An Egyptian restaurant chain, Ahmed Nada, has sparked controversy after a viral promotional video used real footage of Iranian strikes on Tel Aviv during the ongoing Middle East conflict. The video shows fiery explosions transitioning into a flaming pan where meat and vegetables are cooked. The clip spread widely on X and triggered mixed reactions online. Critics accused the restaurant of mocking a tragic situation, while others praised the creativity and humor behind the campaign. Egypt maintains a strategic partnership with the United States, a peace treaty with Israel since the Camp David Accords, and a cautious but pragmatic relationship with Iran, shaping its complex stance during the current regional crisis.

The ongoing conflict involving Iran has caused major disruptions to Middle East airspace, leading to a sharp rise in international airfares from Hyderabad. Airlines are rerouting flights to avoid conflict zones, increasing travel time and fuel costs. As a result, ticket prices on key routes have surged significantly. Direct flights between Hyderabad and London have reportedly climbed to nearly ₹2.5 lakh. Travel to other international destinations has also become more expensive due to limited seat availability and longer routes. Aviation experts say fares may remain elevated until regional airspace stabilises and normal flight operations resume. (PC: X)

The International Cricket Council (ICC) arranged a private charter flight for the West Indies cricket team after head coach Daren Sammy publicly appealed for help when the squad was stranded in Kolkata for several days. The team had been unable to travel home following their exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup after losing to India national cricket team. Flight disruptions caused by Middle East airspace restrictions linked to military tensions forced delays. After Sammy voiced frustration on social media demanding updates, the ICC intervened and organised a charter flight to ensure the players and staff could safely return home. (PC: X)

Azerbaijan has withdrawn its diplomatic staff from Iran a day after accusing Tehran of carrying out a drone strike on Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Azerbaijani officials said drones struck the terminal area of Nakhchivan International Airport and landed near a nearby school, injuring several civilians. The government in Baku strongly condemned the attack and described it as a “terrorist act.” Iran has denied involvement in the strike. The diplomatic withdrawal signals sharply rising tensions between the two neighbours as the wider Middle East conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States continues to escalate. (PC: X)

The Karnataka government has proposed banning social media use for children under 16 to curb rising concerns about digital addiction and its impact on teenagers’ mental health. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the plan while presenting the 2026–27 state budget, saying excessive mobile and social media use is affecting students’ behaviour, academic focus, and emotional well-being. The policy aims to protect minors from harmful online exposure and reduce screen time. If implemented, Karnataka would become the first Indian state with such a restriction. The move reflects a growing global debate on regulating children’s online activity, with countries like Australia and others considering similar age-based social media limits. 

The United States military launched a strike on an Iranian drone carrier, identified as Shahid Bagheri, as part of its ongoing operations against Iran’s naval capabilities. According to U.S. officials, the vessel—used to deploy reconnaissance and attack drones—was hit and set ablaze during the operation. The strike is aimed at weakening Iran’s ability to conduct drone warfare and project power in regional waters. The attack comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, with U.S. forces targeting multiple Iranian military assets in recent days as part of broader efforts to curb Iran’s maritime and drone operations in the Middle East.

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that his administration aims to resolve the ongoing conflict in Iran before shifting focus to political developments in Cuba. Speaking at a White House event, Trump said the United States wants to “finish” the Iran situation first but suggested changes in Cuba could follow soon, calling it “a question of time.” He also claimed Cuba is eager to strike a deal with Washington. The remarks come amid escalating U.S. military actions against Iran and growing speculation about Washington’s broader strategy of encouraging regime change in adversarial governments. Analysts warn such comments could heighten geopolitical tensions in both regions. (PC: Getty Images)

Two Indian Air Force pilots were killed after a Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a routine training mission. The aircraft had taken off from the Jorhat Air Force Station and reportedly lost radar contact around 7:42 pm before crashing about 60 km away in a hilly area. The deceased officers were identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the crash. The Indian Air Force confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to the families. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. (PC: IAF)

A 33-year-old Mumbai seafarer, Dixit Amritlal Solanki, was killed after a missile struck the oil tanker MT MKD Vyom in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in West Asia. The tanker, carrying around 59,000 metric tonnes of gasoline, caught fire after the strike while sailing near the Oman coast. Solanki, who was working as an oiler and had joined the vessel in December 2025, went missing after the explosion and was later presumed dead. The remaining 21 crew members were safely rescued and taken to Muscat, Oman. The attack highlights growing security risks to commercial shipping routes in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. (PC: WION)

An Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district shortly after taking off from the Jorhat airbase during a routine training sortie. The aircraft reportedly lost radar contact minutes after departure on Thursday evening. Rescue teams from the Indian Air Force, police, and local authorities rushed to the remote hilly area where the crash occurred and launched search operations for the two pilots on board. Local villagers reported hearing a loud blast before spotting smoke rising from the forested region. Officials said investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. (PC: X)