India and the United States began a new round of trade talks in Washington on Monday. The three-day meeting aims to complete the first phase of a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement. A 12-member Indian team led by chief negotiator Darpan Jain is holding talks with US officials. The discussions come after changes in the US tariff system. Washington introduced a temporary 10% tariff on imports from all countries. Indian officials said the deal may be “recalibrated and redrafted” so India is not placed at a disadvantage. India is also expected to raise concerns over two US trade probes under Section 301. (PC: HT)

A new video showed United States Marines boarding the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska in the Arabian Sea. The operation came after the vessel ignored warnings for six hours, according to US Central Command. The guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance disabled the ship’s propulsion before Marines rappelled from helicopters and took control. US President Donald Trump said American forces now have full custody of the vessel and are inspecting its cargo. He also said the ship was under US Treasury sanctions. Iran said the vessel was travelling from China. An Iranian military spokesperson called the action “armed piracy” and warned of retaliation. (PC: India Today)

Iran has claimed it launched drone attacks targeting US military ships in the Sea of Oman after American forces seized an Iranian cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran described the strikes as retaliation for what it called an “illegal” seizure and violation of a fragile ceasefire. While Iran said its drones targeted US naval assets, details on damage or casualties remain unclear. The escalation has significantly heightened tensions in the region, raising fears of renewed conflict and disruption to global shipping routes, as diplomatic efforts between the two sides continue to deteriorate. (PC: Reuters)

The United Arab Emirates has approached the United States for a potential dollar swap line as a financial safeguard amid the ongoing Iran war. The move aims to secure emergency access to US dollars in case economic conditions worsen due to disrupted oil exports and regional instability. The conflict has damaged energy infrastructure and restricted tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil trade, raising fears of reduced revenue and liquidity shortages. While discussions remain preliminary, the request highlights growing concerns over financial stability in the Gulf as geopolitical tensions continue to threaten global energy markets. (PC: AFP)

In a shocking incident in Kanpur, a 48-year-old man allegedly murdered his 11-year-old twin daughters at his residence in the early hours of Sunday. Police said he sedated the girls by mixing sleeping pills in their food before slitting their throats. The crime came to light when the accused himself called the police control room around 4:30 am and confessed. He has been arrested, and investigations are underway.Preliminary reports suggest family disputes and suspicion over his wife’s fidelity as possible motives, shocking the local community and raising concerns over domestic violence. (PC: The Times of India)

A horrific mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, left eight children dead in what authorities described as a domestic violence incident. The gunman, identified as Shamar Elkins, killed seven of his own children and another minor, with victims aged between one and 14. Two women, including the children’s mother, were critically injured. The attack unfolded across multiple locations before the suspect fled, carjacked a vehicle, and was later shot dead by police during a chase. Officials called it one of the deadliest US mass shootings in recent years, reigniting concerns over domestic violence and gun control. (PC: AP)

Iran has accused the United States of “bullying behaviour” following the seizure of its cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz, escalating diplomatic tensions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone call with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, discussing the crisis and ongoing regional instability. Tehran criticised Washington’s actions as provocative and inconsistent with diplomatic efforts, especially amid a fragile ceasefire. Pakistan reiterated its support for dialogue and mediation between the two nations. The incident has further strained peace talks, raised fears of retaliation, and increased uncertainty in the already volatile Middle East region. (PC: HT)

Iran has accused the United States of violating an existing ceasefire after US forces seized an Iranian cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran described the action as “armed piracy,” claiming the vessel was attacked, disabled, and boarded by US troops. Iran’s military warned that it would retaliate “soon,” escalating tensions in an already fragile truce. The US, however, stated the ship was intercepted after ignoring repeated warnings and attempting to breach a naval blockade. The incident has further strained diplomatic efforts, raising fears of renewed conflict and instability in the strategically vital region. (PC: India Today)

Fresh violence has intensified in Manipur, leaving at least five people dead since April 7, including two children, with no arrests made so far. The killings have triggered protests and heightened tensions, especially in sensitive districts like Bishnupur and Imphal. Residents have taken to the streets demanding justice and stronger action against perpetrators. Authorities have increased security presence, but the lack of arrests has raised concerns over law enforcement effectiveness. The incidents are part of the ongoing ethnic conflict that has repeatedly disrupted peace in the state, keeping the situation volatile and unpredictable. (PC: PTI)

Iran has refused to participate in a proposed second round of talks with the United States, accusing Washington of making “excessive demands” and engaging in a blame campaign. Tehran said inconsistent US positions, continued military pressure, and a naval blockade have made meaningful negotiations impossible. The talks, expected after an earlier failed round, were aimed at easing tensions and extending a fragile ceasefire. However, Iran dismissed reports of renewed dialogue as false, stressing that the current hostile environment prevents progress. The breakdown has further escalated tensions, with both sides exchanging threats and the regional situation remaining volatile. (PC: NDTV)