A fire broke out at the Pachpadra refinery in Rajasthan just a day before its planned inauguration by Narendra Modi. The blaze reportedly started in one of the refinery units, triggering emergency response measures. Firefighting teams quickly reached the site and managed to control the situation, preventing major damage. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. The incident has raised safety concerns, and the inauguration event may be delayed pending further assessment and security clearance.

A powerful 7.4–7.7 magnitude earthquake struck off northern Japan’s Sanriku coast on April 20, 2026, prompting immediate tsunami warnings. Authorities warned of waves up to 3 meters, though initial waves measured about 80 cm. Evacuation advisories were issued for over 170,000 residents across affected coastal regions. Transport services, including bullet trains, were temporarily suspended as a precaution. While no major damage or fatalities were reported, some minor injuries occurred. Officials later downgraded warnings to advisories but cautioned about possible aftershocks and a heightened risk of another strong earthquake. (PC: Reuters)

JD Vance has arrived in Islamabad for possible talks with Iran. At the same time, Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel has an “unfinished job” in Iran. Iran has said it may not attend the talks, calling US demands unrealistic. However, some sources say this stance may change. The talks are being planned as a ceasefire nears its end. Key issues include Iran’s nuclear programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Officials say preparations are ongoing, but uncertainty still surrounds whether Iran will join the meeting. (PC: AP, AFP)

Iran has reopened its main airports in Tehran after weeks of war-related closure. Authorities said, “Passenger flights have been authorised” at Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports. The move comes as tensions with the United States and Israel remain high. Iran has also reopened more airports for travel. However, uncertainty continues over peace talks planned in Islamabad. Iran said no final decision has been made on joining talks. Officials say the situation remains tense as the ceasefire nears its end this week.

Donald Trump said a possible deal with Iran could be signed “today” as a US team heads to Islamabad. The delegation includes JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. They are set to hold talks to ease tensions before the ceasefire ends. Trump said he is open to meeting Iranian leaders if progress is made. However, Iran has shown hesitation and said no final decision on talks is taken. Reports also mentioned a US aircraft landing in Pakistan. Officials say there is cautious hope for progress. (PC: Reuters)

The Supreme Court of India has rejected a review petition filed by Umar Khalid seeking bail in the 2020 Delhi riots case. The court said, “We do not find any good ground to review the judgment.” Khalid has been in jail since September 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The court also refused an open hearing. It earlier held there was a prima facie case against him. The judges said long time in jail alone is not enough for bail in such cases. The case is still under trial.

A woman employee at Tata Consultancy Services in Nashik has accused colleagues of sexual harassment. She said, “He would pull my saree and touch me without consent.” The woman also alleged repeated vulgar comments and stalking. Police have arrested eight people and filed several FIRs. She said fear of losing her job stopped her from complaining earlier. The company said it has a zero-tolerance policy and suspended the accused staff. An internal probe panel has been formed. Some accused have denied the charges. Police said the investigation is ongoing and more details are being examined.

Iran said it has "no plans for now" to join the next round of peace talks as the United States sends a delegation to Pakistan led by Vice-President JD Vance. The two-week US-Iran ceasefire is due to end on Wednesday. The talks come after President Donald Trump said US forces seized an Iranian cargo ship trying to cross a naval blockade. Trump said the vessel was warned to stop but did not comply. Iran's military has said it will respond. Iranian media also reported drone attacks on US ships, with no damage confirmed.

A strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit northern Japan on April 20, causing tsunami warnings in several coastal areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that waves up to 3 metres could reach parts of Iwate and Hokkaido. Smaller waves, between 40 and 80 centimetres, were already recorded at ports. The quake struck off the Sanriku coast at around 4:53 pm. Authorities asked people to move to higher ground immediately. Bullet train services in Aomori were briefly stopped. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi formed an emergency task force. Officials are checking for damage as rescue teams remain on alert across affected regions. (PC: Reuters)

A strong 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off northeastern Japan on Monday, triggering tsunami warnings in northern coastal areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of waves up to 3 metres for Hokkaido, Iwate and Aomori. Smaller waves were later recorded in Iwate. Authorities ordered residents in several port towns to leave coastal areas at once. NHK showed ships moving out from Hachinohe port as alerts said, "Tsunami! Evacuate!" Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said an emergency task force had been formed. Bullet train services between Tokyo and Aomori were suspended after the quake. (PC: India Today)