Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is set for a crucial two-day visit to India, signalling rapid formalisation of ties between Dhaka and New Delhi. He will hold talks with S Jaishankar and Ajit Doval ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit. Discussions will focus on counter-terrorism, border security, maritime stability, and connectivity projects. With disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz crisis, both nations aim to strengthen regional trade routes and energy security. The visit is seen as a “major bilateral move” to align economic and security frameworks while building long-term trust and resolving issues like trade imbalance and water-sharing cooperation. (PC: Reuters)

NASA has included hot sauces and strong condiments in the Artemis II space mission menu to counter reduced taste and smell experienced in microgravity. Astronauts often find food bland in space due to fluid shifts affecting sensory perception. To address this, the mission carries 189 food and drink items, including five types of hot sauce, beverages, and diverse meals. All food is shelf-stable, rehydratable, and designed for zero-gravity consumption. Scientists say enhancing flavor is crucial not just for nutrition but also for astronaut morale during long missions, highlighting evolving space food technology for future lunar and Mars exploration. (PC: India Today)

Global food prices rose in March 2026 to their highest level since September 2025, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The FAO Food Price Index increased by 2.4% from February, driven mainly by rising energy costs linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Wheat prices surged due to poor crop outlooks, while vegetable oils and sugar also saw sharp increases. Despite ample cereal supplies cushioning immediate impacts, the FAO warned that prolonged conflict could raise fertiliser costs, reduce crop production, and push global food prices higher into 2027. (PC: Reuters)

As the Iran war intensifies, the Kapıköy border crossing between Iran and Turkey has emerged as a critical transit point for civilians caught in the conflict. Many Iranians are fleeing nightly bombardments, infrastructure damage, and economic disruption, while others are returning to reunite with family despite the risks. Witnesses describe fear, grief, and frustration, alongside hopes for political change. Despite the crisis, crossings remain below pre-war levels, with most people opting for temporary relocation rather than permanent migration. Turkish authorities remain on alert for a potential refugee surge, though large-scale displacement has not yet occurred. (PC: The Guardian)

The US-Israel-Iran conflict continues to intensify, with Iran launching drone and missile attacks on key Gulf infrastructure, including Kuwait’s oil refinery and power facilities, causing fires and damage. Israel reported fresh missile launches from Iran, while Tehran claimed it downed a US fighter jet—claims denied by Washington. The Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint, with restricted shipping disrupting global energy supplies and prompting international diplomatic efforts. Meanwhile, the US has signalled further strikes, raising fears of wider regional escalation and prolonged economic and humanitarian fallout. 

Nearly a month after an Indian sailor was killed in the ongoing West Asia conflict, his family has approached the Bombay High Court seeking urgent intervention to bring his remains back home. The sailor, identified as Dixit Solanki, died in a missile strike on a merchant vessel near Oman while on duty. His family alleged prolonged delays and lack of clear communication from authorities regarding the repatriation process. Citing the right to dignity after death, they urged the court to expedite the return of the body. The case highlights the hardships faced by families of Indians affected by the escalating regional conflict. (PC: AFP)

Iran has claimed it shot down two US F-35 stealth fighter jets within 24 hours during the ongoing conflict, asserting that advanced air defence systems brought down the aircraft over central Iran. Iranian media suggested the pilots were unlikely to have survived. However, there has been no official confirmation from the United States, and defence analysts have questioned the authenticity of images and evidence released by Iran. Reports also highlight conflicting narratives, including AI tool Grok casting doubt on Tehran’s claims. The incident, if verified, would mark a major escalation in the war and raise concerns about the vulnerability of advanced stealth technology. (PC: X)

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has criticised Sunrisers Hyderabad for overlooking Abhishek Sharma for captaincy in IPL 2026, drawing parallels with how MS Dhoni was once promoted over him. Despite Abhishek’s long association and consistent performances, SRH appointed Ishan Kishan as stand-in skipper in the absence of injured Pat Cummins. Yuvraj, who mentors Abhishek, said such decisions can impact a player’s mindset and sense of belonging. He highlighted Abhishek’s loyalty and leadership experience, questioning why a long-serving player was sidelined for a newer entrant. (PC: AP & AFP)

India is facing a worsening LPG crisis as the ongoing Middle East conflict disrupts supply routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, delaying shipments. Households across at least 12 states report waiting over a week—and in some cases up to 40 days—for cylinder deliveries that earlier took 1–2 days. Booking systems are strained, long queues have emerged, and many families are switching to coal or firewood. Small businesses and eateries are also hit, with some shutting down. Meanwhile, black market activity has surged, with cylinders sold at inflated prices, exposing gaps between official claims and ground realities. (PC: PTI)

Following a US‑Israeli airstrike that partially destroyed the B1 bridge near Tehran—one of the Middle East’s tallest and strategically vital under-construction bridges—Iran has released a list of eight major bridges across Gulf states and Jordan as potential targets for retaliation. The strike reportedly killed at least eight civilians and wounded dozens, marking a sharp escalation in tensions. Iranian officials cited the attack as justification for targeting key infrastructure in Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia–Bahrain, and Jordan, signaling Tehran’s readiness to expand the conflict regionally if further strikes occur. (PC: NDTV)