts say attacks on water systems could trigger a humanitarian crisis.

Late drama unfolded in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup as the New Zealand national cricket team fought back against the India national cricket team with quick wickets. James Neesham dismissed the in-form Sanju Samson for 89 before removing Ishan Kishan, who had blasted 54 off 25 balls, in the same over. Moments later, Neesham struck again as Suryakumar Yadav departed for a golden duck after a diving catch by Rachin Ravindra. Despite the sudden collapse, India stayed above the 200-run mark. Tilak Varma even survived a dropped catch by Finn Allen, giving India a chance to rebuild in the final overs.

The India national cricket team continued their explosive batting display against the New Zealand national cricket team in the T20 final, racing to 203/2 after 15 overs. Sanju Samson led the onslaught with a sensational unbeaten 88, smashing three consecutive sixes off Rachin Ravindra and dominating the New Zealand bowling attack. Samson also registered his third consecutive fifty in knockout matches, underlining his red-hot form. Ishan Kishan supported him with aggressive hitting, including a towering straight six. Earlier, the pair combined for a massive 24-run over that left the Kiwis struggling for answers. With the run rate soaring, India looked set for a daunting total well above 250. (PC: BCCI)