China has criticised the US blockade of Iranian ports, calling it “irresponsible and dangerous”. Beijing said the move could harm the fragile ceasefire and risk ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade began after talks between the US and Iran failed in Pakistan. Donald Trump said it aims to pressure Iran over its nuclear programme. China warned the action could affect global trade and its oil supply. It urged all sides to respect the ceasefire and return to talks. Meanwhile, Iran called the blockade a violation of its sovereignty and warned of rising tensions. (PC: Reuters)

The government has proposed increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 seats. A draft bill has been shared with MPs. The move will support a 33 per cent reservation for women and a new delimitation process. The changes are likely to take effect from the 2029 elections. Under the plan, 815 seats will go to states and 35 to Union Territories. Opposition parties have raised concerns over using 2011 Census data. They are seeking more clarity on the bill and reservation details before supporting the amendments.

Narendra Modi and Donald Trump held a 40-minute phone call on Tuesday as the West Asia conflict remains in a stalemate. This was their third call this year. The leaders discussed the ongoing tensions after failed talks in Islamabad. India stressed the need for peace and de-escalation. Modi also highlighted the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure. The conflict began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. A temporary truce is in place until April 22. Talks between the US and Iran may resume soon. (PC: HT)

At least 10 workers died and over 30 were injured after a blast at a Vedanta Limited power plant in Chhattisgarh. The incident happened in Sakti district on Tuesday afternoon. Officials said a pipeline carrying hot water burst, causing severe burns. Four workers died on the spot, while others died in hospital. Many injured remain critical. They are being treated in Raigarh hospitals. Rescue operations are over, and all workers have been evacuated. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai ordered a probe. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the explosion.

At least two ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz despite a US blockade, data showed. The ships, Christianna and Elpis, left Iranian ports and crossed the strait on Monday. Another tanker also used an approved route near Larak Island. The blockade was ordered by Donald Trump after failed talks with Iran. It began at 1400 GMT. The US said it would stop ships linked to Iran. Experts say enforcing the blockade will be difficult. The move could affect global supply of oil, food, and fertiliser, raising concerns about prices and trade disruptions.

The United States and Iran may hold another round of talks later this week or early next week in Islamabad. Officials from both sides have shown cautious interest, though no date is fixed. The earlier talks, held after 47 years, ended without progress. Soon after, Donald Trump ordered a blockade of Iranian ports, raising tensions. Iran said it is open to talks if there are no unfair demands. Pakistani officials, led by Shehbaz Sharif, are helping both sides coordinate. The next talks could be key to easing conflict.

India has resumed imports of Iranian crude for the first time in seven years, following a temporary waiver from the United States. Two tankers carrying oil from Iran have reached Indian ports, including the Iran-flagged Felicity at Sikka and the Curacao-flagged Jaya at Odisha. The shipments mark the first such delivery since May 2019, when US sanctions halted trade. The waiver, set to expire on April 19, has enabled refiners like Indian Oil Corporation and Reliance Industries to procure Iranian oil. The move reflects shifting energy dynamics amid global supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Britain’s Chancellor Rachel Reeves has sharply criticised the United States over the economic fallout of the Iran war, saying she is “very frustrated and angry” as UK families bear the brunt. Speaking about policies under Donald Trump, Reeves called the strategy a “folly” due to the lack of a clear exit plan. She highlighted that gas prices have surged בעקבות disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that previously carried about 20% of the world’s oil. The closure, following US-Israel strikes on Iran, has intensified global energy pressures. (PC: X)

S. Jaishankar and Israel Katz held discussions on escalating regional tensions, focusing on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and the situation in Lebanon. The Israeli side stressed the need for a firm United States stance in negotiations to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, including restrictions on uranium enrichment and removal of existing stockpiles. Concerns were also raised over threats to maritime security in Hormuz, with emphasis on ensuring safe navigation for India and Gulf nations. The dialogue highlights growing diplomatic coordination amid rising geopolitical tensions and risks to global energy supply routes.

The United States and Iran are considering a fresh round of talks later this week after 21 hours of negotiations in Islamabad ended without a deal. With a fragile ceasefire set to expire on April 21, both sides are weighing new in-person discussions, potentially on Thursday, with Geneva and Islamabad as possible venues. Donald Trump signalled openness to talks if Tehran shows flexibility, while JD Vance noted partial progress. Key sticking points include Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions, and control of the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: X)