India has stepped up its relief operation for flood-hit Nepal, delivering its eighth consignment of humanitarian assistance and taking the total aid sent to the neighbouring country beyond 130 tonnes as rescue and recovery efforts continue. The latest Indian assistance includes around 35 tonnes of critical relief supplies, providing essential support as Nepal grapples with a devastating flood crisis and a rising number of casualties. Nepal's death toll has climbed to 1,367, with authorities turning to DNA testing and forensic expertise to identify victims and help families establish the fate of those still missing. The search operation is also expanding into some of the hardest-hit areas. Nepali and Indian Army teams have reportedly pushed around 105 metres into the Chilime tunnel, while rescue personnel continue clearing debris around the Chilime hydropower project. The restoration of a key ropeway has also helped reopen vital connectivity in the disaster zone. WATCH

The US-Iran confrontation has escalated dramatically after US forces struck five Iranian crude oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island. US Central Command says the strikes came after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted a US Navy warship with ballistic missiles twice in two days. The US says the warship evaded both attacks and suffered no casualties or operational damage. According to CENTCOM, four tankers were destroyed in the Gulf of Oman while a fifth was hit near Kharg Island. US officials say crews were ordered to evacuate before the strikes.