Kasim Khan, son of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council and raised concerns about his father’s imprisonment. He said Imran Khan has been held in a “solitary confinement cell” meant for death row inmates. He added, “We ask this council… to end this persecution immediately.” Kasim also spoke about “rising intolerance” and a “systematic campaign” against dissent in Pakistan. Imran Khan has been in jail since 2023 on charges he denies. His case has drawn global attention, with concerns over his health and prison conditions continuing to grow.

A prolonged conflict in the Middle East could change global air travel. Key hubs like Dubai International Airport have faced major disruption. Flights were grounded and many passengers were stranded after airspace closures.   Airlines such as Emirates and Qatar Airways have cut services. Fuel supply has also been hit after issues around the Strait of Hormuz. Prices have risen sharply.   Experts warn the Gulf hub model may suffer if the crisis continues. One analyst said, “The longer it goes on, the more passengers will find alternate ways to fly.”   Fewer flights and reduced capacity could lead to higher fares and longer routes worldwide. (PC: BBC)

Alireza Tangsiri, head of Iran’s elite naval force, has been killed, Israel said. He led the naval wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and played a key role in actions around the Strait of Hormuz.   Israel said the strike targeted senior military leadership. There was no immediate confirmation from Iran.   Tangsiri was seen as central to Iran’s naval strategy in the Persian Gulf. His reported death could affect Iran’s control over key shipping routes.   The Strait of Hormuz is vital for global oil supply. Any change in command may impact security and movement in the region. (PC: India Today)

Sarah Mullally made history on March 25 as the first woman to become Archbishop of Canterbury. She was formally installed at Canterbury Cathedral before about 2,000 people, including Prince William and Catherine.   The ceremony began with her knocking on the cathedral door, following tradition. She said, “I am sent as archbishop to serve you.”   Mullally, a former nurse, succeeds Justin Welby, who resigned after an abuse scandal. She has promised to make the church safer and support victims.   She is now the spiritual leader of 85 million Anglicans worldwide and the 106th person to hold the role. (PC: Euro News)

India is set to receive its first gas shipment from Iran as a tanker docks in Mangalore. The move comes after the US allowed limited sale of Iranian oil already at sea. Analysts say India may increase purchases to manage fuel shortages. Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has hit supplies and raised prices. “India could re-emerge as a key demand centre,” said analyst Sumit Ritolia. Iranian oil and LPG cargoes nearby may help ease short-term supply gaps. However, risks remain due to ongoing conflict and possible sanctions. (PC: The Telegraph)

A tanker carrying Russian oil was hit by an explosion in the Black Sea, Turkey said. Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said the blast occurred in the engine room after midnight. “It appears to be an externally caused explosion,” he said. Officials believe an unmanned surface vehicle carried out the attack. The ship, operated by a Turkish company, had loaded crude oil from Russia. The exact location was not confirmed, but reports said it was near the Bosphorus Strait. Authorities have sent teams to monitor the situation. Turkey warned earlier against rising tensions in the region. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump claimed Iran’s leadership suggested he could become the country’s next Supreme Leader, but he refused. Speaking at a Republican event, he said, “They’d like to make you the next supreme leader. No, thank you.” Trump also said talks to end the war are ongoing, though Iran denied any negotiations. Reports say the US sent a 15-point ceasefire plan through mediators, including Pakistan. The proposal includes ending Iran’s nuclear programme and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran rejected the plan and mocked Trump’s claims. Tehran instead shared its own conditions for ending the conflict. (PC: India Today)

Global oil prices rose after Iran ruled out direct negotiations with the United States. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said communications were only indirect via “friendly countries,” not formal talks. In response, Donald Trump claimed Iran was reluctant to publicly admit negotiations. Market reaction was immediate, with Brent crude rising 1.6% to $103.85 and West Texas Intermediate up 1.4% to $91.61. The price surge reflects investor concerns over prolonged geopolitical tensions and uncertainty around supply, especially amid disruptions linked to the wider Middle East conflict and constrained energy flows. (PC: BBC)

Iran’s sustained missile and drone campaign has rendered 13 US military bases across the Middle East largely unusable, forcing American troops into dispersed, makeshift operations. Key installations in Kuwait including Port Shuaiba, Ali Al Salem Air Base and Camp Buehring suffered severe damage to infrastructure and fuel systems. Strikes also hit Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, as well as facilities in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The disruption has pushed US forces into “remote warfare,” reducing coordination and operational efficiency. Despite setbacks, Pete Hegseth said strikes on Iran continue. Experts warn the dispersal strategy weakens combat capability and exposes vulnerabilities in America’s regional military infrastructure. (PC: News18)

Donald Trump is exploring a diplomatic opening in the Iran war, with JD Vance potentially travelling to Pakistan for high-level talks. The move follows Iran’s refusal to engage with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, prompting Islamabad to suggest Vance as a negotiator. While discussions are reportedly planned soon, details on timing, venue, and participants remain fluid. The White House has downplayed any formal shift in negotiation roles, maintaining that Vance regularly advises Trump on key matters. Iran, meanwhile, is pushing maximalist demands, including sanctions relief, security guarantees, and limits on US regional military presence. (PC: Times Now)