India on Tuesday condemned Pakistan over an airstrike on a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul. Afghanistan said at least 400 people were killed and 250 injured. Pakistan denied the claim and said it targeted “military installations and terrorist infrastructure.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the strike “barbaric” and said Pakistan was “trying to dress up a massacre as a military operation.” He said the attack was a “heinous act of aggression” and violated Afghanistan’s sovereignty. India urged the international community to hold those responsible accountable. It also expressed condolences to victims and said it stands with the people of Afghanistan. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Indian embassy in Kuwait said all consular services will continue during Ramadan. In a notice on Tuesday, it said services will run as usual with revised timings.   The four Indian Consular Application Centres will operate from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The embassy said this will “ensure services remain available” for Indian nationals.   The centres are located in Kuwait City, Jleeb Al Shouyakh, Fahahheel, and Jahra. Officials shared full address details for each location.   The move aims to maintain access to services during the holy month. Indian nationals can visit the centres within the updated working hours. (PC: X)

A woman died after falling into a drain when an iron bridge collapsed in Delhi’s Roop Nagar on Tuesday morning, officials said. The structure gave way suddenly, causing her to fall into the water. Rescue teams from the Boat Club are searching the drain to check if more people were affected. Officials said the operation is ongoing. The incident comes amid concerns over safety lapses in the city. Several deaths linked to open pits and unsafe road work have been reported this year. In a recent case, a man died after falling into an uncovered pit in Janakpuri. Police had arrested a contractor in that case. (PC: HT)

A Pakistani national was killed after debris from an intercepted missile fell in Abu Dhabi’s Bani Yas area, officials said. The Abu Dhabi Media Office said air defence systems stopped the missile before impact. Debris later struck the ground and caused the death. The incident comes as the US-Israel-Iran conflict spreads across the Gulf. Explosions were reported in Doha and Dubai. US President Donald Trump said Washington was “shocked” after Iran targeted countries like Kuwait and Bahrain. Tensions are rising near the Strait of Hormuz. Some US allies have refused to send warships to protect oil tankers. Markets remain tense over fears of supply disruption. (PC: India Today)

Sri Lanka has made Wednesdays a holiday for public offices to cut fuel use amid supply fears. The move follows disruptions linked to the US and Israel’s conflict with Iran. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said, “We must prepare for the worst, but hope for the best.” The shorter week also applies to schools and universities, but essential services will continue. Fuel rationing has returned, with limits on how much people can buy. Across Asia, countries are taking similar steps. Thailand is reducing air conditioning use. Bangladesh has planned power cuts. The Philippines and Vietnam are promoting remote work and less travel. (PC: BBC)

Finland President Alexander Stubb has urged India to play a key diplomatic role in easing tensions between the United States and Iran, calling for an immediate ceasefire. He pointed to recent outreach by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who has advocated de-escalation and dialogue. India has stepped up engagement with Tehran, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressing concern over rising hostilities and civilian casualties. New Delhi is working to safeguard energy and trade interests, including maintaining shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The call reflects growing recognition of India’s potential as a neutral mediator in the escalating regional crisis.

A significant fire broke out aboard the US Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, burning for nearly 30 hours and causing major disruption. Around 600 sailors were left without beds after their sleeping quarters were affected, forcing temporary relocation within the vessel. Emergency response teams worked continuously to contain and extinguish the blaze, though the cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed. No major casualties have been reported so far. The incident highlights operational challenges aboard one of the US Navy’s most advanced carriers, even as it continues to play a critical role in ongoing global deployments. (PC: Mathrubhumi English)

The United Arab Emirates briefly shut its airspace amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, following threats from Iran involving missiles and drones. The precautionary move led to temporary flight disruptions before authorities reopened the airspace after assessing the situation. The incident comes as regional conflict intensifies, raising concerns over aviation safety and broader security risks. Gulf nations remain on high alert due to potential spillover effects of ongoing hostilities. The temporary closure underscores the growing impact of geopolitical tensions on global travel, trade routes, and regional stability. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump expressed frustration after key allies declined his call to deploy warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil route disrupted amid tensions with Iran. Countries including Germany, Spain, and Italy refused to commit forces, citing lack of mandate and consultation. Trump criticised NATO allies, suggesting they may not support the US when needed, while asserting that Washington could handle the situation independently. The standoff highlights growing divisions among Western allies as the conflict escalates, with the strategic waterway remaining a flashpoint affecting global energy supplies. (PC: Reuters)

The Taliban has vowed retaliation against Pakistan, accusing it of deliberately targeting civilians in recent airstrikes in Kabul. Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed hospitals, schools and residential areas were hit, calling the attacks a violation of Afghan sovereignty and humanitarian norms. The Taliban alleged around 400 people were killed, including patients at a drug rehabilitation centre, and declared an end to diplomatic engagement with Pakistan. However, Islamabad denied the allegations, stating the strikes were part of a precision operation targeting militant infrastructure. With both sides presenting conflicting accounts, tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have sharply escalated.