Iran has accused the United States of “piracy at sea and state terrorism” after US forces seized Iranian-linked vessels, intensifying tensions ahead of the ceasefire deadline. Iranian officials said no final decision has been made on attending peace talks in Pakistan, citing the naval blockade and tanker interception as key concerns. The US confirmed boarding the sanctioned tanker Tifani near Sri Lanka, calling it part of global enforcement efforts. Donald Trump signalled no ceasefire extension and warned of possible military action, while mediation efforts continue amid fragile diplomacy. (PC: India Today)

Board of Control for Cricket in India is considering resting key players like Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah for the one-off Test against Afghanistan starting June 6 in Mullanpur, just six days after IPL 2026 ends. The move aims to manage workload ahead of crucial ODI assignments and upcoming World Test Championship fixtures, especially since the Afghanistan Test carries no WTC points. Emerging players such as Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, and Manav Suthar are likely to get debut opportunities after strong domestic performances. Final selection may depend on IPL playoff participation of senior players. (PC: PTI)

Pakistani Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan is still awaiting a formal response from Iran on participation in the next round of talks with the United States in Islamabad. Tarar emphasised Pakistan’s continued diplomatic engagement and mediation efforts, stating it remains in constant contact with Iranian officials. He noted that Iran’s decision is critical as the two-week ceasefire is set to expire at 4:50 am PST on April 22. Pakistan has been actively urging Tehran to join the second round of negotiations, highlighting the urgency of dialogue before the fragile ceasefire window closes. (PC: X)

The Israel Defense Forces said two soldiers will face 30 days’ detention and removal from combat duty after vandalising a statue of Jesus in Debel, southern Lebanon. The soldier who struck the statue and another who filmed the act were punished following an inquiry that found their conduct violated military values. Six additional soldiers present will face separate action. The incident, widely shared online, drew condemnation, with Benjamin Netanyahu expressing shock. The IDF apologised and replaced the damaged statue in coordination with locals, stressing operations target Hezbollah, not civilians, amid ongoing ceasefire tensions.

Mohammad Shethwala, who lost his wife and two-year-old daughter in the 2025 Air India Flight 171 crash, has been ordered to leave the United Kingdom by April 22 or face deportation. Living in Britain on a dependent visa, Shethwala was placed on immigration bail after the UK Home Office rejected his request for Further Leave to Remain on compassionate and humanitarian grounds. The decision has sparked criticism, given his personal loss in the crash that killed 260 people. The case highlights tensions between immigration policy enforcement and humanitarian considerations in exceptional circumstances. (PC: X)

The United States conducted a maritime interdiction operation on a “stateless” sanctioned tanker, M/T Tifani, in the Indo-Pacific, completing a right-of-visit boarding without incident. The Pentagon said the action targeted illicit networks allegedly supporting Iran, stressing that international waters are not a refuge for sanctioned vessels. The tanker was tracked in the Indian Ocean between Sri Lanka and Indonesia, though cargo and crew details remain undisclosed. The move comes amid heightened tensions, with Washington maintaining a naval blockade while Iran signalled defiance, including reports of another tanker successfully reaching its waters despite US warnings.

Donald Trump said the United States is fully prepared for military action against Iran if negotiations fail, while maintaining optimism for a potential agreement. Speaking as the ceasefire deadline approaches, Trump ruled out extending the truce, indicating a hardening stance. He defended the US blockade of Iranian ports as effective leverage in talks, despite Tehran’s objections calling it destabilising. The expiring two-week ceasefire had paused weeks of conflict, but mutual accusations of violations have weakened prospects for continuation. With diplomacy uncertain and pressure tactics intensifying, the risk of renewed confrontation is rising amid fragile negotiations and heightened tensions. (PC: X)

The Government of India may soon introduce E85 fuel, a mix of 85% ethanol and 15% petrol. An official said, “Draft rules will be notified very soon.” The fuel will be separate from E20, which is already in use. E85 aims to cut oil imports and use crops like sugarcane and maize. However, new engines will be needed, as regular cars cannot use E85 safely. Fuel stations will also need new systems. The plan follows rising global oil concerns and aims to boost clean energy and support farmers. Rollout may take a few years. (PC: Reuters)

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.

32-year-old man pleaded guilty to the religiously aggravated rape and assault of a Sikh woman at Birmingham Crown Court. The accused, John Ashby, admitted the crime in Walsall. Prosecutors said he followed the woman from a bus to her home last October. He attacked her with a stick and used abusive language. The victim told police she was assaulted inside her home. The case was adjourned for sentencing. The judge warned that a life sentence is being considered. The incident has raised concerns over hate crimes and violence against women in the United Kingdom.