The Indian rupee weakened by 24 paise to 94.39 against the US dollar in early trade, pressured by rising crude oil prices and increased month-end dollar demand. Forex traders noted that Brent crude hovering near $109 per barrel is adding strain on India’s external position, as higher oil import costs widen the trade deficit. A broader global shift toward safe-haven assets has further boosted the dollar, limiting the rupee’s recovery. Market experts describe the currency as being at a “crossroads,” lacking strong momentum in either direction. The near-term outlook remains cautious, with global commodity trends and capital flows expected to guide further movement. (PC: Reuters)

South Korea has overtaken the United Kingdom to become the world’s eighth-largest stock market, driven by a strong rally in artificial intelligence-linked chipmakers like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Korea’s market capitalisation has surged over 45% this year to $4.04 trillion, surpassing the UK’s $3.99 trillion. The rise reflects global investor focus on AI supply chains, with chip giants dominating benchmark indices. Pro-market reforms under President Lee Jae Myung have also supported gains. The shift mirrors Taiwan’s surge and signals a structural rebalancing of global equities toward AI-driven Asian markets. (PC: CNBC)

Salim Dola, a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim, has been deported to India after being detained in Turkey. He arrived in Delhi on a special flight following a coordinated operation involving Indian intelligence and international agencies, acting on an Interpol red corner notice issued at India’s request. Dola is currently being questioned and is expected to be handed over to Mumbai Police, where he is a key accused in a major synthetic drugs case. Investigators allege he ran a large narcotics network from abroad after fleeing India in 2018 using a UAE passport under a false identity. (PC: India Today)

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in Washington for a historic state visit marking 250 years of American independence and reaffirming US-UK ties. Welcomed at Joint Base Andrews, the royals are scheduled to meet Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House for tea. The visit includes ceremonial engagements and a garden party at the British ambassador’s residence, continuing a tradition dating back to 1939. During their stay, the royals also toured White House grounds, including a beehive installation. The visit underscores enduring diplomatic relations and follows Trump’s recent state visit to Britain last year.

Peace talks between the United States and Iran remain deadlocked, with Donald Trump expressing dissatisfaction over Tehran’s latest proposal to end the war. The plan suggests reopening the Strait of Hormuz while postponing nuclear negotiations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the proposal as better than expected, but concerns persist in Washington. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blamed the US for the failure of earlier talks, citing excessive demands. Discussions continue behind the scenes, even as tensions escalate regionally, including renewed violence in Lebanon. The ongoing stalemate highlights deep mistrust and complicates efforts to secure a comprehensive diplomatic resolution. (PC: X)

Despite a US-led blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, oil and LPG tankers continue reaching India, exposing limits of maritime enforcement. Ships, including Indian-linked vessels, have navigated via routes hugging Iranian territorial waters or exiting near Chabahar before entering international waters toward Mumbai. Another speculated path runs along Pakistan’s Makran coast, though experts consider it risky due to political tensions. Under maritime law, foreign vessels enjoy “innocent passage” in territorial waters, restricting US intervention. Analysts say the blockade mainly targets Iran-linked traffic, while neutral ships face fewer constraints. Indian naval coordination and diplomatic clearances further ensure safe transit, maintaining energy flows amid heightened regional tensions. (PC: X)

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in the United States for a four-day state visit. They landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and were welcomed with flowers and military honours. The royal couple will stay at Blair House and meet Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the White House. Officials hope the visit will help improve UK-US ties. It is King Charles’s first US visit as monarch and the first British royal state visit since 2007. (PC: Reuters)

At least seven people were killed and 75 injured after strikes in Afghanistan’s Kunar province, according to Taliban officials and local sources. They said students and a professor at Kunar University were among the wounded. Taliban officials said 30 injured were students. Pakistan denied carrying out any strike on the university or homes nearby and called the claims false. Afghanistan’s higher education ministry said buildings suffered heavy damage. Taliban spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat called the attack a “brutal war crime”. The incident may worsen tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan again. (PC: EPA)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his Bengal election campaign with an open letter in Bangla to voters. He thanked people for their support during rallies and roadshows. Modi said the youth, women, farmers and workers want a “Developed Bengal”. He added, “Now is the time for change.” Modi also said, “Serving Bengal is my duty,” and promised safety and progress for the state. He urged people to support the Bharatiya Janata Party. Voting for the final phase will be held on April 29, with counting on May 4.

A man accused of attacking security at a Washington dinner attended by Donald Trump has been charged with trying to assassinate the president. Officials said Cole Tomas Allen, 31, shot a Secret Service agent during the attempted breach. He also faces firearms charges. Allen appeared in federal court wearing a prison jumpsuit. He said he would answer questions truthfully and mentioned he has a master’s degree in computer science. Prosecutors asked the court to keep him in custody while the case continues.