Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military targeted Iran’s petrochemical facilities. He said these sites are a “cash machine” for funding attacks. “We will continue to strike them,” he added. The strikes follow earlier attacks on Iran’s steel plants. Iranian media reported at least five people were killed in the Mahshahr Petrochemical Zone. The developments come amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran. Earlier, a strike was also reported near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, where one guard was killed. (PC: HT)

Iran shared a message for India after the seventh LPG tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing conflict. The tanker, named Green Sanvi, completed its passage on Friday. The Iranian Consulate in Mumbai said India and Gujarat hold a “cherished place” in shared history. It was replying to Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, who called the move a “victory for Indian diplomacy”. Iran also referred to ancient links, likely pointing to Lothal, which connected early trade routes between regions. (PC: India Today)

Indian-origin writer and translator Padma Viswanathan has been shortlisted for the 2026 International Booker Prize. She translated On Earth As It Is Beneath by Brazilian author Ana Paula Maia from Portuguese into English. Judges called the book “brutal, haunting and hypnotic”. They said it builds “an entire moral universe” in a remote prison setting. The prize is worth GBP 50,000, shared between author and translator. Each shortlisted work gets GBP 5,000. The winner will be announced on May 19 in London. (PC: X)

The UAE has asked Pakistan to repay a $2 billion loan due to rising tensions in the Middle East. Reports said the request followed the US-Israel conflict with Iran. The money was kept with Pakistan’s central bank as a deposit. Pakistan will return the amount by the end of this month. Officials said the country has been paying about 6 per cent interest. In the past, the UAE extended the deposit yearly. Pakistan has over $21 billion in reserves. However, it may need more external funding soon to manage its financial needs in the coming months. (PC: AFP)

Pakistan’s defence minister Khwaja Asif warned India of action if it stages a “false flag operation.” He said, “we will take it to Kolkata.” The remark came after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned of “decisive action” against any misadventure. Asif accused India of planning operations using detained Pakistanis. He said Pakistan would respond strongly. Tensions between the two countries remain high. The warning follows ongoing global conflict and security concerns in the region. Meanwhile, Indian agencies said they stopped a Pakistan-linked sabotage plan in Uttar Pradesh. Officials arrested four people before they could carry out an attack. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that it has “48 hours before all hell” breaks out. He reminded Iran of a deadline to make a deal or open the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said “time is running out” as the deadline nears. He claimed Iran had asked for more time, and he extended it to 10 days. Iran has rejected the US proposal, calling it unfair. Trump also warned of possible attacks on energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the region. Iran’s parliament speaker hinted at action on another key shipping route, raising concerns over global trade disruption. (PC: AP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised Congress over its remarks on the West Asia conflict. Speaking in Kerala, he said the party has “betrayed” the trust of people working in Gulf countries. He warned that such comments could risk the safety of Indians abroad. Modi said “irresponsible statements” may harm India’s relations with West Asian nations. He added that strong diplomatic ties are helping protect Indian citizens. The government is also working to bring back stranded fishermen from Iran and nearby regions. The remarks come ahead of the Kerala assembly elections, with campaigning intensifying across the state before voting on April 9.

A US F-15 fighter jet has been shot down over Iran. One pilot has been rescued, but another remains missing. Search operations are ongoing. Iran has reportedly offered a reward for the pilot’s capture. US President Donald Trump warned that “time is running out” for Iran to make a deal. He said Iran has 48 hours before strong action. Meanwhile, airstrikes near the Iran-Iraq border killed an Iraqi civilian and injured others. Iraq has closed a key border crossing after the attack. Gas supplies from Iran to southern Iraq have also stopped. Tensions continue to rise in the region.

A Russian drone attack hit a market in Nikopol, southern Ukraine, killing five people. At least 21 others were injured, including a 14-year-old girl. Officials said the strike happened in a “busy spot” on Saturday morning. Images showed damaged kiosks and debris across the market. Ukraine said the attack is being treated as a war crime. The town has faced frequent shelling since the war began. Meanwhile, Ukraine launched strikes on Russia, killing one person in Taganrog. Both sides reported heavy drone attacks overnight. Efforts to reach a ceasefire have stalled, with fighting continuing across multiple regions. (PC: Reuters)

An amber wind warning has been issued in parts of the UK as Storm Dave approaches. The Met Office warned of “injuries or danger to life” from flying debris. Strong winds will hit northern England, Scotland, and Wales from 7pm to 3am. Gusts may reach up to 80mph in some areas. Yellow warnings are also in place across the UK and Northern Ireland. Travel disruption is likely on roads, rail, and flights. Coastal areas may face large waves. Snow is expected in the Scottish Highlands. Officials have asked people to stay safe. The storm is expected to weaken by Sunday morning.