The US-Iran conflict dominated editorial priorities, with Iran's withdrawal from the Hormuz agreement and demand for full control of the strait marking a sharp escalation. Early headlines reported US reimposition of a naval blockade and strikes on Iranian targets, while Iran retaliated with attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. By afternoon, Trump threatened to escalate strikes on bridges and power plants within days, and Iran's chief negotiator declared no reason to abide by the MoU. The human cost was underscored by the death of an Indian sailor and India's plan to track all seafarers in the strait.
Domestically, the Kudankulam nuclear plant data breach drew sustained attention, with blueprints leaked on the dark web. The TMC rebellion intensified as veteran Madan Mitra defected, prompting Mamata Banerjee to defend her nephew Abhishek. The NEET-2026 leak investigation recovered 136 questions from a teacher's phone. The India-UK FTA took effect, and the NCP(SP) signaled support for the delimitation bill, breaking opposition ranks.