Scott Bessent said the United States has enough funds to continue the Iran war. He said the government is seeking about $200 billion more from Congress for future needs. He added that the request is for preparedness, not due to any shortage. Donald Trump has not proposed any tax increase to fund the war. The plan has faced opposition from lawmakers. Early estimates show the conflict is costly, with over $11 billion spent in the first six days. The debate on funding is likely to grow as the war continues and expenses rise further.

Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting to review India’s fuel and food security. The meeting focused on the impact of the West Asia conflict. Ministers discussed steps to ensure steady supply of fuel, fertilisers and essential goods. The government said there is no shortage of coal or power. Plans were made to find new import sources and export markets. LPG supply has been increased, with priority for hospitals and schools. Officials said ports are working normally. Indian ships and sailors in the Gulf are safe. The government aims to control prices and prevent shortages in coming months.

Masoud Pezeshkian said the Strait of Hormuz will stay open to all except nations that target Iran. His statement came after Donald Trump warned Iran to reopen the route within 48 hours. Iran said threats will not weaken the country but make it stronger. It also warned that key US and Israeli infrastructure could be targeted if Iran is attacked. The war has entered its fourth week with rising tensions. Missile strikes have caused damage and injuries in Israel. World leaders are urging talks as fears grow over trade and energy disruption. (PC: AP/ AFP)

Iranian missile strikes have injured over 160 people in southern Israel. The attacks hit the towns of Arad and Dimona, close to a nuclear research site. Israeli officials said 84 people were hurt in Arad and 78 in Dimona. Several buildings were damaged. Many victims were children and residents trapped under debris. Emergency teams rushed to rescue people. The nuclear facility near Dimona was not damaged, officials said. Iran said the strikes were in response to attacks on its Natanz site. Israel said most missiles were intercepted, but some hit targets. The war continues to cause heavy damage and fear. (PC: Reuters)

Dhurandhar 2 has crossed ₹500 crore worldwide in just three days. The film earned ₹404.54 crore in India and ₹96.50 crore overseas. It has become one of the fastest films to reach this mark. Actor Ranveer Singh leads the cast. The film saw strong growth on Day 3, earning over ₹113 crore in India. Holiday releases like Eid and Ugadi helped boost collections. The film has outpaced big titles like Jawan and KGF Chapter 2 in speed. Experts say it may soon cross ₹1,000 crore if the trend continues.

The oil tanker Aqua Titan carrying Russian crude has reached New Mangaluru port. It is the first of at least seven vessels diverted to India. The tanker was earlier bound for China but changed course in March. This came after India received a 30-day US waiver to buy Russian oil at sea. Indian refiners have increased purchases to meet demand. More tankers are expected in the coming days. The move comes as the Strait of Hormuz faces disruption due to war. The arrival of these vessels may help ease India’s fuel shortage and support energy supply in the short term.

Narendra Modi has become India’s longest-serving head of an elected government, completing 8,931 days in office. He passed Pawan Kumar Chamling, who served 8,930 days. Modi’s total includes his time as Gujarat Chief Minister and Prime Minister. He has been in power for nearly 25 years. He also won three Lok Sabha elections in 2014, 2019 and 2024. Modi is among the most followed global leaders online. He has over 100 million followers on Instagram and 106.4 million on X. The milestone shows his long political career and strong public support across the country.

Iran said it intercepted and struck a US F-15 fighter jet near Hormuz Island after it entered its airspace. The claim came during the ongoing Iran–US–Israel conflict. Iran said its air defence used a surface-to-air missile to target the jet. There is no confirmation yet from the United States. Details on damage or casualties are unclear. Earlier, Iran said it hit a US F-35, forcing an emergency landing. The conflict has now entered its fourth week. Attacks have spread across the region. Iran also fired missiles toward the US-UK base at Diego Garcia. Tensions remain high with risk of further escalation.

The Iran–Israel conflict has entered a dangerous phase, with attacks rising across the region. The United States warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face strikes on key facilities. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and US-linked bases. Israel carried out strikes in Lebanon and targeted key infrastructure. Oil prices have surged as shipping routes face disruption. Many countries, including Turkey and EU nations, are trying to push for talks. Over 2,500 people have died so far. The situation remains tense, with fears of further escalation and impact on global energy supply.

Iran has claimed that its air defence systems intercepted and targeted a US F-15 fighter jet near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, alleging the aircraft violated its airspace. According to Iranian officials, a surface-to-air missile was fired after detecting the jet over southern coastal regions near Hormuz Island. However, Tehran has not clarified whether the aircraft was damaged or shot down, and there has been no immediate confirmation from the United States. The incident comes amid intensifying conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the US, raising fears of further military escalation in the already volatile Gulf region.