World

Ancient cultures, including those of Zeus and Jupiter, viewed lightning as divine power, though thinkers like Seneca sought natural explanations. Modern science now explains lightning, though its awe-inspiring impact still endures

Iranian missile strikes injured nearly 200 people in Dimona and Arad after air defences failed to intercept some projectiles. Benjamin Netanyahu vowed continued action as Israel launched retaliatory strikes targeting infrastructure in Tehran

Six people died and one remains missing after a Qatari helicopter crashed in territorial waters, authorities said. Defence Ministry attributed the incident to a technical malfunction, while withheld details on victims’ identities and whether they were civilians or military personnel

Bitcoin and the broader crypto market fell sharply after US President Donald Trump threatened to strike Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened. Rising geopolitical tensions triggered over $1 billion in crypto liquidations and heightened market volatility.

US President Donald Trump warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face strikes on power plants, while rejecting ceasefire calls and urging global allies to take responsibility for securing the critical shipping route.

India will play two T20 Internationals against Ireland in Belfast on June 26 and 28, the BCCI announced. The series will serve as preparation ahead of India’s white-ball tour of England scheduled to begin in July

World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz defeated rising Brazilian Joao Fonseca in straight sets at the Miami Open, showcasing his experience and control. The Spaniard saved key break points and advanced to the third round, continuing his strong season form

Virat Kohli has urged Royal Challengers Bengaluru players to maintain high intensity and avoid wasting time during training as they prepare to defend their IPL title. The team begins its campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 in Bengaluru

Wimbledon will introduce video review technology on six courts for the first time this year, allowing players to challenge umpire decisions. The system, already used in other Grand Slams, will be available throughout the tournament starting June 29

Iran targeted the joint UK-US air base at Diego Garcia while its Natanz nuclear facility was struck again as the Middle East war entered its fourth week. The escalating conflict has raised concerns over global oil routes and regional security

India and Bhutan have announced a cross-border remittance initiative integrating the UPU PosTransfer system with India’s UPI through postal networks. The initiative aims to make money transfers faster, affordable and accessible while strengthening postal and technology cooperation.

Qatar evacuated 147 horses via special flights amid Gulf tensions, demonstrating its commitment to the welfare of Arabian horses, a cornerstone of the nation’s equestrian heritage. Hyderabad’s Aizah Mir also won silver at an international equestrian event in Qatar.

The Islamabad High Court ruled that advertising sanitation jobs exclusively for Christians is unconstitutional. A Bitter Winter report reveals that structural discrimination against religious minorities persists in Pakistan, showing legal decisions alone cannot dismantle entrenched social hierarchies.

South Korea is in talks with Iran and other countries to restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran signalled readiness to allow Japan-bound vessels. The vital oil route remains strained following US-Israel strikes and Iran’s blockade.

The US military sank a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific, with three survivors rescued, as officials confirmed dozens of similar strikes since 2025 amid growing debate over their effectiveness and human rights implications.

Iran has warned the UK it will exercise its right to self-defence if British involvement escalates, as tensions rise following a missile attempt near Diego Garcia and disputes over US access to UK military bases.

Severe flooding in Hawaii’s Oahu island triggered evacuation orders for over 4,000 residents amid fears of a dam failure. Emergency teams, including the National Guard, were deployed as heavy rains and flash floods caused widespread damage

Martial arts legend and Hollywood actor Chuck Norris, known for “Walker, Texas Ranger” and action films, has died at 86, leaving behind a legacy in cinema, martial arts and popular culture, including the widely known “Chuck Norris Facts” phenomenon

In Daejeon, South Korea, a fire at an auto parts factory injured at least 53 people, with 24 seriously hurt and 14 unaccounted for. Firefighters focused on containment, preventing spread, and chemical safety while rescue operations continue

Sri Lanka denied US permission to land two warplanes armed with missiles at Mattala International Airport in March, citing neutrality amid Middle East tensions. The move follows naval incidents involving Iranian ships and highlights Colombo’s efforts to maintain a balanced stance

Eid Al Fitr was celebrated across Gulf countries with prayers held in mosques amid regional tensions, as authorities ensured safety following drone threats, while thousands gathered in Makkah and Madinah and festivities proceeded peacefully

Global oil prices fell as the US signaled potential easing of sanctions on Iranian crude, easing Strait of Hormuz tensions. Brent dropped 3.39%, WTI 3.22%. Indian markets rebounded, while US equities closed slightly lower amid mixed global trading

Canada’s RCMP Chief Mike Duheme said there is currently no evidence of Indian-linked transnational repression in Canada. His remarks follow months of diplomatic tensions, with both countries now normalizing ties and advancing cooperation on uranium, minerals, and trade agreements

The Iran-Israel conflict escalated as Iranian drones hit Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery, explosions rocked Tehran, and sirens warned Israelis of incoming fire. Gulf nations intercepted drones, raising fears of a global energy crisis amid rising oil prices and regional instability