The United States has acknowledged carrying out a strike using two Hellfire missiles on a vessel in the Gulf region, marking the third such incident involving ships with Indian crew members. According to reports, the targeted vessel was suspected of activities linked to sanctions evasion and maritime security concerns. The attack occurred amid heightened tensions in strategic Gulf shipping lanes, raising concerns about the safety of commercial vessels and international trade routes. Indian crew members aboard the ship were reported safe following the incident. The development highlights growing geopolitical friction in the region and the risks faced by merchant sailors operating in conflict-prone waters. (PC: NDTV)

Abhishek Banerjee is being questioned by the CID in connection with an alleged signature forgery case. The interrogation has reportedly continued for more than three hours as investigators seek details related to the allegations. The development has intensified political attention in West Bengal, with opposition parties closely monitoring the case while TMC leaders defend Banerjee. Further details are awaited from the investigating agency regarding the outcome of the questioning. (PC: X)

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed strong confidence in young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, predicting a successful future for him in One-Day Internationals. Manjrekar stated that Sooryavanshi should not be viewed merely as a T20 power-hitter, highlighting his solid technique, temperament, and ability to build innings. The veteran commentator believes the youngster possesses the skills required to adapt across formats and excel in ODI cricket. His remarks come amid growing attention on Sooryavanshi’s performances, with many experts considering him one of India's most promising batting talents for the future. (PC: X)

Maharashtra Cyber Police has registered an FIR against stand-up comedian Pranit More and others in connection with the viral ₹370 biryani controversy. The case stems from a crowd-work segment at More’s show where an audience member made controversial and allegedly objectionable remarks linking the cost of a date meal to expectations of physical intimacy. The clip triggered widespread backlash online for promoting insensitive and misogynistic views. Authorities have taken action under cyber and public decency laws after the video went viral. Pranit More faced criticism for not challenging the comments during the show and for his reaction, escalating the controversy further.

The United States reportedly struck the MT Jalveer tanker in the Strait of Hormuz using Hellfire missiles, amid escalating tensions linked to Iran-related maritime operations. The vessel, which had over 20 Indian crew members on board, was targeted near Oman’s coast during a broader U.S. crackdown on suspected oil smuggling routes. According to reports, all Indian sailors were safely rescued and evacuation efforts were completed without casualties. The incident marks the third such attack on commercial vessels in the region within a week, raising serious concerns over maritime security, regional stability, and the safety of international shipping routes in the Gulf.

Iran’s national football team arrived in Mexico ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 wearing gold lapel pins marked “168” to honour victims of the deadly Minab school attack in February. The pins represented those killed, mostly children, in the missile strike on an elementary school in southern Iran. Iran’s delegation recently shifted its training base from the United States to Mexico following visa complications and entry concerns affecting team members. The squad will still play all group-stage matches in the US but faces uncertainty over travel arrangements. Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, with a possible Round of 32 clash against the US. (PC: X)  

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the biggest edition in history, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches, three host nations and 16 stadiums across the United States, Canada and Mexico. A record 1,248 players from 449 clubs and 71 countries will compete, with Manchester City providing the highest number of players. Football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will chase historic milestones, including Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup appearance and Messi’s pursuit of more records. Four nations including Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan will make their World Cup debuts. With expanded participation, new records and unprecedented scale, the 2026 tournament is set to redefine global football history.

India has said it is working to ensure that “not a single drop of water” flows into Pakistan after placing the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance last year. Union Water Resources Minister CR Patil stated that efforts are being made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s direction, with Home Minister Amit Shah monitoring the matter. The 1960 treaty, brokered by the World Bank, governs sharing of six Indus Basin rivers between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan receiving rights over the western rivers and India over the eastern rivers. Pakistan has accused India of weaponising water and warned that any attempt to alter river flows could be considered an act of war. (PC: X)

FIFA President Gianni Infantino faced criticism after telling journalists to “chill” and “relax” over controversies surrounding the 2026 World Cup. BBC Sports Editor Dan Roan questioned Infantino over visa restrictions, ticketing disputes and travel issues affecting teams, officials and fans. Concerns include Somali referee Omar Artan being denied entry to the United States, Iraq striker Aymen Hussein facing airport questioning, and Iran relocating its team base to Mexico. Infantino defended the tournament’s arrangements, supported US President Donald Trump’s role in making the event possible, and said FIFA could not control government decisions. He also rejected criticism over ticket prices, stating demand for the tournament was unprecedented.

Indian-American financier Mahender Makhijani has been arrested in California over allegations of orchestrating a $100 million bank fraud scheme involving falsified documents, shell companies and misleading collateral records. Prosecutors allege that through Cantor Group V LLC, Makhijani deceived Western Alliance Bancorp by altering real estate title documents to falsely show first-lien security for loans. Investigators claim manipulated PDFs, fabricated spreadsheets and misleading communications were used to maintain funding. Authorities also allege that funds were diverted through complex financial networks while Makhijani maintained a luxury lifestyle. He faces federal bank fraud charges carrying a potential 30-year prison sentence, with investigators continuing efforts to trace and recover allegedly hidden funds.