Iranian forces opened fire on three container ships near the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions. One vessel, Epaminondas, was signalling Gujarat’s Mundra port as its destination. Another ship was headed to Sri Lanka, while a third was bound for Saudi Arabia. Two vessels were taken into custody by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while one remained stranded. The incident follows US action against Iranian tankers during a naval blockade. Iran has called the blockade “armed piracy.” The attacks come despite a ceasefire announced by Donald Trump remaining in place. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has allowed blending of ethanol and synthetic hydrocarbons in aviation turbine fuel. The move comes through changes to the ATF marketing rules. The new definition now includes blends with man-made fuels under set standards. Officials said the step aims to reduce oil imports and cut emissions. No mandatory blending target has been set yet. Aviation fuel is mainly made from crude oil. India plans to introduce small amounts of sustainable aviation fuel in international flights in the coming years as part of its clean energy push. (PC: HT)

Donald Trump said “good news” on talks with Iran could come by Friday, raising hopes of fresh negotiations. A report said discussions may resume within 36 to 72 hours. Trump replied, “It’s possible!” when asked about a breakthrough. However, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency denied any plan for talks and said, “Iran currently has no decision to negotiate.” The comments come after the US extended its ceasefire with Iran. Trump said the pause was at the request of Pakistan’s leadership to allow time for a unified proposal from Tehran. (PC: NDTV)

At least 34 tankers linked to Iran crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite a US naval blockade, a report said. Of these, 19 ships left the Gulf, while 15 entered from the Arabian Sea. Six tankers were carrying about 10.7 million barrels of Iranian crude oil. The cargo is estimated to be worth over $900 million. One tanker, Dorena, reportedly turned off its tracking system while passing through. The US said it had turned back 28 vessels since the blockade began on April 13. Iran said ships now need permission to pass through the strait.

4 Indian tourists were accused of taking hotel items from a resort in Bali. The incident happened at Asvara Resort Ubud during checkout on April 19. Hotel staff checked their luggage after noticing missing items from the rooms. Reports said towels, robes, a hair dryer, dining utensils, a doormat, and a TV remote box were found inside the bags. A video of the incident was shared on social media and drew criticism online. Police said no formal complaint was filed. The matter was settled between the hotel and the guests after all items were returned.

Mamata Banerjee’s Lakshmir Bhandar scheme remains a key issue in north Bengal before voting. Many women said the monthly aid helps daily needs. “We trust Mamata because she has already given it,” one worker said. The Bharatiya Janata Party has promised ₹3,000 per month, but some voters doubt delivery. At the same time, TMC claims that BJP may ban fish and meat have sparked debate. Some residents fear change in food habits, while others reject the claim. Views remain divided across areas like Siliguri and Jalpaiguri ahead of polling. (PC: HT)

The European Union has given initial approval to a €90 billion loan for Ukraine after oil flow resumed through the Druzhba pipeline. Supplies to Hungary and Slovakia had stopped in January after damage blamed on Russian attacks. Ukraine said repairs were completed and pumping restarted. Hungary’s outgoing leader Viktor Orbán had blocked the loan earlier, demanding oil flow resume. EU officials said the loan is key support for Kyiv. Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky said there are now “no grounds for blocking it.” Final approval is expected soon. (PC: BBC)

The Election Commission of India has issued a notice to Mallikarjun Kharge over his “terrorist” remark about Narendra Modi. The action came after a BJP delegation, including Nirmala Sitharaman, Kiren Rijiju and Arjun Ram Meghwal, met the poll panel and raised a complaint. The EC said the remark may violate election rules and asked Kharge to reply within 24 hours. Kharge later said he meant Modi was “terrorising people and political parties.” He also denied calling the Prime Minister a terrorist. (PC: NDTV)

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it seized two ships near the Strait of Hormuz for breaking maritime rules. One vessel, EPAMINONDAS, was heading to Gujarat in India. The IRGC said the ships operated without permits and “tampered with navigation systems.” It added that such actions “endangered maritime security.” The second ship was bound for Sri Lanka. Iran said disruption in the strait is a “red line.” The incident comes amid tensions with the US, even as Donald Trump announced an extended ceasefire. Tehran has warned it will act against any violations in the key shipping route. (PC: X)

The Election Commission has told hotels in Bengal’s coastal areas not to host non-local visitors before polling. The order applies from April 21 evening till voting ends on April 23. It has been strictly enforced in Digha and Mandarmani. Officials said the move aims to stop “outsiders” from entering as tourists and causing unrest. Police used announcements to ask tourists to leave and warned of checks. Hotels said such orders were seen earlier but never enforced so tightly. The directive, along with curbs on bikes and confusion over a longer liquor ban, has triggered political tension in the state. (PC: India Today)