AG Perarivalan, a convict in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, has begun practising as a lawyer at the Madras High Court.   He was released in 2022 after spending 31 years in prison. He enrolled as an advocate this week.   “I will focus on providing legal aid to prisoners who often lack access to effective representation,” he said.   Perarivalan plans to handle cases of wrongful detention and delays in justice. After his release, he studied law and cleared the All-India Bar Examination in 2025. (PC: India Today)

S. Jaishankar met Annalena Baerbock to discuss the escalating West Asia conflict and its global implications, particularly the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides emphasised the urgent need for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution under the United Nations framework. The disruption threatens global trade and energy supplies, with India heavily reliant on oil and gas shipments through the strait. Baerbock warned of rising oil and fertiliser prices and broader instability affecting regions like Gaza and Lebanon. The meeting also touched on UN reforms and the need for more representative global governance structures.

Indian airlines, represented by the Federation of Indian Airlines, have warned that surging Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices driven by the West Asia crisis are pushing the sector toward a potential shutdown. With fuel accounting for over half of operating costs, carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet face severe financial strain, particularly on international routes where prices have sharply increased. The industry has urged government intervention, including tax relief, suspension of excise duty, and pricing reforms. Without immediate support, airlines warn that rising costs could render several routes unviable and disrupt overall operations. (PC: Zee News)

Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in Islamabad for a possible second round of peace talks with the United States amid escalating tensions. Iran has asserted that Washington can no longer “dictate” its actions, rejecting what it calls “illegal and irrational demands.” Defence spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik reiterated Tehran’s stance as the US reviews Iran’s latest proposal to end the conflict. Meanwhile, António Guterres warned that maritime security threats linked to the crisis now impact all nations, including landlocked ones, and cautioned that growing global divisions are undermining trust, international law, and the foundations of collective security worldwide. (PC: X)

Donald Trump claimed that Iran has informed the United States it is in a “state of collapse” and requested the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Posting on social media, Trump said Tehran is struggling with internal leadership divisions and is seeking urgent relief. However, the White House has not confirmed the source or nature of this communication. The US administration remains cautious about Iran’s proposal to end the conflict and reopen the strategic waterway, especially as it delays discussions on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised that any agreement must prevent Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons.

An Indian wedding procession transformed Fifth Avenue into a vibrant celebration, as couple Pankti Doshi and Dr Avish Jain led their baraat with live singing and dancing. The viral video shows the duo performing Bollywood songs while moving through one of New York City’s busiest streets, turning it into an open-air stage. Unlike traditional baraats, the couple themselves became the centre of the performance, adding a personal touch. The event required official permits and coordination with local authorities. While many praised the creativity and cultural display, others debated the scale and disruption caused in such a high-profile public space.

Salim Dola, a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim, was deported from Turkey to India after his arrest in Istanbul, marking a significant step in tackling transnational drug networks. The 59-year-old, accused of running a global narcotics operation, arrived in Delhi on April 28 and is currently in custody for interrogation by central agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau. Wanted under an Interpol Red Corner Notice, Dola allegedly fled India in 2018 and continued operations across West Asia and Europe. Officials believe his questioning could reveal crucial links within international drug syndicates and strengthen India’s efforts against organised crime.

Donald Trump emphasised the enduring alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom, stating that Americans have “no closer friends than the British” during remarks alongside King Charles III. Highlighting historical ties, Trump referenced a tree planted by Queen Elizabeth II at the White House as a symbol of the relationship’s growth and resilience. He said the tree’s expansion mirrors the strengthening bond between the two nations over centuries since American independence. The remarks come during a high-profile visit underscoring diplomatic, cultural, and strategic cooperation between the long-standing allies on the global stage.

The United States Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on a transnational opioid supply network linked to Sinaloa Cartel, targeting 23 individuals and entities across India, Latin America, and Mexico. Acting through the Office of Foreign Assets Control, officials accused the network of supplying fentanyl precursor chemicals disguised as safe materials. India-based individuals and firms were among those designated, with arrests already made in 2025. The crackdown highlights growing concerns over globalised chemical supply chains fueling synthetic drug production. Sanctions freeze US-linked assets and restrict financial dealings, aiming to disrupt trafficking networks and curb the proliferation of highly lethal opioids worldwide. (PC: iStock)

Iran has banned the export of steel products following airstrikes targeting its industrial infrastructure during the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel. According to local media reports citing customs authorities, the directive came into effect on April 26. The move is aimed at stabilising domestic supply and managing economic disruptions caused by damage to key steel facilities. Iran’s steel sector is a major contributor to its non-oil exports, and the sudden restriction highlights the broader economic fallout of the conflict. The ban could impact regional markets and supply chains already under strain due to escalating geopolitical tensions. (PC: X)