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)

Iran sharply mocked Donald Trump over his claims that Tehran agreed to permanently keep the Strait of Hormuz open. In a sarcastic post, Iran’s embassy advised Trump to “turn off the phone” and “sleep well,” dismissing his statements. Iranian officials, including Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, denied any such agreement and accused him of making “seven false claims.” Tehran warned it could still shut the strait if US actions—like a naval blockade—continue. The exchange underscores ongoing tensions despite ceasefire signals in the region, with conflicting narratives over Hormuz reflecting fragile diplomacy and persistent mistrust between Washington and Tehran.

Indian refiners have resumed limited imports of Iranian crude after seven years, using the ICICI Bank to settle payments in Chinese yuan via its Shanghai branch, according to reports. The move follows a temporary US sanctions waiver amid supply disruptions linked to the US-Iran conflict. Indian Oil Corporation reportedly bought 2 million barrels, while Reliance Industries has handled additional cargoes. India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, is navigating sanctions constraints and payment hurdles. The yuan-based mechanism reflects a pragmatic workaround to maintain energy security while balancing geopolitical risks and compliance uncertainties. (PC: Times Now)

Iran sharply escalated rhetoric against Donald Trump, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf accusing him of making “seven false claims in one hour.” Tehran warned the Strait of Hormuz could be closed if the US naval blockade continues, contradicting Trump’s assertion that it is “open for business.” Qalibaf stressed that any transit would require Iranian authorisation and follow designated routes. Iran also rejected Trump’s claims on nuclear concessions. Despite market optimism and falling oil prices, tanker movement remains limited amid uncertainty. Iranian officials signalled potential transit fees, while state media questioned earlier government statements, highlighting confusion over Hormuz’s operational status. (PC: X)

The US Treasury Department has reversed course, issuing a fresh 30-day license allowing countries, including India, to purchase Russian oil without sanctions, just two days after saying it would not. The waiver permits transactions for Russian crude loaded on or before April 17 through May 16, while excluding Iranian energy. The move follows pressure from Asian buyers amid rising global prices triggered by the US-Iran conflict. India had ordered about 30 million barrels under earlier waivers. The decision faces criticism in Washington, where lawmakers argue it boosts Moscow’s revenues despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. (PC: X)

Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz “completely open” for commercial shipping during a ceasefire, but the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps imposed fresh conditions. Vessels must seek permission, follow designated Iranian routes, and military ships remain barred. The announcement by Abbas Araghchi lacked these details, prompting criticism from Iranian state-linked media. Meanwhile, Donald Trump confirmed the reopening but said the U.S. naval blockade on Iran continues until a deal is finalised. He also claimed Iran agreed never to close the strait again. The mixed messaging has created uncertainty, despite oil prices dropping sharply after the reopening announcement globally. (PC: NDTV)

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli sparked a social media frenzy after allegedly liking a photo of German influencer Lizzalazz on Instagram. The interaction quickly went viral, triggering memes and speculation before reports suggested the “like” was later removed. Reacting to the buzz, Lizzalazz said she only learned about it through news reports and felt “sorry” for Kohli over the unexpected attention. She also expressed gratitude for the support. The incident has reignited debates around accidental likes, algorithm glitches, and the intense scrutiny public figures face online for even minor social media activity.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) said it received no complaints through its internal POSH or ethics channels from employees who later filed FIRs in the Nashik harassment case. The case involves nine FIRs and eight arrests over allegations of sexual harassment, coercion, and religious targeting between 2022 and 2026. TCS CEO K Krithivasan stated the company has launched internal probes and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy. The development raises concerns about gaps in workplace reporting mechanisms, as multiple victims approached police directly instead of internal systems, even as investigations by authorities continue. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump claimed Iran has agreed to never again close the Strait of Hormuz, signalling a potential breakthrough in ongoing US-Iran negotiations. The statement followed Iran’s announcement that the Strait would remain fully open to commercial shipping during the current ceasefire. Trump also asserted that the US is assisting in removing sea mines and reiterated that Israel has been “prohibited” from attacking Lebanon. However, he confirmed that the US naval blockade on Iran will remain until a final deal is reached. While the developments suggest de-escalation, the claims await independent verification amid continued geopolitical uncertainty. (PC: X)