A coalition of 24 U.S. states has filed a lawsuit to block new global tariffs introduced by Donald Trump, marking the first major legal challenge to the policy. The states argue the administration illegally imposed 10–15% tariffs on imports worldwide using the Trade Act of 1974, just weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down earlier tariffs enacted under emergency powers. Led by states such as New York, California and Oregon, the lawsuit claims the president exceeded his authority and bypassed Congress. Filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, the case seeks to halt the tariffs and potentially force refunds for businesses already affected. (PC: Reuters)

The United States has granted India a temporary 30-day waiver allowing it to continue purchasing Russian crude oil as the escalating Iran war threatens global energy supplies. The move aims to prevent major disruptions in the oil market after tensions in the Middle East disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global crude trade. India, one of the world’s largest refiners and exporters of petroleum products, plays a crucial role in stabilizing energy markets. Washington said the short-term waiver will ensure oil flows continue while easing supply pressures caused by the conflict, but expects India to gradually increase imports of U.S. crude after the waiver period ends. (PC: ET Now)

Ukraine’s £750 “Sting” interceptor drones are proposed as a low‑cost solution against Iranian Shahed attack drones, which have targeted U.S. and Gulf military bases. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is offering these drones, along with Ukrainian expertise, to allies in exchange for American Patriot missile systems, highlighting the economic advantage of using inexpensive interceptors against swarms of cheap UAVs rather than relying solely on costly Patriot missiles. The plan underscores Ukraine’s role in regional drone defence while maintaining its own defence readiness amid ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. (PC: X)

Verified video and reports show a suspected Iranian Shahed‑type drone striking a high‑rise building in Manama, Bahrain’s capital as part of Tehran’s retaliatory campaign after recent US‑Israel attacks on Iran. The drone collided with the Era Views Tower, causing a fiery explosion and fire on upper floors, with emergency services responding to the scene. The incident occurred close to where Bahrain hosts the US Navy Fifth Fleet headquarters, highlighting the widening conflict’s spillover into Gulf states. Analysts note the attack underscores rising tensions and the risk to both military and civilian infrastructure in the region.

Satellite imagery analyzed by ABC News reveals Iran’s retaliatory strikes have visibly damaged several U.S. military facilities across the Gulf since the war began after U.S.–Israel attacks on Iran. Images from Planet Labs show destruction at the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, Bahrain—with large buildings and two satellite communications terminals hit—alongside projectile damage at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Other U.S. sites, including Camp Buehring and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, also show signs of impact. Satellite captures also show fires at Jebel Ali Port in the UAE amid broader regional attacks.

Pakistan’s fuel stocks have dropped to about 28 days of petrol and diesel, with crude reserves for only about 10 days as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed due to the escalating Israel‑Iran conflict, the government said. The crisis has prompted talks of reviving Covid‑era measures, including mandatory work‑from‑home and shifting schools to online classes to cut fuel use. Islamabad may also revise petrol pricing weekly and compensate oil companies for higher costs. Iran says the closure targets vessels from the U.S., Israel and Western allies. (PC: X)

A joint military campaign by the United States and Israel has struck multiple sites across Iran, including damage to two schools near Tehran and a deadly airstrike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab during class hours, killing dozens of children, according to Iranian and international reports. Iranian officials say at least 165 students and staff were killed and many wounded in the Minab attack, which has drawn global condemnation and calls for investigation by the U.N. and human rights groups. The U.S. says it is probing civilian casualty claims. (PC: Wikipedia)

A new report citing insider information from U.S. national security officials suggests the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran could continue until September. Earlier, Donald Trump had indicated the military campaign might last only four to five weeks. However, internal assessments now suggest a longer and more complex conflict. U.S. Central Command has reportedly requested additional intelligence officers to support operations for at least 100 days. Analysts say the extended timeline reflects limited early preparation, evolving battlefield conditions, and uncertainty about Iran’s response. The prolonged conflict could deepen instability across the Middle East and affect global energy markets and security. (PC: NDTV)

A tragic mass shooting in Austin, Texas, killed 21-year-old University of Texas student Savitha Shan and two others after a gunman opened fire near a busy bar district. The attacker, identified as Ndiaga Diagne, was shot dead by police after the incident. Authorities said he wore clothing displaying Iranian symbols, prompting investigators to examine possible links between the attack and rising tensions involving Iran. The shooting occurred outside Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden and left more than a dozen people injured. The FBI and local police are treating the case as a potential act of terrorism while continuing to investigate the gunman’s motive and possible extremist influences. (PC: IANS)

Catherine, Princess of Wales, experienced Indian culture during a visit to Leicester in the United Kingdom, where she joined celebrations marking Holi, the festival of colours. She visited Shreeji Dham Haveli, a Hindu temple dedicated to the teachings of Shrimad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji, and interacted with the local Vaishnav community. The Princess also watched traditional Indian dance performances at the Aakash Odedra Company and briefly participated in a dance session. During her visit, she explored Leicester’s Golden Mile, tasted traditional chai, and met local families. The event highlighted Leicester’s vibrant Indian heritage and promoted cultural diversity and community engagement.