The crisis in West Asia and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will be key issues at India’s Heads of Mission conference in New Delhi next week. Narendra Modi will address envoys on April 30. Officials said the meeting will review economic and security impacts of the conflict. S Jaishankar and Ajit Doval will also speak. The blockade has slowed oil and cargo movement through the route. “Focus will be on global shifts and regional impact,” a source said. Diplomats will discuss India’s strategy and outreach. (PC: HT)

In the Delhi IRS officer’s daughter murder case, police said the accused entered the victim’s room by climbing a wall and breaking the roof in New Delhi. He first knocked and claimed her father had sent something. When she did not open, he entered through the bathroom. Police said he demanded money and tried to stop her from calling for help. “She resisted and fought back,” a source said, adding she bit him during the assault. He later dragged her to another room and tried to open a locker. The accused has been arrested. Probe is ongoing. (PC: The Indian Express)

Donald Trump said he will not use nuclear weapons in the conflict with Iran but warned Tehran to act fast on a deal. “The clock is ticking,” he said. Trump claimed Iran was already “decimated” through conventional attacks. He also ordered the US Navy to destroy any Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the USS George H W Bush reached the region, taking the number of US carriers there to three. Reports of blasts over Tehran have raised concerns about the fragile ceasefire. (PC: NDTV)

The United States boarded a vessel carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean as part of its naval blockade, the US Department of Defense said. The ship, M/T Majestic X, was intercepted during a “maritime interdiction.” President Donald Trump warned that US forces would “shoot and kill” boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Officials said 33 vessels have been ordered back under the blockade. Iran called earlier actions “piracy.” Trump said the blockade is “100% effective” and added, “the clock is ticking” for a deal. Iran said it cannot reopen the strait under current conditions. (PC: BBC)

A probe by The Telegraph found rental ads in London seeking tenants based on religion. Listings on social media used phrases like “Muslims only” and “Hindus only.” Such ads violate the Equality Act 2010, which bans bias in housing. A firm named Roshan Properties posted several such listings before its page was removed. One landlord reportedly refused non-Muslim tenants. The law allows limited exceptions in shared homes. Gumtree said it has strict rules against discrimination and expects users to follow them. (PC: India Today)

France has removed the airport transit visa requirement for Indian passport holders passing through its airports. The rule took effect on April 10, 2026, and was confirmed by the French Embassy. It applies only to travellers who stay in the international transit area and do not enter the country. The embassy said the move followed a commitment by President Emmanuel Macron during his India visit in February. The updated rule has been added to official visa systems. France joins Germany in easing transit rules, aiming to simplify travel and reduce costs for Indian passengers using European hubs. (PC: NDTV)

The United States will allow Iran’s players to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup but will restrict some accompanying members, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. Standing with President Donald Trump, Rubio said, “The problem with Iran would be not their athletes.” He added that individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may not be allowed entry. “They can't bring a bunch of IRGC terrorists… and pretend that they are journalists,” he said. Trump said the US does not want to affect athletes. The tournament will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada from June 11. (PC: HT)

The war ordered by Donald Trump has sharply reduced US stocks of high-end weapons, raising concerns about future readiness. Around 1,100 JASSM-ER missiles and over 1,000 Tomahawks were used, far above yearly production. More than 1,200 Patriot interceptors were also fired. Officials said rebuilding supplies may take years. The Pentagon diverted weapons from Europe and Asia, affecting NATO’s eastern flank and Indo-Pacific deployments. Admiral Samuel Paparo said there are “finite limits to the magazine.” Estimates place total war costs between $28 billion and $35 billion, with nearly $1 billion spent daily. (PC: India Today)

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar hailed voters in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu after both states recorded their highest-ever turnout since Independence during the 2026 Assembly elections. West Bengal witnessed over 91% participation in Phase 1, while Tamil Nadu recorded around 84–85% turnout, reflecting strong democratic engagement. The Election Commission credited tight security and smooth polling arrangements for the high participation. Kumar praised citizens for actively contributing to the electoral process, calling it a major milestone for Indian democracy. The record turnout highlights rising political awareness and public enthusiasm despite isolated incidents of violence in some areas. (PC: PTI)

Chennai Super Kings delivered a dominant performance to thrash Mumbai Indians by 103 runs at Wankhede Stadium in IPL 2026. Sanju Samson starred with a शानदार unbeaten 101, guiding CSK to 207/6. In response, MI collapsed to just 104, with Akeal Hosein and CSK spinners dismantling the batting lineup. The match marked a historic moment as MS Dhoni missed the game. CSK’s all-round brilliance highlighted their strong form, while MI suffered one of their heaviest defeats in IPL history. (PC: PTI)