External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held his fourth phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi since the West Asia crisis escalated, as India intensified efforts to secure safe passage for 28 Indian-flagged merchant vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. The ministers spoke on Thursday night, following their earlier discussions on February 28, March 5, and March 10, which came soon after the US and Israel’s attack on Iran that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Jaishankar confirmed the conversation on social media, noting that they discussed bilateral matters and BRICS-related issues. The call took place amid India’s efforts to ensure the safe navigation of its vessels through the strategic shipping route, partially blocked by Tehran in response to heightened tensions with the US and Israel.

An Iranian statement said Araghchi briefed Jaishankar on the consequences of what Iran described as “aggressions and crimes” by the US and Israel, highlighting their impact on regional and global stability. Araghchi emphasized Iran’s firm commitment to exercising its legitimate right to self-defense and stressed the need for international and regional forums to condemn military actions against the country.

He also underlined BRICS’ role in fostering multilateral cooperation and called for the forum to play a constructive role in supporting regional stability and security. Araghchi described the strengthening of a stable and sustainable security environment in the region as a collective necessity, urging collaboration to ensure peace and security in the face of escalating tensions.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

The Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned until 12 noon on Thursday due to protests and sloganeering by Opposition MPs. Speaker Om Birla faced heavy protests upon returning to the House and urged the INDIA bloc MPs to allow the Question Hour to proceed. He emphasized the importance of Question Hour in Parliamentary proceedings, stating that MPs could raise their concerns and hold the government accountable during this time. Birla added that he would also share his views on the discussions of the past two days at 12 noon, asking, “Do you not want the Question Hour to function?”

The Opposition has been pressing for a discussion on the reported commercial LPG shortage in the country, exacerbated by the conflict in West Asia. Earlier in the day, Congress leaders, led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, continued their protests in Parliament over nationwide LPG shortages. The crisis has affected several regions, with restaurants in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, switching to induction cooking due to disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz caused by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Om Birla returned to the Lok Sabha as Speaker after the no-confidence motion against him was defeated through a voice vote. On Wednesday, the House saw noisy scenes as Congress members protested against Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks about Rahul Gandhi. The Home Minister had responded to a two-day debate on a resolution moved by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, which was marked by sharp exchanges between the Opposition and ruling benches. BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, presiding over the House, instructed Jawed to speak only after Congress members returned to their seats. Amid continued sloganeering, Pal called for a voice vote, and the resolution was defeated.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Sansad TV.

Tensions in the Persian Gulf boiled over this week as U.S. forces launched precision strikes, destroying 16 Iranian vessels caught red-handed preparing to lay naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The Pentagon confirmed the operation Tuesday, calling it a critical move to safeguard one of the world's busiest oil shipping lanes.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the targeted boats—linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—were positioned near the strait, ready to deploy explosives that could cripple global energy flows. Strike footage circulating online shows fiery explosions lighting up the night as American warships and aircraft neutralized the threat in a swift, coordinated assault. Officials emphasized the action was purely defensive, based on solid intelligence of an imminent mining operation. "We won't let anyone turn the Hormuz Strait into a war zone," a CENTCOM spokesperson stated, underscoring America's long-standing commitment to freedom of navigation.

The strikes came days after President Donald Trump issued a stark public ultimatum on Truth Social, vowing overwhelming retaliation if Iran dared to mine the strait. His post highlighted the destruction of several "inactive" mine-layers too, signaling U.S. readiness to dismantle Iran's full arsenal. This isn't the first time Hormuz has been a flashpoint. Iran has long touted the strait as its ace in the hole, threatening to choke off oil exports during U.S. sanctions or regional clashes—much like veiled warnings in past flare-ups with tankers in 2019.

Narrower than the English Channel and handling 20% of the world's oil, the Strait of Hormuz is a chokepoint no one wants disrupted. A single mine could spike insurance premiums, reroute supertankers, and send crude prices soaring overnight—hitting economies from India to Europe hard. Iran's losses here strip away key assets, but experts note mines are cheap and sneaky; smaller boats could still pose risks. Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports of a container ship strike off the UAE add fuel to fears of tit-for-tat escalation.

Oil futures ticked up 2% post-strikes, with traders eyeing any Iranian counter-moves. Gulf allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are bolstering defenses, while shipping firms plot contingency routes around Africa if needed. The U.S. vows ongoing patrols to keep the strait open. As one analyst put it, "This was a shot across the bow—Tehran now knows the cost of playing minesweeper in Hormuz." For now, the Gulf simmers, but the message is clear: traffic flows, or consequences follow.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will meet senior West Bengal officials and police officers on Tuesday to review preparations for the upcoming assembly elections. He is also expected to hold a press conference amid controversy over alleged deletions in the post SIR electoral rolls.

Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, will meet Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty, DGP Piyush Pandey and other officials to assess election arrangements and review coordination between the state administration and security agencies, including the deployment of central armed police forces.

The commission will also meet the chief electoral officer, the state police nodal officer and the CAPF nodal officer to evaluate logistics and security planning. It is also expected to interact with booth level officers and address the media later in the day. These meetings are part of the Election Commission three day visit to West Bengal to review poll preparedness. On Monday, the commission met representatives of political parties in Kolkata, where several parties suggested conducting the elections in one or two phases and called for strict action to prevent voter intimidation and activities of anti social elements.

During the discussions, the CEC stressed that any failure to maintain law and order ahead of the elections would not be tolerated and highlighted the need for strict monitoring to ensure free and fair polls. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused Kumar of threatening state officials during a meeting with the administration and said such conduct by constitutional authorities was unacceptable. Speaking during her protest in central Kolkata against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, she alleged that the chief election commissioner had used a threatening tone with the state bureaucracy.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

Our system of mental health diagnosis and labeling has provided clear benefits, helping people access treatment and understand their conditions. However, as a practicing doctor, I am concerned that overdiagnosis and excessive labeling may be causing more harm than good, potentially stigmatizing patients and oversimplifying complex mental health experiences.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Under President Lee Jae Myung’s guidance, investor confidence in South Korea has surged, fueled by ambitious reforms—from proposed corporate governance improvements and regulatory adjustments to efforts aimed at revitalizing the stock market. His pro-market policies have shifted sentiment positively, attracting both domestic and international investors and pushing the Kospi to new highs. But is this surge sustainable, or merely a short-term spike? Hairianto Diman and Elakeyaa Selvaraji explore the outlook with Betty Wang, Head of Northeast Asia Research at Oxford Economics.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

The Barries have returned, and Angus Taylor has emerged victorious in the Liberal leadership contest, defeating Sussan Ley. Speaking on Friday afternoon, the newly elected leader stressed that he had no intention of becoming “One Nation lite,” but vowed to “close the door” to those who do not share “Australian values.” However, the leadership spill was not the only major development in Australian politics this week. Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry also examine the challenges facing Taylor, the growing momentum of One Nation, and the recent visit by Israeli president Isaac Herzog.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

In Destination Anywhere, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with dentist and author Vrushali Junnarkar, who shares her experiences of discovering the many attractions and natural retreats in Khandala, a charming hill station located in Maharashtra in central-western India. Frequently referenced in her novel The Campbell Gardens Ladies' Swimming Class, Khandala holds special significance for Junnarkar as she describes visits to the town’s historic fort, waterfalls, and caves. She also discusses traditional Maharashtrian street food and regional dishes that are rarely found in Singapore.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.