Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India is pushing for preferential market access for its exports in ongoing trade talks with the United States, as earlier agreed. He stressed that trade agreements should give countries a competitive edge in global markets. Goyal added that India seeks a fair and balanced deal while protecting sensitive sectors like agriculture. His remarks come as both nations continue negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade pact aimed at improving market access and strengthening economic ties between the two countries. (PC: ANI)

Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman has accused Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team of “cheating” the state after an alleged failure to honour a deal to play a friendly match in Kochi. According to reports, organisers had arranged around ₹250 crore through sponsors to host the World Cup-winning side, but the match was never finalised due to clearance issues. The minister termed the episode a “scam” and demanded compensation, claiming commitments were not fulfilled despite preparations. The controversy has sparked political debate and raised concerns over transparency in high-profile international sports agreements. (PC: AFP)

India has been invited by the United Kingdom to join urgent international talks aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route disrupted by ongoing conflict. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is attending the virtual meeting alongside representatives from over 30 countries. The discussions focus on restoring safe maritime navigation and stabilising global energy supplies, as the strait handles nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil trade. The initiative reflects growing global concern over rising fuel prices and trade disruptions. India’s participation highlights its strategic interest in securing energy routes and maintaining stability in global shipping corridors. (PC: Reuters)

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, has removed Raghav Chadha from the post of Rajya Sabha deputy leader, replacing him with Punjab MP Ashok Mittal. The party has formally informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat and requested that Chadha no longer be allotted speaking time in the House. Chadha, once a prominent face of AAP and close aide of Kejriwal, had held the position since 2023. While no official reason has been given, the move has triggered speculation about internal party dynamics and his future role. The reshuffle is seen as a significant shift in AAP’s parliamentary strategy, raising questions about leadership changes within the party. (PC: HT)

The United States military has prepared a risky plan to seize Iran’s uranium, reports said. The plan may send hundreds or thousands of troops into Iran. It targets nuclear sites like Isfahan and Natanz. Officials said the mission would be complex and dangerous. A former operator said, “It is slow, meticulous and extremely deadly.” The operation aims to secure over 1,000 pounds of radioactive material. Donald Trump has signalled a stronger approach toward Iran. However, experts warned of serious risks. Some said the International Atomic Energy Agency is better suited to handle such material under a ceasefire. (PC: AP)

Iran Has Reassured India That Its Ships Are Safe In The Strait Of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions In West Asia. In A Post, Officials Said, “Indian Friends Are In Safe Hands, No Worries.” The Strait Is A Key Route For Global Oil Supply. It Connects The Persian Gulf To The Open Ocean. However, Ongoing Conflict Has Made Shipping Conditions Difficult. The United States Has Accused Iran Of Disrupting Movement In The Region. Reports Of Attacks On Ships Have Raised Concerns. India Depends On This Route For Oil Imports. Iran Called India A Trusted Partner And Promised Safe Passage.

Emmanuel Macron said it is “unrealistic” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by military force. He spoke after Donald Trump urged allies to help secure the route. In a national address, Trump said US goals against Iran were “nearing completion”. He warned strikes would continue “extremely hard” for two to three weeks. Iran’s army chief replied that no invader would survive if US troops entered the country. The conflict has also involved Hezbollah attacks near Israel. Oil prices rose after the speech, as markets reacted to uncertainty over the key shipping route. (PC: The Indian Express)

Iranian commander Seyed Majid Moosavi criticised US remarks about pushing Iran “back to the Stone Age”. He was replying to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Moosavi said, “It is you who are taking your soldiers to their graves.” He added that a country with a “250-year history” was threatening a civilisation over 6,000 years old. The exchange comes amid the ongoing conflict between United States and Iran. Fighting began after US-Israel strikes in February. Iran has since targeted US-linked assets and disrupted the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: NDTV)

The teaser of Ramayana Part One was unveiled on April 2 on Hanuman Jayanti. It showed Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama for the first time. The glimpse received mixed reactions from fans online. Some praised the visuals, while others raised concerns over the look. The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra. The cast includes Sai Pallavi, Yash, and Sunny Deol. The makers aim for a large-scale epic. Part One is set to release in October 2026.

Bhanu Chander Reddy, a software engineer, died by suicide in Bengaluru after losing his job during AI-led layoffs. Police said he was unemployed for nearly a year and was under treatment for depression. His wife Shazia died soon after, jumping from their building. The couple had kept their interfaith marriage secret due to family concerns. Reddy’s mother had stopped speaking to him after learning about the marriage. In a note, he wrote he had "caused trouble" and could not do justice to his wife. Before her death, Shazia messaged her mother, saying, "Forgive me, I have gotten married." (PC: India Today)