A powerful Western Disturbance has put North and Central India on alert for severe rain and hail. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi-NCR. A 1,000-km cloud band is covering the region. Officials said a “massive, moisture-laden system” is driving this change. Strong winds up to 70 kmph are expected between 2 PM and 11 PM. Rain and hail are likely later in the day. Areas at risk include Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Scientists said warm and cold air mixing formed storm clouds. The weather may damage crops and disrupt normal life in several regions today. (PC: Reuters)

Iran said it is open to mediation talks with the United States in Islamabad. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “We have never refused to go to Islamabad.” He thanked Pakistan for its efforts. He added that Iran wants “a conclusive and lasting end” to the war. Reports earlier claimed Iran delayed the process. Pakistan rejected those claims, calling them “baseless” and a “figment of imagination.” Officials said there was a misunderstanding. Pakistan is trying to broker peace between the US, Israel, and Iran. Talks have not succeeded yet. Fighting continues, with attacks on key sites and rising tensions in the region. (PC: AP)

Amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, India-flagged LPG tanker Green Sanvi successfully crossed the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz, becoming the seventh such vessel to do so. Carrying around 44,000–46,000 tonnes of LPG, the tanker used a designated corridor through Iranian waters, reflecting coordinated diplomatic efforts between India and Iran. The move highlights Iran’s willingness to allow “non-hostile” nations safe transit, with India leveraging historical ties to secure energy routes. Despite this progress, about 17 Indian vessels remain in the region awaiting clearance. The development is crucial for maintaining India’s cooking gas supply amid global disruptions. (PC: India Today)

Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh has publicly apologised to MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev over controversial remarks made by his father Yograj Singh. In a recent interaction, Yuvraj said he had clearly told his father that such outbursts were “not acceptable” and distanced himself from those views. Emphasising respect for senior players, he expressed regret for any hurt caused. The apology comes amid renewed debate over Yograj’s repeated criticism of former cricketers, with Yuvraj aiming to maintain dignity and harmony within the cricket fraternity. (PC: AFP)

A major escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict saw Iran launch a ballistic missile carrying cluster munitions toward central Israel, striking areas near Tel Aviv. The attack caused a building collapse in Ramat Gan and widespread infrastructure damage, including power outages in nearby regions. Submunitions scattered across multiple locations, damaging roads, industrial zones, and civilian areas. Emergency teams rushed to defuse unexploded bomblets as fires broke out and residents took shelter in bunkers. Israeli defense systems were activated amid continued strikes, highlighting growing concerns over the use of cluster weapons and the intensifying scale of the conflict.

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer has been fined ₹24 lakh by the BCCI for maintaining a slow over-rate during the IPL 2026 match against Chennai Super Kings. This marks his second offence of the season, triggering a heavier penalty under IPL rules. Additionally, other PBKS players were also fined. Iyer now stands one violation away from a one-match suspension. Despite the disciplinary action, Punjab Kings secured a strong win in the match. The incident highlights strict enforcement of over-rate regulations in the tournament. (PC: X)

Amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, a new shipping route has emerged in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, offering relief to global energy transport. At least four vessels, including one Indian ship carrying oil and LPG, successfully navigated this alternative path. The route avoids traditional international waters and instead passes through Oman’s territorial sea, reducing risks from tensions and restrictions. The strait, which handles nearly 20% of global energy supplies, remains critical for India’s oil and gas imports. This development signals a possible easing of disruptions caused by the conflict, though several ships carrying energy cargo for India are still stranded in the region. (PC: NDTV)

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region on April 3, sending noticeable tremors across Delhi-NCR and parts of north India. The quake occurred at a depth of around 150 km, reducing the intensity of surface damage despite its strength. Residents in Delhi, Noida, and nearby areas reported shaking buildings, moving fans, and panic, with many rushing outdoors. Authorities confirmed the epicentre in Afghanistan, a seismically active zone due to tectonic plate interactions. While tremors were widely felt, there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage in India, though monitoring continues. (PC: AFP)

In IPL 2026’s CSK vs PBKS match, Yuzvendra Chahal delivered the decisive “Play of the Day” with a clever three-over spell that shifted momentum despite modest figures. His control during a crucial middle phase derailed Chennai Super Kings’ push, proving more impactful than raw statistics suggest. Earlier, Ayush Mhatre starred with a brilliant 73 off 43 balls, helping CSK post a strong 209/5. However, Punjab Kings chased down the target comfortably in 18.4 overs, powered by aggressive batting. Chahal’s tactical brilliance ultimately stood out, underlining how key moments—not just big numbers—decide high-scoring T20 contests. (PC: PTI)

Amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, Iran has raised concerns about a potential second global trade disruption by signalling risks around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, after tensions already choked the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway, linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, is vital for oil and cargo flows between Asia and Europe. Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen have warned of possible naval blockades, indicating a coordinated escalation strategy. Experts warn that simultaneous disruption of both chokepoints could severely impact global energy supplies, trade routes, and inflation, particularly for import-dependent nations like India, raising fears of a wider economic shock. (PC: MSN)