5 Big Stories For Today: D K Shivakumar's Swearing-in, West Asia Conflict Escalation & More

Good morning, readers.

From D K Shivakumar’s swearing-in as Karnataka’s new chief minister to fresh military exchanges between the US and Iran, Wednesday is shaping up to be a busy news day. Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez’s visit to India and the fallout from the CBSE evaluation controversy will also remain in focus.

1. D K Shivakumar To Take Oath As Karnataka CM

D K Shivakumar, who was elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party on May 30, will be sworn in as Karnataka chief minister today. A small cabinet comprising around 10-13 ministers is expected to take oath alongside him, with the Congress leadership likely to accommodate a mix of experienced leaders and younger faces. Intense discussions continued in Delhi until late

Tuesday over the final cabinet list.

2. West Asia Conflict Intensifies

The conflict in West Asia remains volatile. After US forces struck Iranian targets on Qeshm Island and tightened enforcement of a maritime blockade, Iran launched missile attacks targeting US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Washington said the missiles failed to hit their intended targets, while air-defence systems were activated across the Gulf. Meanwhile, Israel and Hezbollah continued exchanging fire despite US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire announcement. Trump has also insisted that negotiations between Washington and Tehran are continuing.

3. Annamalai’s Next Move

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai’s political future remains the subject of intense speculation.Annamalai met senior BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP in-charge Nitin Nabin and national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh, amid reports that he may quit the party or launch a new political outfit.

Sources said the BJP leadership is expected to take a call after internal consultations. Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagendran is also expected to meet the central leadership in Delhi.

4. Venezuelan Acting President Begins India Visit

Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez begins her four-day India visit today. She is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other ministers on strengthening cooperation in energy, trade, investment, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy.

The visit comes at a time when India has significantly increased crude oil imports from Venezuela amid disruptions in global energy markets.

5. CBSE Evaluation Controversy Deepens

The Centre has removed two senior CBSE officials following allegations of irregularities in the Class 12 On-Screen Marking (OSM) system and ordered a high-level inquiry into the procurement and implementation of the digital evaluation platform.

The controversy erupted after several students claimed that scanned copies of answer sheets provided by the board did not match their handwriting, raising concerns over possible answer-sheet mismatches and evaluation errors. The findings of the probe are likely to be closely watched by students, parents and education experts alike.

Stay with us throughout the day for the latest updates.