Around 2,000 ships and 20,000 sailors are stuck due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Many crews face shortages of food and water. Aid groups say distress calls are rising. “Immediate supply of food, drinking water… is required,” one message said. The International Transport Workers' Federation said many sailors are in panic. Some cannot leave due to contract issues. “They are forcing us to continue,” one seafarer wrote. About half the messages are about unpaid wages. At least 10 sailors have died in recent incidents, according to the International Maritime Organization. (PC: India Today)

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has expanded control during the ongoing war, as questions remain over the condition of Mojtaba Khamenei. Reports say a council of IRGC commanders is taking key decisions. President Masoud Pezeshkian has seen limited authority and no direct contact with the Supreme Leader. The IRGC has also blocked key appointments. US officials suggested Mojtaba may be in critical condition, though Iran has not confirmed this. “Vital positions should be managed directly,” IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi reportedly said. The force now also controls the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: India Today)

An American journalist, Shelly Kittleson, was kidnapped in Baghdad on March 31. Iraqi officials confirmed a foreign journalist was taken but gave few details. US officials said a suspect linked to Kataib Hizballah has been detained. Authorities said two vehicles were used. One crashed during a chase, but Kittleson was moved to another car that escaped. The US State Department said it had warned her of threats earlier. “We previously fulfilled our duty to warn,” said Dylan Johnson. Efforts are ongoing to find her and arrest others involved. (PC: HT)

A tanker carrying about 600,000 barrels of crude from Iran is heading to Gujarat, raising hopes of oil trade with India resuming. The vessel Ping Shun is expected near Vadinar on April 4. The buyer is not confirmed. This could be the first such shipment since 2019. The move follows a 30-day waiver by the United States for pre-loaded cargo. One analyst said trade has “flickered back to life” amid supply concerns. However, tracking data may change and final delivery is not certain yet. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court of India said it is “happy and optimistic” about progress in West Bengal’s voter roll revision. Surya Kant said about 47 lakh of 60 lakh cases have been resolved. The update was shared by the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice. The remaining cases are likely to be cleared by April 7. The process is part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The court also said tribunals can accept new documents from voters after checking them. The review focuses on fixing “logical discrepancy” cases in electoral rolls across the state. (PC: The Indian Express)

China is trying to mediate in the Iran war as the conflict disrupts global energy supply. Xi Jinping is backing a joint peace plan with Pakistan. The plan calls for a ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. China said dialogue is “the only viable option”. Experts say Beijing wants stability to protect trade and growth. It imports large amounts of oil from the region. However, China has limited military presence and influence. Past mediation efforts had mixed results. The US and Iran have not responded yet to the latest proposal. (PC: BBC)

Keir Starmer said the UK will host a meeting of about 35 countries to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The talks will be led by Yvette Cooper. Starmer said the meeting will review “all viable diplomatic and political measures” to restore shipping. He added it will aim to ensure safety of ships and crews and restart key supplies. After this, military planners will study how to secure the route once fighting ends. Countries joining talks had earlier said they are ready to support efforts for safe passage through the strait. (PC: X)

The United Arab Emirates is reviewing a possible military role to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, reports say. Officials told The Wall Street Journal the country may join the US and allies. This could include clearing mines and offering support. The UAE is also pushing for a UN resolution to allow action. One official said there is “broad global consensus” to keep the route open. The move follows similar signals from Saudi Arabia. The strait carries about 20% of global oil. Iran has restricted access during the conflict, raising global supply fears. (PC: India Today)

Fresh reports say Oracle has started large layoffs, hitting workers in India hard. Many employees got termination emails between 5 and 6 am without warning. Some said access was cut soon after. Reports suggest about 30,000 jobs may be lost globally, with nearly 12,000 in India. The company has not confirmed numbers. One employee wrote, “Just got an email at 5 am over 20 years of service.” Another said, “6 am on the nose.” Oracle said roles became “redundant” due to changes. The layoffs come as the company shifts focus to AI investments. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump said he is “strongly considering” taking the United States out of NATO. In an interview with The Telegraph, he said the alliance is a “paper tiger”. He added that he was “never swayed by NATO”. Trump said the idea is “beyond reconsideration” after the current Middle East conflict. He also claimed that Russia’s Vladimir Putin knows NATO is weak. Trump criticised the UK’s military strength. He said, “You don’t even have a navy.” He also said Britain’s aircraft carriers “didn’t work”. NATO has not yet responded to his remarks. (PC: X)