Vladimir Putin met Abbas Araghchi in Saint Petersburg, reaffirming Russia’s commitment to strengthening strategic ties with Iran amid escalating regional tensions. Putin said Moscow would act in Iran’s interests and highlighted ongoing high-level engagement, including a message from Mojtaba Khamenei. The meeting underscores deepening cooperation as geopolitical dynamics shift following the Middle East conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated Russia’s readiness to support peace efforts or mediation acceptable to all sides. The engagement reflects Moscow’s intent to play a stabilising role while reinforcing its partnership with Tehran.

A Togo-flagged tanker, MT Ceylon, carrying 17 Indian crew members, was intercepted by Iran Coast Guard near Oman, where warning shots were fired. India confirmed all crew are safe and said authorities are closely monitoring maritime security in the Persian Gulf. The incident occurred on April 25 near the Oman Outer Port Limit and comes amid escalating regional tensions affecting shipping routes. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is tracking developments, highlighting concerns over seafarer safety and trade disruptions as geopolitical instability continues to impact critical global maritime corridors. (PC: India Today)

A dust storm hit Delhi-NCR as the India Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds up to 60 kmph, offering relief after days of heatwave. Temperatures hovered between 43–45°C but are expected to dip to 40–42°C on Tuesday and further to 37–41°C by midweek with continued cloudiness. Rain and thunderstorms are forecast through April 30 across Delhi and nearby regions, including Punjab and Haryana. Nationwide, temperatures remain high at 40–46°C in most areas, while northeastern and Himalayan regions stay cooler. Broader rainfall activity is expected over northeast and eastern India in the coming days.

Narendra Modi concluded his West Bengal campaign with an emotional letter in Bangla, thanking voters for their support and urging political change. He highlighted the aspirations of youth, women, farmers, and workers for a “Developed Bengal,” stressing the need for opportunity, security, and trust. Modi linked his campaign experience to spiritual devotion, referencing past religious observances, and described public affection as his greatest strength. He called for support for the Bharatiya Janata Party, asserting it represents change and progress. He pledged commitment to Bengal’s development, safety, and transformation, expressing confidence in forming a BJP-led government in the state.

Iran has brought back an old tanker named Nasha to store extra oil at sea. Storage tanks at Kharg Island, which handles most of Iran’s oil, are nearing full capacity. Exports have slowed because of the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Experts said only limited storage space remains and it may fill soon. Iran cannot easily stop oil production because shutting wells can cause long-term damage. The tanker move is seen as a short-term solution. If exports remain blocked, Iran may face deeper production cuts and economic pressure very soon. (PC: Reuters)

Oracle has announced major layoffs, cutting an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 jobs across the US, India, Canada and Latin America. Many senior and long-serving workers were affected. Reports said the company is focusing more on artificial intelligence, cloud services and automation. Experts say many tech firms are reducing staff to lower costs and increase profits. Companies like Meta and Microsoft have also announced job cuts recently. Workers now fear fewer openings and slower hiring. Entry-level jobs and routine roles face pressure from AI tools. Senior employees are also seeing growing job risks.

Delhi-NCR may get rain on Monday after days of strong heat. Dust storms also hit many areas. The India Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for light rain, thunderstorms and strong winds up to 60 kmph. Temperatures stayed very high between 43°C and 45°C. Weather officials said heatwave conditions may ease from Tuesday. The maximum temperature may fall to 40°C to 42°C on Tuesday and 39°C to 41°C on Wednesday. Cloudy skies may continue till Thursday. Rain is also likely in nearby states such as Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh this week.

Donald Trump has backed the Secret Service after a shooting at a Washington hotel during the White House Correspondents' Dinner. A White House official said Trump is “standing by the leadership” and believes agents “did an excellent job” securing leaders. The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was arrested at the scene. He is due to appear in court in Washington. Police said he opened fire near a security checkpoint. Guests took cover as shots were heard. Officials said a review of security steps will take place this week. (PC: BBC)

Fossils uncovered after heavy rains in Tamil Nadu have been dated to around 12,000 years old, Union minister Bhupender Yadav said. The discovery was made in Thoothukudi after soil erosion in 2023 exposed buried remains. Scientists said the fossils belong to the Holocene period. They believe the findings can help study ancient species and past climate. “These findings are crucial in helping us better understand India’s ancient biodiversity,” Yadav said. Experts added the fossils may show whether the area once had forests, grasslands, or marine influence. Studies are ongoing. (PC: India Today)

4 members of a family died in Mumbai after suspected food poisoning, police said. The incident took place in the Pydhonie area on April 25 night. Nine relatives had dinner together, including biryani. Later, between 1 am and 1:30 am, four of them ate watermelon. By early morning, they developed vomiting and loose motions. They were first seen by a doctor and then taken to JJ Hospital. The younger daughter died in the morning, followed by the father at night. The mother and elder daughter also died during treatment. Police said, “The exact cause is still unclear and under investigation.” Reports are awaited. (PC: X)