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)

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)

Meenu Batra, a 53-year-old Indian-origin woman living in the US for over 35 years, has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Texas, sparking legal and humanitarian concerns. Arrested at an airport despite claiming valid work status, she is currently held at a detention facility and has filed a habeas corpus petition challenging her custody. Batra alleged she was held for 24 hours without food, water, or medication and treated “like a criminal.” Her lawyer argues she cannot be deported to India due to prior legal protections, raising fears she could be sent to a third country. (PC: NDTV)

India has withdrawn its bid to host the 2028 UN climate summit (COP33), the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the decision followed consideration of multiple factors, without detailing specifics. Despite stepping back, India reaffirmed its commitment to global climate goals under the Paris Agreement. Officials emphasized that India remains among G20 nations that have fully met their Paris targets and will continue advancing its green agenda. The government highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance. The move comes even as India continues to engage in international climate cooperation and positions itself as a key player in global sustainability efforts.

Amir Hamza, co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba with Hafiz Saeed, was shot by unidentified attackers in Lahore and is in critical condition. The attack occurred outside a news channel office and marks the second attempt on his life within a year. Born in 1959 in Gujranwala, Hamza is linked to multiple terror activities, including the 2005 IISc Bengaluru attack. A US-designated terrorist, he held key leadership roles in LeT, overseeing propaganda and outreach. Despite distancing himself in 2018 and forming Jaish-e-Manqafa, he remains a globally sanctioned figure with influence in extremist networks. (PC: NDTV)

Narendra Modi and Emmanuel Macron discussed the escalating West Asia crisis, stressing urgent restoration of safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. In a phone call, both leaders agreed to work closely to support regional peace and stability. The Strait, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments, remains disrupted amid ongoing tensions. The conversation comes as diplomatic efforts intensify following a fragile two-week US-Iran ceasefire. Talks mediated by Pakistan have yet to yield results, though another round may begin soon. The conflict has killed over 4,000 people across West Asia, mainly in Iran and Lebanon.

The United States said it will not extend sanctions waivers that allowed countries like India to buy oil from Russia and Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, “We will not be renewing the general license on Russian oil.” The waiver had allowed Indian refiners to buy oil already loaded on ships. It was introduced for 30 days to stabilise global prices during the Iran conflict. India was a major buyer under this relief. The move comes despite requests from Asian countries to extend the waiver. US lawmakers had criticised the policy for helping Moscow. (PC: HT)

Russia has confirmed that President Vladimir Putin will visit India for the upcoming BRICS summit, signalling a major diplomatic engagement amid shifting global alignments. The Kremlin’s announcement, despite dates yet to be finalised, underscores the summit’s strategic importance as emerging economies deepen cooperation. The visit is expected to draw global attention, reflecting evolving geopolitical dynamics and partnerships within BRICS. With key leaders set to participate, the gathering is likely to address economic coordination, geopolitical tensions, and multilateral cooperation, positioning the summit as a critical platform in an increasingly multipolar world order. (PC: X)

The United States will not renew sanctions waivers allowing limited purchases of Russian and Iranian oil, affecting buyers including India. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the licence covering shipments loaded before March 11 has expired. Washington also warned of secondary sanctions on countries continuing Iranian oil imports, amid efforts to intensify economic pressure on Iran. Disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz have already strained supply chains. While India maintains diversified sourcing and adequate reserves, tighter restrictions could pressure markets. The move signals a shift toward aggressive financial measures alongside diplomacy as both sides prepare for further negotiations. (PC: India Today)

Airfares across India have surged over 40% in April, driven by escalating tensions in West Asia that are disrupting global aviation operations. Key domestic routes like Delhi–Mumbai, Bengaluru–Delhi, and Mumbai–Chennai have seen steep fare increases, with ticket prices rising significantly compared to last year. Airlines are facing multiple pressures, including higher aviation turbine fuel (ATF) costs, flight cancellations to Gulf destinations, war-risk insurance premiums, and longer flight paths due to restricted airspace. These combined factors have sharply increased operational expenses, which are being passed on to passengers. As geopolitical instability persists, travellers are likely to face sustained high fares during the peak summer travel season. (PC: X)