Israel has passed a new law allowing the death penalty for people accused of taking part in the October 7, 2023 attacks led by Hamas. The law was approved by Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, by 93 votes. It also allows public trials to be broadcast online. Supporters say the law will help deliver justice to victims and their families. Human rights groups have opposed the move, warning about unfair trials and the use of confessions obtained under torture. The special military court will try suspects captured during and after the attacks. (PC: BBC)

Hopes for a US-Iran peace deal weakened after Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s response to Washington’s ceasefire proposal, calling it “garbage” and saying the truce was “on life support”. Iran demanded an end to conflicts across all fronts, including Lebanon, compensation for war damage, recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz and an end to the US naval blockade. Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz pushed Brent crude prices above $104.50 per barrel as shipping disruptions intensified. The United States also imposed fresh sanctions targeting Iranian oil exports to China, while global diplomatic efforts continued amid growing concerns over energy supplies and regional instability. (PC: ANI)

Pakistan reportedly allowed Iranian military aircraft to quietly park at its airbases during the US-Iran conflict, potentially shielding them from possible American airstrikes, according to US officials cited by CBS News. Reports said several Iranian aircraft, including an RC-130 reconnaissance plane, were moved to Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan near Rawalpindi shortly after the April ceasefire announcement. Iran also reportedly relocated some civilian aircraft to Afghanistan as part of efforts to protect aviation assets amid escalating tensions. Pakistani officials denied the claims, arguing such aircraft movements could not remain hidden at a major urban airbase. US Senator Lindsey Graham said Pakistan’s mediator role would require “complete reevaluation” if the allegations proved true. (PC: X)

A dramatic wildlife encounter unfolded near Chitwan National Park after two one-horned rhinos were seen engaged in a fierce fight close to a public road in Sauraha, Nepal. Videos of the clash quickly went viral, showing the rhinos charging and pushing each other as shocked tourists watched from a safe distance. Wildlife officials later urged visitors not to crowd or disturb wild animals during such incidents. Experts said the confrontation was likely linked to a territorial or dominance dispute. Chitwan is known for frequent wildlife sightings, including endangered greater one-horned rhinos near tourist and settlement areas.

A Panama-flagged LPG carrier, Tara Gas, crossed the Strait of Hormuz through an Iran-approved shipping lane amid rising tensions in the Gulf region. Ship-tracking data showed the vessel passing near Iran’s Larak Island after departing Sharjah in the UAE. The ship identified its crew and ownership as Indian during transit. Bloomberg reported that Tara Gas had earlier transported Iranian cargo and still faces risks linked to US sanctions on Iranian shipping. The vessel’s movement comes weeks after IRGC gunboats fired at two ships in Hormuz. India and other countries have opened diplomatic channels with Tehran to ensure safe passage for energy cargo vessels. (PC: India Today)

Global oil prices jumped sharply after US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s proposal to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia, calling Tehran’s response “totally unacceptable”. Brent crude rose more than 4 per cent to cross $105 a barrel before easing slightly in Asian trade. Iran had reportedly demanded an immediate end to the conflict and guarantees against future US-Israeli attacks. The Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route, remains effectively shut, disrupting energy supplies worldwide. Analysts warned that prolonged tensions in the region could push fuel prices even higher and increase pressure on global markets. (PC: BBC)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday vowed to “prove doubters wrong” as he faced growing pressure within the Labour Party following poor local election results. Addressing Labour MPs, Starmer admitted the government had made mistakes but defended its major political decisions. “Like every government, we’ve made mistakes... but we got the big political choices right,” he said. Starmer also accepted responsibility for Labour’s losses, saying the results “hurt”. The remarks came amid internal criticism, with Labour MP Catherine West hinting at a possible leadership challenge and senior leaders questioning the party’s direction. (PC: BBC)

Iran has formalised a new transit approval system for vessels crossing the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz amid tensions with the US over the Middle East conflict. According to shipping journal Lloyd’s List, ships must now submit detailed ownership, cargo and crew information to Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority and pay tolls before transit. Iranian official Mohammad Akraminia said, “Any vessel wishing to pass through it must coordinate with us.” Tehran has also warned countries supporting US sanctions could face difficulties crossing the waterway. India and Pakistan are among nations that have reportedly negotiated with Iran to secure passage for their flagged vessels. (PC: X)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to deliver a major speech as pressure grows within the Labour Party following heavy election losses across Britain. Labour lost seats in Scottish and Welsh elections and nearly 1,500 councillors in England’s local polls, triggering calls for stronger leadership. Starmer is expected to promise bold reforms and closer ties with the European Union. Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner warned Labour may face its “last chance” if changes are not made quickly. Labour MP Catherine West has also hinted at launching a leadership challenge if dissatisfied with Starmer’s response. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indian families to avoid buying gold for weddings for one year as rising crude oil prices and heavy gold imports increase pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves and weaken the rupee. India imports most of its oil and large quantities of gold using US dollars. With crude prices surging due to the West Asia conflict and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, India’s import bill has risen sharply. The government fears that high gold demand during the crisis could further widen the current account deficit, fuel inflation, and put additional strain on the economy and rupee stability. (PC: India Today)