Karnataka's Congress faces a leadership crisis as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar's power struggle intensifies. The party high command is exploring options, including a potential national role for Siddaramaiah, to avert a political fallout and maintain stability, while speculation of mid-term polls looms.

Ten Indian sailors, held in Iran since July 2025 aboard the oil tanker MV Harbour Phoenix, have been freed following extensive diplomatic efforts. The crew was detained near Jask Port over alleged diesel smuggling. Coordinated actions by Indian authorities and stakeholders secured their release, with arrangements underway for their safe return home.

Byju's, once a $22 billion edtech giant, has collapsed. Founder Byju Raveendran faces jail for contempt. The remarkable thing about Byju’s is that it did not begin as a cynical idea. There was something authentic at its core. That is partly why the collapse feels so dramatic

Iran has warned that any renewed attacks on the country would provoke a “far more severe” response that could extend beyond regional borders. Separately, Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei insisted that Tehran’s negotiators must engage with the United States “from a position of victorious power”, arguing that concessions would only embolden adversaries and weaken Iran’s strategic position.Diplomatic tensions also sharpened between Iran and the UAE after Emirati officials accused Tehran of violating international law through what they described as continued “terrorist attacks” against Gulf countries. Iran countered by alleging that the UAE had supported military operations targeting the Islamic republic, with Iranian officials claiming to possess evidence documenting regional military cooperation.In the United Kingdom, a separate but politically charged debate emerged after the publication of Britain’s Political Prisoners, a report alleging that British authorities have increasingly imprisoned Palestine and climate activists since 2019. The report claims peaceful protesters are being targeted under pressure from political and corporate interests, and it comes shortly after a court ruling declared the ban on the Palestine Action group unlawful, though the decision remains under appeal.The White House rejected Iranian state media reports claiming a draft agreement framework with the United States, calling the claims a “complete fabrication.” The alleged draft reportedly outlined proposals on military withdrawal, naval restrictions, and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but officials said no such finalized agreement exists and that it reportedly clashes with several major US red lines. US President Donald Trump also said he will not be rushed into a deal with Iran, claiming that Iran wants a deal as they don't have any other choice.Collectively, these developments underscore rising instability not only in the Middle East but also in the broader political discourse surrounding protest, national security and international diplomacy.