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)

Asha Bhosle, legendary singer known as Asha Tai, passed away on April 12 at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, due to multiple organ failure following a chest infection and exhaustion. Her last rites will be held today at Shivaji Park, Dadar, with full state honours. Son Anand Bhosle said public darshan will take place at Casa Grande, Lower Parel, before cremation at 4 pm, urging fans to avoid overcrowding. Tributes poured in, including A. R. Rahman paying respects. A special Ganga Aarti was held at Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi, as thousands mourn the end of an era. (PC: X)

Donald Trump declared Iran “in bad shape” and “desperate” after 21-hour Islamabad talks failed, asserting Tehran’s military capacity is destroyed and it will neither sell oil nor obtain nuclear weapons. The US will enforce a blockade on all maritime traffic to Iranian ports via the Strait of Hormuz from 7:30 pm IST, while allowing transit to non-Iranian destinations. Iran’s navy chief Shahram Irani dismissed the move as “ridiculous”. Israel is reportedly preparing for conflict escalation. Trump also criticised NATO, questioning its support and hinting at reconsidering US commitments amid rising regional tensions. (PC: NDTV)

Donald Trump announced a US Navy blockade of maritime access to Iranian ports via the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday after talks collapsed. US Central Command said enforcement would target all vessels accessing Iranian ports across the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, while allowing transit to non-Iranian destinations. Trump warned ships paying Iranian “illegal tolls” would be intercepted and threatened retaliation. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned of escalation. The move follows failed 21-hour Islamabad negotiations over nuclear and regional demands. Oil prices surged above $100, markets turned volatile, and a fragile ceasefire faces uncertainty amid continued diplomatic efforts.(PC: AP)

Donald Trump signalled indifference toward Iran returning to talks after ceasefire negotiations in Pakistan ended without agreement, asserting Tehran’s military, missile stockpiles and production capacity have been largely weakened. He accused Iran of breaking its promise to open the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a planned US naval blockade targeting vessels linked to Iranian ports while allowing others transit. The strait, handling about 20% of global oil, saw prices surge past $100 per barrel. Iran warned of forceful retaliation. Talks stalled over nuclear and regional demands. Trump also criticised NATO, questioning alliance support and costs amid escalating tensions. (PC: AFP)

A major concern emerged during the IPL 2026 clash between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, as both stars suffered injury scares. Kohli, after scoring a half-century for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, did not return to the field in the second innings due to an apparent ankle issue. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, leading Mumbai Indians’ chase, retired hurt after struggling with a suspected hamstring injury. Indian Premier League officials and team management are monitoring both players closely, raising concerns over their fitness ahead of upcoming matches. (PC: PTI)

Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle has passed away at the age of 92, marking the end of an era in Indian music. She died in Mumbai after battling health issues, including exhaustion and a chest infection. Renowned for recording over 12,000 songs across multiple languages, Bhosle shaped Bollywood music for decades with her versatility and timeless voice. Beyond music, she built a successful international restaurant chain, “Asha’s,” inspired by her passion for cooking, with outlets in the UK and Middle East. Tributes have poured in from across India and the world, celebrating her unmatched legacy. (PC: India Today)

Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for civilian and commercial shipping under its supervision, even as regional tensions persist. However, Tehran issued a stern warning that any military vessels entering the strategic waterway would be treated as a violation of the ongoing ceasefire and could face a “strong and decisive” response. The statement comes amid heightened tensions following failed US-Iran talks and threats of a US naval blockade. While limited maritime traffic is allowed, strict controls and security risks continue to disrupt global shipping and energy flows through the crucial oil route. (PC: X)

Iran has announced plans to restore the majority of its damaged oil refining and distribution capacity within one to two months following recent attacks on its energy infrastructure. According to a senior oil ministry official, repair work is already underway, with authorities aiming to bring facilities back to 70–80% of pre-attack levels. Part of the Lavan refinery is expected to resume operations within about 10 days, while other units will gradually come back online. The move comes amid ongoing conflict that has severely disrupted Iran’s energy sector, highlighting urgent efforts to stabilise domestic supply and global oil markets. (PC: Reuters)