Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:40am on 19 Apr 2026,Sunday India Global
Two Indian-flagged vessels, Sanmar Herald and Jag Arnav, were targeted by Iranian naval forces while passing through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Despite the sudden attack, all crew members remained safe, with only minor damage reported, including shattered glass on board. India responded strongly, raising the issue with Iranian authorities and expressing concern over the safety of its ships and seafarers. The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with reports suggesting attempts to control or restrict maritime movement. The attack underscores growing threats to global shipping routes and energy supply chains passing through the Gulf. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:28am on 19 Apr 2026,Sunday India
Two US nationals were detained at Srinagar airport on Sunday after security staff found a satellite phone during a luggage check. Officials questioned both travellers and later handed them over to police for further inquiry. One of them was identified as Jeoffery Scot from Montana. Authorities said the device was recovered from his bag. Satellite phones need prior government approval in India and are under strict rules. Unauthorised possession can lead to detention, arrest or seizure under telecom and security laws. India has taken similar action in earlier cases involving foreign travellers carrying banned satellite communication devices. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:25am on 19 Apr 2026,Sunday International
Former US Vice President Kamala Harris said President Donald Trump was “pulled into” the war with Iran by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to BBC News. Speaking at an event in Michigan, Harris said Trump entered a war that many Americans did not want. She said the conflict was putting US service members at risk. Harris also criticised the administration’s foreign policy and called it unreliable for allies. She said Trump could use military force against people he chooses. Trump did not directly reply to Harris. However, he praised Israel on social media and called it a “great ally” of the United States. (PC: The Indian Express)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:24am on 19 Apr 2026,Sunday International
Iran said talks with the United States on ending the conflict have made progress, but both sides remain “far” from a final agreement. Iran’s parliamentary speaker gave the update as tensions stayed high in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said the waterway will stay closed until the US ends its blockade on Iranian ports, calling the move a breach of the ceasefire. US President Donald Trump said “very good conversations” were taking place with Tehran. He added the blockade would continue until the US transaction with Iran was “100% complete”. The US military said 23 ships had been turned back since the blockade began. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:18am on 19 Apr 2026,Sunday Sports
Rajasthan Royals batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could be a major threat to Kolkata Knight Riders in the Powerplay at Eden Gardens. KKR are still winless after six matches and sit last on the table. RR are third with eight points from five games. Sooryavanshi has scored 200 runs from 76 balls this season. He has hit 36 boundaries, with 33 of them in the first six overs. KKR have struggled badly with the new ball. They have conceded 60 boundaries in 180 legal Powerplay balls, the worst rate in the league. If KKR stop Sooryavanshi early, they can bring their spinners into the game. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:09am on 19 Apr 2026,Sunday Entertainment
Actors Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have announced that they are expecting their second child. The couple shared the news in a joint Instagram post on Sunday. The picture showed their daughter Dua holding a positive pregnancy test kit. Deepika added two evil eye emojis in the caption. Deepika and Ranveer married in Lake Como, Italy, in 2018. They welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024. Deepika had earlier said motherhood changed her life and priorities. She said, “You’re now responsible for another human being.” Both actors also have new film projects lined up. (PC: Instagram)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:04am on 19 Apr 2026,Sunday India Global
Former Union minister and BJP leader Dinesh Trivedi is set to become India’s next High Commissioner to Bangladesh, according to reports. He is expected to replace career diplomat Pranay Verma, who will move to Brussels as India’s envoy to the European Union. Trivedi, 75, earlier served as Railway Minister and Minister of State for Health in the UPA government while with the Trinamool Congress. He joined the BJP in 2021. His appointment comes as India and Bangladesh work to improve ties after recent tensions. The move also signals that the Narendra Modi government may send senior political leaders to key foreign posts. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:33am on 19 Apr 2026,Sunday India Global
Two Indian men were shot dead in Italy’s Covo town in Bergamo province after leaving a gurdwara, local media reported. The attack happened late Friday near Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur Ji during a Vaisakhi gathering. The victims were identified as 48-year-old Raginder Singh and 48-year-old Gurmit Singh. Reports said the gunman fired several shots and fled in a car. Police recovered around 10 shell casings from the scene. Investigators are looking into the case as a planned attack. An eyewitness told reporters the shooter was “an Indian” who also visited the gurdwara. A third person was reportedly grazed by bullets. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:54am on 19 Apr 2026,Sunday International
Iran said the continuing US blockade on its ports is a “breach of ceasefire terms” agreed earlier this month. Iran and the United States had accepted a conditional two-week ceasefire that included allowing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has now closed the key waterway again. Its navy said the strait will remain shut until the US lifts the blockade on Iranian vessels and ports. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy also said comments by US President Donald Trump on Hormuz “carry no validity”. Trump said on Saturday that Iran wants to close the strait, but the US would not allow “blackmail”. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:37am on 19 Apr 2026,Sunday Politics
Opposition parties are likely to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking immediate implementation of the women’s reservation law without linking it to delimitation. The issue was discussed at a meeting of INDIA bloc leaders led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi. Leaders also planned a campaign to say they support women’s reservation. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy accused the BJP of using the quota law to change the Constitution and weaken reservation for Dalits and tribals. He said a “clean” Bill should be introduced without seat increase or delimitation. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the party’s stand has remained unchanged. (PC: The hindu)