Talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad failed after key disagreements. Iran said a call from Benjamin Netanyahu to JD Vance changed the course of negotiations. Iranian officials claimed the call shifted focus and stalled progress. The US said Iran rejected its “final and best offer”. Issues included nuclear activity, frozen assets, and security in the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions remain high, and the fragile ceasefire is now uncertain. Both sides have signalled they may continue diplomatic efforts. (PC: AFP)

The Indian vessel Jag Vikram is set to cross the Strait of Hormuz and is being escorted towards India. It will be the ninth Indian ship to pass through the route. The tanker carries LPG and has 24 Indian crew members onboard. Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the update. The movement follows a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Tensions remain after failed talks and a US blockade warning. Around 15 Indian vessels are still waiting for safe passage. (PC: AP)

Oil prices rose above $100 a barrel after the United States said it will blockade Iranian ports. Donald Trump announced the move after talks with Iran failed. Brent crude reached $102, while US oil crossed $104. The Strait of Hormuz remains tense, as shipments stay disrupted. About one-fifth of global oil passes through this route. Analysts said prices may stay high if conflict continues. Asian markets also fell due to uncertainty. Iran warned it will not accept threats, raising fears of further escalation in the region. (PC: Reuters)

Elon Musk said his second Covid-19 shot “felt like I was dying” and nearly sent him to hospital. He shared a video of Helmut Sterz, who claimed vaccines “should never have been approved”. Sterz said deaths could be higher than reported. However, experts said these numbers are not proven and come from estimates, not studies. Officials in Germany rejected the claims as “false”. Health agencies said reported deaths after vaccines do not mean they were caused by them. Scientists added that serious side effects are rare and vaccines helped reduce deaths during the pandemic. (PC: Reuters, Pfizer)

Tensions rose in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran warned a US warship to turn back. Iranian forces told the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. to “alter course” and “go back”, adding it would be “targeted” if it did not comply. The US said its ships were on a legal mission to clear mines and ensure safe passage. Iran claimed the vessels retreated after a “last warning”. The incident comes after failed talks between the United States and Iran, increasing fears of further conflict.

Violence broke out in Noida as workers protesting for higher wages turned aggressive. Groups blocked roads and set vehicles on fire in Phase 2 areas. Police used “mild force” to control the crowd and calm tensions. The protest caused huge traffic jams on the DND Flyway, leaving commuters stranded for hours. Authorities said agitators “completely blocked” the Noida Link Road near Chilla Border. Officials are now holding talks with workers and have increased security. A control room and helpline numbers have also been set up to address workers’ complaints.

The Indian National Congress has raised concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise linked to changes in the Women’s Reservation Act. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge said it may have serious consequences and needs careful discussion. Rahul Gandhi warned that increasing seats could widen the gap between north and south India. Some leaders still support women’s reservation. The Centre plans to introduce related bills in Parliament on April 16. The Congress said it will consult opposition parties and decide a united strategy. (PC: INC India website)

The Indian rupee weakened sharply by 49 paise to 93.32 against the US dollar in early trade, pressured by surging crude oil prices and a stronger American currency amid escalating geopolitical tensions. The dollar index rose 0.38% to 98.81, reflecting global demand for the greenback. Uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz after inconclusive US-Iran talks drove oil prices higher, intensifying inflation concerns. Additionally, foreign fund outflows from domestic equities added downward pressure on the currency. Forex traders cited heightened volatility, risk aversion, and energy market disruptions as key factors behind the rupee’s decline in early trading hours. (PC: Reuters)

Benjamin Netanyahu’s phone call to JD Vance during Islamabad negotiations disrupted momentum in US-Iran ceasefire talks, according to Iran. Tehran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the call shifted focus toward Israeli priorities, stalling progress. The US maintained talks failed after Iran rejected its “final and best offer,” while Donald Trump blamed Iran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear programme. Disputes over nuclear activities, frozen assets, and the Strait of Hormuz remained unresolved. Deep mistrust and recent hostilities further hindered agreement, leaving the fragile ceasefire uncertain despite signals both sides remain open to future diplomacy. (PC: X)

India’s equity markets opened sharply lower after US-Iran talks collapsed, triggering a surge in crude oil prices above $100 per barrel. The BSE Sensex fell 1,613.09 points (2.08%) to 75,937.20, while the Nifty 50 declined 1.92% to 23,589. The Nifty Bank dropped 2.27%, reflecting broad-based selling pressure across sectors. The sharp market reaction underscores investor concerns over geopolitical instability and rising energy costs impacting inflation and economic outlook. Elevated crude prices and global uncertainty weighed heavily on sentiment, driving volatility in equities, currency movements, and broader financial markets during early trading hours. (PC: X)