Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar met Siddaramaiah during the gathering and sought the chief minister’s blessings, further fuelling speculation that he could be the frontrunner to succeed Siddaramaiah if the Congress leadership decides on a change in Karnataka. Karnataka minister G Parameshwara said Siddaramaiah had invited ministers to thank them for their cooperation before his expected resignation, while adding that any decision regarding a possible role for the CM in Delhi or national politics would be taken by the Congress high command.Congress leaders gathered at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s residence in Bengaluru for a crucial breakfast meeting amid speculation over a possible leadership transition in the state. Congress MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy also indicated that party leaders would abide by whatever decision the high command takes, saying, “Whatever the party decides, we will follow it.”Karnataka’s ruling Congress government is heading towards one of its biggest political transitions since returning to power in 2023, with chief minister Siddaramaiah expected to step down and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar emerging as the frontrunner to succeed him. The anticipated change of guard comes after prolonged internal negotiations, months of leadership speculation and high-level intervention by the Congress high command in Delhi.The transition follows marathon meetings involving Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal, Randeep Surjewala, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. According to party insiders, Rahul Gandhi urged Siddaramaiah to facilitate a smooth leadership change and consider a larger national role within the Congress organisation. Siddaramaiah reportedly agreed after consultations with loyalists, though he remains reluctant about shifting to Delhi politics despite being offered a Rajya Sabha berth.The possible elevation of Shivakumar is being viewed as the culmination of a power-sharing understanding reportedly reached after the Congress’s 2023 Karnataka assembly election victory. Shivakumar’s supporters have consistently argued that he was promised the chief minister’s post after two-and-a-half years. While the Congress never officially confirmed such an arrangement, the leadership tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has remained one of the defining undercurrents of Karnataka politics over the past three years.Amid the uncertainty, Siddaramaiah has maintained a guarded public stance, saying only, “I will speak everything tomorrow.” Meanwhile, BJP leaders have intensified criticism of the Congress government, accusing it of governance failures caused by the prolonged “chair fight” between the chief minister and deputy chief minister. As Congress leaders gather in Bengaluru for key meetings and consultations, Karnataka now awaits an official announcement that could redefine the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2028 assembly elections.

Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz escalated sharply on Thursday after Iranian media reported multiple maritime confrontations involving US and Iranian forces, fresh sanctions by Washington and renewed threats linked to the fragile negotiations aimed at ending the months-long Iran conflict.Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that four vessels attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz and enter the Persian Gulf were forced to turn back after allegedly failing to coordinate with Iranian authorities. According to an 'informed military source' cited by Tasnim, Iranian naval forces initially issued warnings before firing warning shots when the vessels ignored instructions.In another development, Tasnim claimed that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps navy fired on a US tanker that allegedly attempted to transit the strategic waterway with its radar system switched off. Iranian media further reported that US forces responded by firing at a 'scorched area' near Bandar Abbas, with explosions reportedly heard in the port city. Iranian authorities said there were no casualties or property damage.The incidents came shortly after the United States Treasury Department added Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority to its sanctions list. The body had been created by Tehran to manage transit requests through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil and gas chokepoints. The Trump administration said the move formed part of wider efforts to increase economic pressure on Iran during ongoing peace negotiations.At a cabinet meeting, US President Donald Trump reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain 'open to everybody', describing it as international waters. Trump also stressed that the United States would only agree to a 'great deal' with Tehran and warned that Washington could 'finish the job' if negotiations failed.The latest developments underline the increasingly fragile state of the diplomatic process despite signals from both sides that they remain open to negotiations. The conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, has already disrupted global energy markets and heightened fears of a broader regional war involving Lebanon and the Persian Gulf.Meanwhile, Israel intensified operations in southern Lebanon, issuing fresh evacuation orders for residents south of the Zahrani River and warning of possible military action against Hezbollah targets. In Gaza, casualties continued to rise following fresh Israeli strikes.Global markets remain highly sensitive to any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes. Oil prices rose again after reports of new military exchanges near the waterway, while concerns over inflation and global energy supplies continue to weigh on investors and governments worldwide.Key developments:Iranian media claimed four vessels were forced to turn back after warning shots near the Strait of Hormuz.US imposed sanctions on Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority.Tasnim reported an exchange of fire between Iranian and US forces near Bandar Abbas.Donald Trump insisted the Strait of Hormuz would remain open and warned Iran over negotiations.Israel issued new evacuation orders in southern Lebanon amid intensified operations against Hezbollah.

Ranveer Singh’s Don 3 fallout has rapidly escalated beyond a routine contractual dispute. With boycott calls, compensation claims and legal questions now in play, the battle could have consequences far beyond a single film

Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has lodged a formal complaint with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against party MP Kalyan Banerjee, accusing him of repeated verbal abuse within Parliament. This complaint follows Dastidar's recent resignations from key party posts and public criticism of the TMC's leadership and political consultancy firm I-PAC after the party's electoral performance.

Kaviya Maran’s post-match greeting for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi went viral after Rajasthan Royals defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs in the IPL 2026 Eliminator. The 15-year-old smashed 97 off 29 balls with 12 sixes, helping RR post 243/8. Jofra Archer starred with the ball as SRH were bowled out for 196. Rajasthan Royals now face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2.