Peace talks between the United States and Iran remain deadlocked, with Donald Trump expressing dissatisfaction over Tehran’s latest proposal to end the war. The plan suggests reopening the Strait of Hormuz while postponing nuclear negotiations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the proposal as better than expected, but concerns persist in Washington. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blamed the US for the failure of earlier talks, citing excessive demands. Discussions continue behind the scenes, even as tensions escalate regionally, including renewed violence in Lebanon. The ongoing stalemate highlights deep mistrust and complicates efforts to secure a comprehensive diplomatic resolution. (PC: X)

Despite a US-led blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, oil and LPG tankers continue reaching India, exposing limits of maritime enforcement. Ships, including Indian-linked vessels, have navigated via routes hugging Iranian territorial waters or exiting near Chabahar before entering international waters toward Mumbai. Another speculated path runs along Pakistan’s Makran coast, though experts consider it risky due to political tensions. Under maritime law, foreign vessels enjoy “innocent passage” in territorial waters, restricting US intervention. Analysts say the blockade mainly targets Iran-linked traffic, while neutral ships face fewer constraints. Indian naval coordination and diplomatic clearances further ensure safe transit, maintaining energy flows amid heightened regional tensions. (PC: X)

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in the United States for a four-day state visit. They landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and were welcomed with flowers and military honours. The royal couple will stay at Blair House and meet Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the White House. Officials hope the visit will help improve UK-US ties. It is King Charles’s first US visit as monarch and the first British royal state visit since 2007. (PC: Reuters)

At least seven people were killed and 75 injured after strikes in Afghanistan’s Kunar province, according to Taliban officials and local sources. They said students and a professor at Kunar University were among the wounded. Taliban officials said 30 injured were students. Pakistan denied carrying out any strike on the university or homes nearby and called the claims false. Afghanistan’s higher education ministry said buildings suffered heavy damage. Taliban spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat called the attack a “brutal war crime”. The incident may worsen tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan again. (PC: EPA)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his Bengal election campaign with an open letter in Bangla to voters. He thanked people for their support during rallies and roadshows. Modi said the youth, women, farmers and workers want a “Developed Bengal”. He added, “Now is the time for change.” Modi also said, “Serving Bengal is my duty,” and promised safety and progress for the state. He urged people to support the Bharatiya Janata Party. Voting for the final phase will be held on April 29, with counting on May 4.

A man accused of attacking security at a Washington dinner attended by Donald Trump has been charged with trying to assassinate the president. Officials said Cole Tomas Allen, 31, shot a Secret Service agent during the attempted breach. He also faces firearms charges. Allen appeared in federal court wearing a prison jumpsuit. He said he would answer questions truthfully and mentioned he has a master’s degree in computer science. Prosecutors asked the court to keep him in custody while the case continues.

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the US asked for talks after failing to meet its goals. He said Iran is reviewing the request. Araghchi made the remarks during a visit to St Petersburg, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin promised support for Iran and said Russia would help efforts for peace. Peace talks between the US and Iran remain stalled after Donald Trump cancelled a planned envoy visit. Reports said Iran also sent written messages to the US through Pakistan. The ceasefire is holding, but tensions remain high in the region. (PC: AP)

Donald Trump said King Charles III will be “very safe” during his US state visit, following fresh security reviews after a shooting incident in Washington DC. The visit, involving the King and Queen Camilla, will proceed largely as planned, starting at the White House. UK officials, including Keir Starmer, see the trip as key to reinforcing bilateral ties despite tensions over Iran policy. Events include meetings, a state dinner, and a congressional address. While framed as strengthening cooperation, the visit faces political criticism amid concerns over diplomatic risks and evolving US-UK relations. (PC: BBC)

An Indian student in Canada, Jyoti Kharayat, shared her struggle of balancing studies and part-time work through a viral social media video. She described being “stuck in a loop,” constantly moving between classes and work shifts, including at Starbucks, to manage tuition and living expenses. Her routine highlights the financial pressures faced by international students, who often rely on jobs to sustain themselves. Despite the challenges, she expressed resilience and positivity. Her story resonated widely online, with many acknowledging similar experiences and the demanding reality of managing academics alongside work abroad.

India and New Zealand signed a “historic” free trade agreement aimed at strengthening trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. The pact, finalised within nine months of negotiations, will be implemented later this year. It was signed by Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay in New Delhi. Under the agreement, New Zealand will eliminate tariffs on all Indian imports, while India will remove or reduce tariffs on 95% of its imports from New Zealand. Leaders from both nations described the deal as a major milestone, signalling deeper economic integration and expanded bilateral cooperation. (PC: X)