Tensions rose in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran said it would close the key shipping route in response to the US blockade. A tanker reported being fired upon by two Iranian gunboats, according to UK maritime officials. Iran’s foreign minister earlier said the strait would remain open during the ceasefire, creating confusion. US President Donald Trump claimed the route is open and Iran has agreed to terms, including removing enriched uranium. Tehran denied this. Ship tracking data showed some vessels still moving through the strait, even as uncertainty and risk in the region continue to grow.

A report by UN Women states that over 38,000 women and girls were killed in Gaza between October 2023 and December 2025, including 22,000 women and 16,000 girls, averaging at least 47 deaths daily. The findings, detailed in The Cost of the War in Gaza on Women and Girls, prompted calls for a full ceasefire and accountability for violations of international law, including actions attributed to Israel Defense Forces. Despite a ceasefire since October 2025 in the Gaza Strip, violence persists, with over 750 Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers reported killed amid ongoing accusations of truce violations. (PC: X)

Iran’s “mosquito fleet” refers to swarms of small, fast attack boats used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to control the Strait of Hormuz. Designed for asymmetric warfare, these nimble vessels often modified with machine guns or rockets can reach speeds up to 100 knots and execute hit-and-run attacks. Hidden in coastal caves and deployed within minutes, they are difficult to detect and target. Despite US-Israel strikes damaging part of the fleet, hundreds remain operational. Combined with drones and missiles, they pose a persistent threat to commercial shipping, reinforcing Iran’s ability to disrupt one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints. (PC: X)

The Centre has increased Dearness Allowance (DA) by 2%, raising it from 58% to 60% of basic pay for central government employees and pensioners, effective January 1, 2026, with arrears for previous months. The hike boosts take-home salaries amid rising living costs for instance, Rs 18,000 basic pay may rise to around Rs 28,800, while higher pay brackets will see proportionate increases. DA revisions are typically announced twice yearly, though this one was delayed. The move comes as unions intensify demands under the proposed 8th Pay Commission, seeking a minimum basic salary of Rs 69,000, higher fitment factor, increased allowances, and pension reforms. (PC: NDTV)

Narendra Modi criticised opposition parties after the defeat of the Constitution (131st) Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, warning they would “pay a price” for not supporting it. The bill, linked to delimitation and women’s reservation, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority, along with the Delimitation Bill and Union Territories (Amendment) Bill. Calling it a missed opportunity, Kiren Rijiju expressed disappointment. Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi termed the outcome a “victory for democracy,” alleging misuse of the proposal for political gains. This marks the first major constitutional amendment defeat for the BJP-led government since 2014. (PC: X)

A report by The Atlantic claims Kash Patel is increasingly anxious about losing his role, citing alleged erratic behaviour and excessive drinking. Officials described concerns over intoxication, missed meetings, and unexplained absences, calling his conduct a potential “national-security vulnerability.” In one incident, Patel reportedly panicked and told aides he had been fired after failing to log into an internal system, later attributed to a technical glitch. Some within the administration are said to be discussing replacements, though the White House has defended his tenure, crediting him with reduced crime rates. Patel’s leadership of the Federal Bureau of Investigation remains under scrutiny. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has reimposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, reversing its brief reopening and accusing the United States of violating a ceasefire. Tehran said transit would remain blocked while a US naval blockade on Iranian ports continues. Donald Trump reiterated that the blockade will stay until a broader deal, including nuclear terms, is reached. Fresh US-Iran talks are expected in Islamabad. The strait, which carries about one-fifth of global oil, had seen prices fall briefly on reopening, but renewed curbs threaten supply again. Vessel movement remains limited to Iran-approved routes, underscoring Tehran’s leverage and prolonging uncertainty in global energy markets. (PC: X)

In the ongoing TCS Nashik harassment case, accused Nida Khan plans to seek anticipatory bail from a Nashik court, citing her pregnancy among the grounds. She is named in one of nine FIRs linked to alleged sexual harassment and coercion involving employees of Tata Consultancy Services. Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Team led by Assistant Commissioner Sandip Mitke questioned her husband in Mumbra. Police said Khan is absconding, with three teams deployed to trace her. Authorities tracked a lead to a relative’s residence, but found it locked, with phones switched off. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the case serious, stressing efforts to uncover its root causes. (PC: X)

Indian Air Force Chief Amar Preet Singh flew the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II during a familiarisation sortie at Nellis Air Force Base on April 9, alongside US pilot Major Matthew Benson. The flight offered insights into one of the US Air Force’s most advanced air superiority platforms, central to Indo-Pacific operations. During the visit, Singh held talks with US officials, including Brigadier General David C Epperson, focusing on joint exercises, interoperability, and modernisation. The F-15EX features AESA radar, EPAWSS electronic warfare suite, Mach 2.5 speed, 50,000 ft ceiling, and heavy payload capacity. Meetings at the Pentagon underscored strengthening India-US defence ties and enhancing regional security cooperation. (PC: X)

Uncertainty surrounds the Strait of Hormuz despite Iran’s claim it is “completely open” during the ceasefire. Four Indian tankers including Sanmar Herald, Desh Garima, Desh Vaibhav, and Desh Vibhor and two Greek vessels failed to cross and turned back near Qeshm Island, carrying about 8.3 million barrels of non-Iranian crude. The vessels were headed from Dubai before reversing course. Reports suggest ships received radio warnings requiring clearance from Iranian authorities. Meanwhile, Iran indicated the route could close if the US blockade persists, even as Donald Trump said the strait was open. The conflicting signals highlight continued instability affecting global oil flows and shipping confidence. (PC: X)