A Navy technician has been arrested for allegedly killing his partner and hiding her remains inside his rented flat in Visakhapatnam. Police said Chintada Ravindra called Mounika to his home, where an argument turned violent. Investigators said he had planned the act and arranged knives earlier. After the killing, he allegedly cut the body into parts. One part was stored in a fridge, while others were hidden inside the house and outside. He later surrendered at a police station after speaking to a friend. A police officer said, “This was not just a murder. It was what came after.” (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump said Iran’s new leaders were “very reasonable” as efforts began to open talks. He said the US and Iran had been in contact “directly and indirectly”. “I think we’ll make a deal,” he said, but added it may not happen. Pakistan said it is ready to host talks soon. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said discussions could take place “in the coming days”. It is not clear if both sides will attend. Iran warned it would not accept pressure. Parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said, “We will never accept humiliation.” (PC: The Indian Express)

Global oil prices rose sharply and Asian markets fell as the US-Israel war with Iran entered its fifth week. Brent crude climbed over $115 a barrel, while US oil reached $101.62. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 2.8%, and South Korea’s Kospi fell nearly 3%. Tensions increased after Houthi strikes on Israel and threats by Iran to widen attacks. Concerns over supply grew as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed. Shipping expert Lars Jensen warned the impact could be “substantially larger” than the 1970s crisis. He said, “We need to keep in mind” delays in supply are still affecting markets. (PC: BBC)

A new US missile, not tested in combat before, was likely used in a strike on a school in Iran’s Lamerd, a report said. The February 28 attack came on the first day of the war. The same day, a US Tomahawk missile hit a school in Minab, killing 175 people.   The report said damage at the Lamerd site matched the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). The weapon explodes above targets and releases metal pellets.   The US military confirmed PrSM was used in the war for the first time. But it has not confirmed if it was used in Lamerd.

US troop levels in West Asia have crossed 57,000 amid the war with Iran. This is the largest build-up since 2003. Around 5,000 troops arrived last week, including 2,500 Marines and units from the 82nd Airborne. They joined forces already deployed across the region. The Pentagon is also planning to send about 10,000 more troops, according to reports. The USS Tripoli carries about 3,500 Marines. US troops are stationed in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan, along with naval forces at sea. (PC: NDTV)

Balendra Shah has launched major reforms days after taking office. He banned student politics on campuses and said education must be free from party control. He plans non-political student bodies within 90 days. Critics warn it may limit democratic space. His government also barred civil servants from party links. Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was arrested over last year’s protests. Shah said justice will be ensured. Families of students killed in the protests will get jobs. In a message to Narendra Modi, he said he is “eager to work closely,” signaling a cautious reset in ties. (PC: India Today)

Donald Trump said the US could take control of Iran’s key oil hub, Kharg Island, but added a deal could come “fairly quickly.” Speaking to Financial Times, he said the US could “easily” take the island and “take the oil.” He also said US strikes hit “many long sought-after targets” in Iran on Sunday. Israel said it is carrying out fresh attacks on Tehran. Iran’s parliament speaker warned forces are “waiting” for US ground troops. Oil prices rose above $115. In the UK, Keir Starmer will meet business leaders to discuss the impact. (PC: BBC)

Donald Trump is considering a high-risk military operation to extract nearly 1,000 pounds of enriched uranium from Iran, targeting key sites such as Isfahan Nuclear Facility and Natanz Nuclear Facility. The plan, aimed at preventing Iran’s nuclear capability, may involve special forces entering Iranian territory under significant threat. Officials stress no final decision has been made, though the Pentagon is preparing options. Experts warn such a mission could escalate the conflict and trigger retaliation. Meanwhile, indirect diplomatic efforts involving regional mediators continue, with the US preferring Iran to surrender the material voluntarily. (PC: X)

Authorities in Australia’s Victoria and Tasmania have made public transport free to counter soaring fuel prices triggered by the West Asia conflict and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Victoria will offer free travel across trains, trams, and buses throughout April, while Tasmania will extend the measure until the end of June. The policy aims to reduce pressure on fuel demand and household costs. Other states like New South Wales have declined similar steps, citing long-term concerns. Petrol prices have surged sharply, reflecting global oil market volatility, prompting governments worldwide to adopt fuel-saving strategies. (PC: BBC)

Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written message thanking Iraq and its top cleric Ali Sistani for supporting Iran during the ongoing conflict, but his continued absence from public view has intensified speculation about his condition. Since assuming leadership after Ali Khamenei’s death, he has not appeared publicly, with communications limited to written statements read by others. Officials suggest he may be recovering from injuries, though unconfirmed. Donald Trump has cast doubt on his status. The lack of visibility raises questions about leadership stability amid escalating regional tensions. (PC: X)