US President Donald Trump said Nato members are making a “foolish mistake” by refusing to help secure the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran war. He said most allies do not want to get involved and added, “we don’t need any help.” Trump said they “should’ve been there” but called their absence “not a big deal” and “unfair” to the US. He also criticised the UK for not supporting US-Israeli strikes. Several European leaders said they do not want to join the conflict. The Strait of Hormuz remains tense, with attacks on ships and limited oil movement. (PC: BBC)

The Supreme Court questioned what happens if a Chief Minister enters a raid site, while hearing the I-PAC case linked to Mamata Banerjee. The court said this was not a “happy situation” and asked if the Enforcement Directorate can be left without a remedy. “What if tomorrow some other Chief Minister barges into such a raid?” the bench said. The ED called Banerjee’s actions a “gross abuse of power” and sought a police case. The state argued that allowing central agencies to sue states could harm the federal structure. The court said such “unusual” cases should not create a legal vacuum. (PC: X)

Iran said it will target energy facilities across the Gulf after its South Pars gas field was hit. State media reported damage to gas infrastructure in southern Iran. The field, shared with Qatar, is the world’s largest. Tehran named key sites in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar as potential targets. Qatar blamed Israel for the strike, calling it “dangerous and irresponsible.” The warning comes as the conflict widens. Iran also reported attacks on ships in the Gulf and near the Strait of Hormuz. The United States said it struck Iranian missile sites to protect shipping routes. (PC: HT)

Sunrisers Hyderabad have suffered an early setback ahead of IPL 2026 as regular skipper Pat Cummins will miss the first few matches due to a lower back injury. The Australian pacer has been recovering from a lumbar stress issue that kept him out of recent international fixtures. In his absence, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been appointed as the stand-in captain, marking a significant leadership opportunity. Abhishek Sharma has been named vice-captain to support him. Cummins is expected to join the squad later and resume captaincy once fully fit, though his exact return timeline remains uncertain. (PC: Reuters)

Iran launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks targeting central Israel, including densely populated areas, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict. Explosions were reported as Israeli air defense systems intercepted several incoming projectiles, though some caused damage and casualties. The strikes come in retaliation for recent Israeli attacks that killed top Iranian leaders, including Ali Larijani and reportedly Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib. Tensions continue to surge across the Middle East, with repeated cross-border strikes, rising civilian impact, and fears of a wider regional war intensifying. (PC: Times Now)

Israel intensified its offensive with overnight strikes on central Beirut, reportedly killing at least 10 people and targeting Hezbollah-linked sites. Simultaneously, Israeli officials claimed that Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was killed in a separate strike, marking one of the highest-level assassinations in the conflict so far. Iran has not confirmed the claim. The attacks follow earlier killings of senior Iranian leaders, including Ali Larijani, further escalating tensions. In response, Iran has launched missiles and drones across Israel and Gulf regions. The rapidly widening conflict is raising fears of a prolonged regional war and deepening humanitarian crisis. (PC: AP)

A devastating fire broke out in a multi-storey residential building in Palam, southwest Delhi, early Wednesday morning, killing at least nine people, including three children. The Delhi Fire Services received a distress call around 7 am and rushed nearly 30 fire tenders to control the blaze. Several residents were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities have launched an investigation. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a magisterial probe into the incident. The tragedy has raised serious concerns over fire safety measures in densely populated residential areas of the capital.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that the country’s power structure remains intact following the killing of senior leader Ali Larijani in a strike, emphasizing that governance is institution-driven rather than reliant on individuals. He stated that repeated losses of top officials have not weakened the system’s functioning. Amid escalating tensions, Iran has warned of retaliation, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) expected to respond. The incident is part of a broader escalation, raising concerns over further instability and intensification of conflict across the Middle East. (PC: PTI)

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has reignited debate by hinting that head coach Gautam Gambhir may have influenced a transition phase affecting Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Test cricket. Speaking publicly, Ashwin suggested that team management may have encouraged senior players to move on for long-term planning. Though he stopped short of confirming forced retirements, he stressed prioritizing team needs over individual ambitions. His remarks have intensified speculation about whether the senior stars’ exits were fully personal decisions or partly shaped by strategic changes within the Indian team setup. (PC: X)

At least seven Russian oil tankers, initially bound for China, have rerouted to India as global energy markets react to disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran war. The vessels, carrying Russian crude, changed course due to shifting demand dynamics and supply uncertainties linked to tensions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. India has stepped up crude purchases to secure energy needs, aided by temporary flexibility from the United States on Russian imports. The sudden diversion highlights India’s growing role as a key buyer of discounted Russian oil, while China appears to be adjusting its procurement strategy amid volatile geopolitical conditions. (PC: India Today)