Software demonstrations by US defence contractor Palantir suggest the US military could use AI chatbots to help plan battlefield operations. The system uses Palantir’s Artificial Intelligence Platform to connect large language models, including Anthropic’s Claude, with defence data systems. In one demo, the AI flagged unusual enemy activity from radar and satellite images. When an analyst asked what unit might be present, the chatbot suggested it could be an armoured battalion based on equipment patterns. The analyst could then ask the system to create possible “courses of action”, such as an airstrike or artillery strike. Commanders would review the options before approval. Anthropic earlier said its Claude models should not be used for mass surveillance or fully autonomous weapons. (PC: NDTV)

A second key sea route could face disruption as Yemen’s Houthi group warned it may join the Iran war. The group said its “fingers are on the trigger” and it is ready to respond if the conflict widens.   Experts say the Houthis could target the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The narrow route connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is vital for ships travelling between Asia and Europe through the Suez Canal.   The threat comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted during the war.   Analysts say if both routes are affected, global trade and oil shipments could face major delays and rising costs. (PC: India Today)

Two Indian LPG tankers have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are heading to ports in Gujarat. The ships, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, are carrying about 92,700 tonnes of LPG. Officials said the vessels crossed the strait between Friday night and Saturday morning. Shivalik is expected to reach Mundra port on Monday. Nanda Devi is likely to arrive at Kandla on Tuesday. The government said 22 Indian vessels remain stuck in the Persian Gulf. Many of them are carrying energy cargo. Sources said the Indian Navy has deployed warships in the region. They may escort merchant ships if needed to ensure safe passage. (PC: The Indian Express)

Hamas has urged Iran to stop attacks on Gulf countries during the ongoing Middle East war. The Palestinian group made the appeal in a statement on Saturday. Hamas asked its “brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries”. It said regional nations should work together “to preserve the bonds of brotherhood”. At the same time, the group said Iran has the right to defend itself against strikes by the United States and Israel. Iran says its missile and drone strikes target American installations in the Gulf. However, some attacks have hit civilian infrastructure in the region. Iran is Hamas’s main supporter and provides funding, weapons and political backing. (PC: BBC)

Explosions were heard in parts of Dubai on Sunday as Iran launched fresh missile and drone attacks during the ongoing Middle East war. Authorities said loud sounds were reported in the Marina and Al Sufouh areas. Some were linked to air defence interceptions. Iranian strikes also forced operations to stop at the Fujairah oil terminal in the UAE. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the site. Officials said a Jordanian national was injured in the incident. Several drones also struck Kuwait’s international airport, though no injuries were reported there. According to officials, Iran has fired more than 1,800 missiles and drones at the UAE since the conflict began. (PC: NDTV)

The Election Commission will announce the schedule for Assembly elections in five states and one Union Territory at 4 pm on Sunday. Polls are due in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry. The terms of these assemblies end between May and June. Under election rules, voting must take place before the terms expire. The poll panel held a key meeting in New Delhi earlier this week to finalise the election timetable and polling phases. Officials also reviewed security deployment and preparedness in the poll-bound regions. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi led the review process ahead of the announcement. (PC: HT)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reportedly offered actor-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), around 80 assembly seats and the post of Deputy Chief Minister as part of a potential alliance for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. According to sources, talks between the BJP and TVK have entered the final stage, with the offer aimed at strengthening the NDA’s prospects in the state. However, negotiations are not yet concluded, as Vijay is reportedly seeking the Chief Minister’s post, which remains a key sticking point. If the alliance materialises, it could significantly reshape Tamil Nadu’s electoral landscape, where small vote shifts often decide closely contested constituencies. (PC: India Today)

Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, said Tehran has allowed some ships to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz despite heightened tensions from the ongoing Iran–U.S.–Israel conflict. Speaking in New Delhi, the envoy indicated that certain vessels, including some linked to India, had been permitted safe transit, reflecting the close ties between the two countries. Several ships had earlier been stranded due to security concerns and restrictions in the waterway. The Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas shipments, has seen major disruptions during the conflict, with many vessels avoiding the area due to safety risks. (PC: ANI)

India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has announced that households with piped natural gas (PNG) connections will no longer be allowed to keep or refill LPG cylinders. The rule aims to prevent duplication of domestic gas connections and reduce pressure on LPG supplies during global energy disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict. Oil marketing companies have been instructed not to provide new LPG connections or refills to consumers who already receive piped gas. The government said the move will help ensure sufficient LPG availability for households that depend entirely on cylinders for cooking fuel across the country. (PC: HT)

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged the UK and other global powers to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz after rising attacks and threats linked to the Iran conflict. The strategic waterway, through which a major share of the world’s oil supply passes, has faced disruption following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Trump said multiple countries could join a naval effort to keep shipping lanes open and deter Iranian actions. Britain said it is discussing maritime security with allies, while experts warn that escalating military deployments in the region could increase the risk of wider confrontation and instability. (PC: Getty Images)