BBC remembers Raghu Rai as a photographer who captured India with depth and clarity. He died at 83 after a career spanning over five decades.   His work covered major moments like the Bhopal gas tragedy and unrest in Punjab. He also photographed leaders such as Indira Gandhi and many cultural figures.   Rai joined Magnum Photos in 1977 with support from Henri Cartier-Bresson.   He once said, “I meet my god through my camera.” His images shaped how India saw itself. (PC: BBC)

India and New Zealand have signed a free trade agreement after talks ended in December 2025. The deal covers 20 areas, including goods, dispute rules and legal terms. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said it was completed in nine months, showing “depth of trust and shared ambition”. New Zealand has committed $20 billion investment over 15 years. Indian exports will get zero duty access. The deal also offers 5,000 work visas for Indian professionals for up to three years. Both sides will ease trade in wine, farm goods and key industries. (PC: HT)

Iran is struggling to store its crude as exports remain blocked at the Strait of Hormuz. Output from Kharg Island continues, but storage is almost full. Tehran has revived the ageing tanker Nasha to hold excess oil at sea. Analysts say only 13 million barrels of space remain, with inflows of about 1 million barrels a day. Storage could fill within two weeks. Officials warn shutting wells is risky and may cause lasting damage. The tanker move is a short-term fix as pressure grows on Iran’s oil system. (PC: India Today)

Donald Trump said King Charles III will be “very safe” as his US state visit begins despite a recent shooting in Washington DC. The visit will go ahead with only minor changes to events. Trump told CBS News that “the White House grounds are really safe.” Officials said there is no sign of further threats. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said investigators believe the attack targeted the president and top officials. Security has been reviewed ahead of the visit. Authorities continue to probe the shooting and its motive. (PC: Sky News)

A strong heatwave continues across Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, the India Meteorological Department said. Many areas may see temperatures above 42°C till April 30. Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded 47.4°C, among the highest this season. Akola in Maharashtra touched 46.9°C. The IMD said heatwave conditions will stay in parts of northwest and central India for the next few days. Some relief is expected with light rain and strong winds in Delhi from Monday evening. Temperatures in the capital may fall slightly to 40–42°C. A wider drop is likely from April 29, though the relief may not last long. (PC: X)

A 26-year-old Dalit man, Akash Delison, died on March 8, two days after his arrest in Tamil Nadu. His body is still in a hospital morgue as his family demands justice. His parents allege he was tortured in police custody. Police have denied this and said he was injured while trying to escape. Six officers have been suspended and an investigation is underway. His father said, “They have snuffed out the life of an active young man.” The family said they will not conduct last rites until the policemen responsible are arrested. (PC: BBC)

Rinku Singh created history in IPL 2026 with an unbeaten 83 for Kolkata Knight Riders against Lucknow Super Giants. His knock came off 51 balls with seven fours and five sixes. It is now the highest score by a No. 6 batter in IPL history. He broke MS Dhoni’s record of 70 not out set in 2011. Rinku also added 62 runs with Sunil Narine to lift KKR past 150. The match ended in a tie, but KKR won in the Super Over. The win helped KKR move up in the points table. (PC: NDTV)

Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan has approved the merger of Raghav Chadha and six former AAP MPs into the BJP. The move raises the BJP’s strength in the House to 113. Union minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the decision and said, “Welcome to nation building NDA under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” The MPs who joined include Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Harbhajan Singh, Swati Maliwal and Rajinder Gupta. Chadha said he left AAP due to a “toxic” work environment. (PC: HT)

United Arab Emirates sought help from allies during heavy attacks by Iran, and Israel responded by sending its Iron Dome system and troops. Reports said the move followed a call between Mohammed bin Zayed and Benjamin Netanyahu. The system helped intercept many missiles and drones targeting key sites. UAE officials said hundreds of missiles and thousands of drones were launched. Some still hit civilian and military areas. An official said the country would “not forget” the support. The move has strengthened ties between the UAE and Israel during the conflict. (PC: NDTV)

Jitendra Singh reviewed a plan to set up seven space labs in universities and colleges across India. The labs will give students hands-on training in satellite systems, rocketry, and mission design. Officials said the aim is to build skilled talent for the growing space sector. India’s private space industry has attracted over USD 600 million in investment and now has more than 400 startups. Students earlier had limited practical exposure in this field. The new labs will offer real-world learning. The move is part of a wider push to support innovation and meet rising demand for trained engineers. (PC: India Today)