Narendra Modi and Lee Jae Myung signed a major maritime deal in New Delhi. The plan aims to boost shipbuilding and port growth in India. A ₹2.2 lakh crore pipeline of over 400 vessels has been announced. South Korea will help build a new shipyard in southern India. Companies like HD Hyundai will take part. The deal also includes port projects and modern cranes. It aims to create jobs and improve shipping. India will also offer its trained seafarers for global maritime work under this partnership.

Mohammadmiya Sethwala, a 28-year-old from Vadodara, faces deportation from the United Kingdom after his visa was rejected. He lost his wife and toddler in the Air India AI-171 crash in June 2025. Authorities asked him to leave by April 22. Sethwala has moved court to challenge the order. He said, “Returning to India will remind me of my loss.” His visa expired in January, and he could not secure a new one. He is currently staying with relatives and seeking support while dealing with grief and uncertainty about his future. (PC: AP)

A suspected food poisoning case in Guntur exposed a sinister arsenic poisoning plot targeting a Hyderabad family. Newlywed Bala Sashirekha fell critically ill in July 2023 with severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. Neurologist Dr Vemuri Rama Tarakanath identified Mees’ lines indicative of arsenic exposure prompting further tests that confirmed poisoning. Investigations revealed the act was allegedly orchestrated by a UK-based man seeking revenge, using a “doorstep delivery” method to administer toxins. The case, originating from Hyderabad’s Miyapur area, highlights a rare but deliberate poisoning attempt, transforming a routine medical emergency into a complex criminal investigation involving cross-border conspiracy and targeted harm. (PC: X)

At least 11 people were injured after a violent clash between two groups inside a gurdwara in Moers, near Duisburg, Germany. Around 40 individuals were reportedly involved, with disturbing visuals showing use of knives and kirpans, along with pepper spray and alleged gunfire. Authorities suspect the conflict may be linked to disputes over management control and gurdwara funds. A witness claimed the attack appeared planned, with assailants arriving equipped before the service. Police deployed tactical units, detained at least one suspect, and are investigating the incident. While no fatalities were reported, the episode has raised serious concerns over security and internal disputes within the local Sikh community.

Two Indian-origin men, Sampath Rajidi and Sreedhar Mada, have pleaded guilty to H-1B visa fraud in the United States. They promised jobs at the University of California that did not exist. “The beneficiaries did not work on projects at the University,” court documents said. The duo submitted false visa petitions between 2020 and 2023. They now face up to five years in jail and a $250,000 fine. Officials said their actions took visa slots from genuine applicants. Several US agencies are investigating the case.

An Indian-flagged oil tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, the same day Iranian forces fired at two other Indian vessels, officials said. The tanker Desh Garima was carrying 31 Indian crew members and is expected to reach Mumbai on April 22. The Petroleum Ministry said the passage was completed safely. Two other ships, Sanmar Herald and Jag Arnav, were forced to turn back after the firing. No injuries were reported. India later raised concerns with Iran's ambassador and sought safe passage for India-bound vessels. (PC: India Today)

2 Indian-flagged tankers came under fire in the Strait of Hormuz. No injuries were reported. A distress audio from tanker Sanmar Herald showed confusion. “You gave me clearance… you are firing now,” a crew member said. The ships turned back after the incident. Another vessel, Jag Arnav, was also targeted. India raised the issue with Iran and stressed safety of ships. Officials asked for safe passage to resume. The strait remains tense due to the ongoing conflict. Iran has warned ships against entering the area. Many vessels are avoiding the route as uncertainty continues.

Amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing Iran conflict, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has praised Kerala’s Vizhinjam Port as a rising global shipping hub. He noted that nearly 100 ships are queued or seeking access, reflecting a major shift in maritime traffic toward India. Operated by Adani Ports, Vizhinjam is India’s first deep-water transshipment port and is rapidly expanding capacity. Tharoor described it as India’s “answer” to global supply disruptions, highlighting its growing importance. The development comes as the Hormuz crisis threatens global oil routes, pushing international shipping toward alternative, reliable gateways like Vizhinjam. (PC: NDTV)

Two Indian-flagged vessels, Sanmar Herald and Jag Arnav, were targeted by Iranian naval forces while passing through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Despite the sudden attack, all crew members remained safe, with only minor damage reported, including shattered glass on board. India responded strongly, raising the issue with Iranian authorities and expressing concern over the safety of its ships and seafarers. The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with reports suggesting attempts to control or restrict maritime movement. The attack underscores growing threats to global shipping routes and energy supply chains passing through the Gulf. (PC: Reuters)

Former Union minister and BJP leader Dinesh Trivedi is set to become India’s next High Commissioner to Bangladesh, according to reports. He is expected to replace career diplomat Pranay Verma, who will move to Brussels as India’s envoy to the European Union. Trivedi, 75, earlier served as Railway Minister and Minister of State for Health in the UPA government while with the Trinamool Congress. He joined the BJP in 2021. His appointment comes as India and Bangladesh work to improve ties after recent tensions. The move also signals that the Narendra Modi government may send senior political leaders to key foreign posts. (PC: HT)