Israel carried out air strikes in southern Lebanon hours after the US-Iran ceasefire. Attacks hit areas like Tyre and Nabatieh. Israel said the deal does not apply to Lebanon. Fighting with Hezbollah continues. More than 1,500 people have been killed in the conflict. Over 1.2 million people have been displaced. Many villages near the border have been destroyed. Hezbollah has paused attacks but warned people not to return yet. Lebanon’s government said it will try to include the country in peace efforts. The situation remains tense as military operations continue despite the wider ceasefire in the region. (PC: Mohammad Abushama / Anadolu via Getty Images)

Parts of the UK will see temperatures reach 26°C, making it one of the warmest early April spells in years. Southeast and central England will be the hottest areas. The weather is warmer than some European cities like Rome and Barcelona. The Met Office said recent days have already seen record heat. However, the warm spell will not last long. Cooler winds are expected from Thursday, bringing temperatures down by around 10°C. Rain may also return later in the week. Forecasters have warned of high UV and pollen levels during the warm period across most regions. (PC: PA)

The Reserve Bank of India has kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%. This means EMIs for home, car and personal loans will stay the same. The decision was taken by the Monetary Policy Committee in its April meeting. The RBI kept a neutral stance to balance growth and inflation. India’s GDP is expected to slow to 6.9% in 2026–27. Inflation is projected at 4.6%. However, rising fuel and LPG prices may increase household expenses. Global tensions have added pressure on energy costs. Despite this, India’s foreign reserves remain strong. Stock markets also reacted positively after the announcement. (PC: Reuters)

The Election Commission has warned the Trinamool Congress to ensure peaceful elections in West Bengal. It said polls must be free from fear, violence and intimidation. The EC also warned against booth capturing and jamming. The message was shared as “straight-talk” on social media. TMC leaders criticised the warning and accused the EC of bias. The party also raised concerns over voter deletions and officer transfers. Past elections in the state have seen high levels of violence. Voting will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Results are scheduled to be announced on May 4. (PC: PTI)

US President Donald Trump has warned that countries supplying weapons to Iran will face 50% tariffs on goods entering the US. He said there will be “no uranium enrichment” in Iran going forward. Trump also claimed Iran has gone through a “productive regime change.” He said the US will work closely with Iran and hold talks on tariff cuts and sanctions relief. He added that parts of a 15-point deal are already agreed. Trump said Iran’s nuclear sites are under strict monitoring. Iran, however, has denied direct talks and questioned US intentions.

An oil refinery in Iran was hit hours after a ceasefire between the US and Iran began. The attack took place on Lavan Island. Iranian officials called it an “enemy attack.” No casualties were reported. Fire teams were sent to control the blaze. Satellite images also showed fire at the site. Despite the ceasefire, attacks were reported in Kuwait and the UAE. The truce was agreed to stop further escalation. US President Donald Trump said it was a “complete victory.” Iran had agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, fresh attacks have raised concerns about the ceasefire holding.

A US court has allowed a pre-motion hearing in the SEC case against the Adani Group. Billionaire Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani have sought dismissal of the lawsuit. The case is linked to a 2021 bond issue by Adani Green Energy. The SEC alleges securities fraud and claims investors were misled. The Adanis denied the charges and said the US court has no jurisdiction. They argued the deal took place outside the US and involved no wrongdoing. They also said there is no proof of bribery. The court will now hold a hearing to decide if the case should move forward. (PC: Reuters)

A ship has passed through the Strait of Hormuz hours after a ceasefire between the US and Iran. The vessel, likely an energy tanker, marked the first movement after weeks of tension. The strait is key for global oil trade. Over 800 ships were earlier stuck due to the conflict. The ceasefire came after last-minute talks between both sides. Iran had controlled the route during the war, affecting global supply. Reports say Iran and Oman may charge fees for ships. Officials said passage will be allowed under Iranian oversight. The move signals a slow return to normal shipping activity in the region.

An aide to Iran’s Supreme Leader has claimed that Iran “won the war” against the United States. In an interview, Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi said US President Donald Trump “surrendered” and accepted Iran’s ceasefire terms. He also dismissed rumours about Mojtaba Khamenei’s health. He said Mojtaba is “supervising everything.” The remarks came as the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire after weeks of fighting. The conflict has reportedly killed over 2,000 people. The aide’s statement highlights Iran’s position following the truce. Officials have not shared further details on Mojtba’s exact role.

Iran has warned it may attack Tel Aviv if firing in southern Lebanon does not stop. The National Security Council said, “Within hours, we will bomb Tel Aviv” if attacks continue. The warning comes as confusion continues over the ceasefire terms. Hezbollah has reportedly paused fire. However, Israel said, “Lebanon is not included” in the truce. It also issued new evacuation orders in southern Lebanon. Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has killed over 1,500 people and displaced more than 1.2 million. Talks between the US and Iran are expected soon in Pakistan to reduce tensions further. (PC: AFP)