Iran has released video showing masked commandos seizing two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, including one bound for India. The vessels, MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, were intercepted by forces linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The footage shows armed troops approaching in speedboats and boarding using ladders. The India-bound ship suffered damage after gunfire and grenades, though no crew were injured. Iran said the ships lacked “required authorisation” and had “manipulated navigation systems”. The seizures came after recent US action against Iranian vessels, raising tensions in the region.

Allegations of voter intimidation emerged in Murshidabad as West Bengal voted in Phase 1. TMC workers clashed with Humayun Kabir when he visited a polling booth in Naoda. Protesters raised “go back” slogans and called him a “BJP agent”.   Reports said crude bombs were thrown near a school a day earlier, injuring a woman. A victim alleged Kabir’s party was behind the attack.   Police used mild force to control crowds. An officer said, “The situation is peaceful.”   Kabir appealed for calm. “I want voting to happen peacefully,” he said. The Election Commission sought a report on the complaints. 

Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings meet in IPL 2026 with both teams still searching for form. The focus is on MS Dhoni, who is close to returning after a calf injury. Rohit Sharma is also close to a comeback from a hamstring issue. Both players trained ahead of the match at Wankhede. Their availability is not confirmed. Both teams have struggled for consistency this season. Mumbai and Chennai have used many players and are yet to settle combinations. Despite poor form, the rivalry remains close. One key moment or player could decide the match. (PC: India Today)

The United States said there is no fixed timeline to end the conflict with Iran. The White House said President Donald Trump has not set any new deadline for a ceasefire. Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said reopening the Strait of Hormuz is “not possible” due to repeated ceasefire breaches by the US and Israel. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the US blockade and “breach of commitments” are blocking talks. Iran also said it attacked three cargo ships and seized two. With both sides firm, the situation remains at a stalemate. (PC: BBC)

West Bengal recorded 62.18% voter turnout by 1 pm in Phase 1 polling, the Election Commission said. Voting began at 7 am across 152 seats. Violence was reported in Murshidabad’s Nowda after a crude bomb injured several people. This led to clashes between TMC and AUJP workers. Police used mild force to control the crowd. EVM glitches disrupted voting at some booths. In Raghunathpur, ink was smeared on the lotus symbol in an EVM. CRPF later said the issue was fixed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said people were angry with the ruling party. BJP leader Dilip Ghosh claimed a strong wave. (PC: HT)

Iran’s national football team will participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup despite ongoing conflict, officials confirmed. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said the team is fully prepared, with logistics managed by the sports ministry. Participation had been uncertain after US-Israeli strikes in February and safety concerns over matches scheduled in the United States. Iran is set to play all group-stage fixtures in American cities, including games against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. While earlier remarks from Iranian officials questioned involvement, and Donald Trump raised safety concerns, FIFA has insisted the team will compete. Authorities hope conditions improve, allowing the tournament to proceed peacefully. (PC: Shutterstock)

A clash broke out in Murshidabad during the West Bengal Assembly elections as workers of the Trinamool Congress confronted supporters of Aam Janata Unnayan Party leader Humayun Kabir. Tensions escalated when Kabir arrived in the area, prompting slogan-shouting and an altercation that involved police personnel. Security forces were deployed swiftly, and mild lathicharge was used to disperse sections of the crowd. Authorities maintained that the situation remained under control and largely peaceful. Kabir appealed for calm, urging his supporters to avoid confrontation and ensure smooth voting. The incident highlights sporadic tensions during polling despite heightened security arrangements across sensitive constituencies in the state.

An AI-generated video mocking Donald Trump has gone viral in Iran, highlighting tensions over delayed US-Iran talks. Shared by an Iranian consulate, the clip shows a caricature of Trump waiting for Iranian negotiators who never arrive, growing increasingly frustrated. It culminates with a message telling him to “shut up” before he extends the ceasefire again. The satire reflects Tehran’s scepticism about Washington’s intentions, especially after Trump prolonged the ceasefire citing Pakistan’s request. Meanwhile, Iran has not confirmed participation in fresh negotiations, accusing the US of inconsistency. The episode underscores how digital propaganda and humour are increasingly shaping narratives around high-stakes geopolitical standoffs.

Voting for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 and Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 began at 7 am under tight security, with steady turnout reported. West Bengal recorded 41.11% voter participation during Phase 1 across 152 seats in 16 districts, while Tamil Nadu saw 37.56% turnout in its single-phase election covering all 234 constituencies. Authorities deployed central forces and ensured extensive logistical arrangements to maintain peaceful polling. With over 5.7 crore voters in Tamil Nadu alone, officials emphasised adherence to guidelines and identity verification. Campaigning concluded earlier, setting up key electoral contests. Voting continues smoothly, with counting scheduled later as per Election Commission timelines. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy after posting a letter on Truth Social describing countries including India and China as “hellholes” while criticising birthright citizenship in the United States. The post also alleged that immigrants, particularly from India and China, dominate hiring in California’s tech sector, limiting opportunities for others, though no evidence was provided. His remarks come amid ongoing debates over immigration policy and citizenship laws in the US. The comments have drawn criticism for their tone and generalisations, potentially straining diplomatic sentiment. The episode highlights how immigration rhetoric remains a politically charged issue ahead of key policy discussions and elections.