As many as 19 vessels carrying LPG, crude oil and LNG for India are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating West Asia conflict. These include 10 foreign-flagged ships and several Indian vessels transporting critical energy supplies. Officials said eight Indian ships have safely exited, while others remain stuck among hundreds affected by disrupted shipping. The blockage threatens India’s energy security and supply chains, as the strait handles a major share of global oil flows. Authorities are prioritising the safe evacuation of Indian-flagged vessels before considering further supply operations, highlighting the growing economic impact of the conflict. (PC: Reuters)

Amit Shah declared that India is effectively free of Naxal violence, stating that Maoism is “on the verge of extinction” ahead of the government’s March 31 deadline. He highlighted major improvements in Bastar, once a Naxal stronghold, citing expansion of schools, healthcare, ration distribution, and identity services. Shah said development has replaced the “Red Terror” that hindered progress. He reiterated the government’s stance of offering rehabilitation to those who surrender, while warning of strict action against those continuing violence. The remarks also sparked political debate, with the BJP blaming past Congress governments for the spread of Maoist insurgency.

Iran has rejected Pakistan’s offer to host potential talks with the United States, signalling reluctance to accept Islamabad as a mediator in the ongoing conflict. Tehran stated that “Pakistan’s forums are their own,” distancing itself from reports of proposed negotiations there. While Pakistan has attempted to position itself as a diplomatic bridge, Iran’s response underscores limited trust and control over negotiation optics. However, Tehran indicated it is still reviewing a broader US proposal, suggesting diplomacy remains possible under its conditions. The development highlights ongoing challenges in finding a credible mediation channel amid escalating tensions.

Iran is reviewing withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, citing international “bullying” amid ongoing conflict. Exit would remove restrictions on nuclear weapons development and end mandatory inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The move follows US-Israel strikes on nuclear facilities and reports of a US plan to seize Iranian uranium. Tehran insists its programme remains peaceful despite holding significant enriched uranium stockpiles. Experts warn leaving the treaty could heighten regional instability, weaken oversight, and trigger sanctions. The review reflects a broader policy shift but does not yet confirm a final withdrawal decision. (PC: X)

Fears of internet disruption are rising as the US-Iran conflict continues and risks to Red Sea cables increase. Experts say these undersea cables carry most global data, including services used in India. The Iran-backed Houthis have earlier warned of targeting such cables. A similar incident in September 2025 caused outages across parts of Asia. Officials say India could face slow speeds and network issues if cables are damaged. Much of India’s traffic passes through Mumbai and Chennai, making them key points. Any disruption could affect payments, cloud services, and communication systems across the country. (PC: X)

Delhi Police has arrested a 47-year-old man from Mysuru for allegedly sending over 1,100 hoax bomb threats across India. The accused, Srinivas Louis, was caught from his rented home in Karnataka after a joint operation with local police. Officials said the threats targeted schools, high courts, and government offices. The arrest comes after recent messages sent to the Delhi High Court, Assembly, and other institutions. Police said the accused was produced before a magistrate after his arrest. An investigation is ongoing to find his motive and check if others were involved. (PC: X)

The destruction of a US Air Force E-3 Sentry aircraft in an Iranian strike could hurt how the US tracks threats, analysts said. Images showed the damaged jet at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The aircraft is a key airborne radar system. It helps detect missiles, drones, and aircraft from long range. Military analyst Cedric Leighton called the loss a “serious blow” to surveillance. He said it may affect how the US guides jets and responds to attacks. Experts said the system is vital for real-time battle control and early warning in conflict zones. (PC: CNN)

Donald Trump said the United States could “destroy” Iran’s power plants and oil facilities if a deal is not reached soon. Speaking to reporters, he said talks with what he called a “more reasonable” Iranian leadership are ongoing. He warned that if a ceasefire fails, the US may strike sites it has “not yet touched.” Trump also repeated threats against Iran’s key fuel hub, Kharg Island. Iran’s foreign ministry called US proposals “excessive and unreasonable.” Meanwhile, oil prices rose to $115, and fresh attacks were reported in Iran, Lebanon, and Israel amid growing tensions. (PC: BBC)

Spain has closed its airspace to US aircraft involved in military operations against Iran. Defence Minister Margarita Robles said Spain will not allow its bases or airspace to be used for the war. She said the message was made clear to US forces from the start. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has strongly criticised the US and Israeli attacks, calling them “reckless and illegal.” Robles repeated that position and said the war is “profoundly illegal and unjust.” The move may force US planes to change routes. Spain said the ban does not apply to emergency situations. Officials also said the country will not support a war it sees as against international law. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Indian rupee weakened past 95 against the US dollar for the first time on March 30. It touched a record low of 95.20, down 0.3% during the day. The fall came despite recent steps by the Reserve Bank of India to control volatility. The RBI had asked banks to cap open forex positions at $100 million. The move aimed to reduce speculation, but analysts said pressure remains strong. Foreign outflows and high oil prices continue to weigh on the currency. Global tensions have also reduced investor interest. The Nifty 50 fell about 2% during the session, reflecting weak market sentiment. (PC:  India Today)