IPL 2025: KKR still affected by record PBKS loss in Mullanpur? Moeen Ali reacts

As war clouds gather over the Persian Gulf, this report focuses on the United States weighing imminent military action against Iran amid ongoing anti-regime protests. According to a commentator on geopolitics, Iran is publicly striking a defiant tone while privately pushing for talks in an attempt to 'buy time'. The analyst suggests that any US military action would likely target Iran's ballistic missile program and the 'command and control of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps'. The bulletin also features a statement from US President Donald Trump, who confirms his administration is looking at 'some very strong options'. Trump has also threatened to impose a 25% tariff on any country that continues to do business with Iran, escalating economic pressure on Tehran.

Ahead of the high-stakes BMC elections, a fierce political war has erupted over Mumbai's identity. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a blistering attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray, stating their political survival is at stake, not the Marathi people's. Fadnavis declared, 'If my Marathi person is in trouble here , then you should go drown in a handful of water.' The controversy escalated after comments from BJP leader K. Annamalai, which the Thackeray cousins used to criticize Fadnavis. Uddhav Thackeray warned of a public backlash, while Raj Thackeray accused the Chief Minister of lying. Fadnavis countered that the election is about the Thackerays' political existence, not Marathi pride.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed solidarity with a complainant in the case against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil using a symbolic gesture. During a protest, the Chief Minister was seen with a cup that read 'Love you to the moon and back', the same words the accuser used in a note remembering her unborn child. The case involves allegations that she was forced into an abortion by Mamkootathil. Another victim, who spoke out, urged other women to seek justice, stating, 'I am saying that this is not just three cases, many women are there, hiding behind because they are all afraid because of this MLA.' The report details that Mamkootathil has been arrested in the third of three cases filed against him, with victims alleging they faced significant social media bullying after coming forward.

Indian stock markets rebounded sharply after the debut address of the new US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor. His remarks that 'Both sides continue to actively engage' on a trade deal fueled investor optimism, causing the Sensex to jump nearly 900 points. In a significant policy announcement, Ambassador Gor stated, 'Today, I'm pleased to announce that India will be invited to join this group of nations as a full member next month', referring to the 'Pax Silica', a US-led strategic initiative for a secure silicon supply chain. This group, which includes Japan, South Korea, and the UK, focuses on critical minerals, semiconductors, and AI, and is seen as a move to counter China's global dominance in the sector. The announcement comes as India's Electronics and IT Minister, Ashwini Vaishnav, attends a G7 meet on the same topic.