Lashkar-e-Taiba operative Shabbir Ahmad Lone was arrested near the Delhi border by the Special Cell for allegedly plotting terror attacks in India while operating from Bangladesh. A resident of Srinagar, Lone is accused of managing anti-India operations under the direction of Inter-Services Intelligence. Officials said he recruited Bangladeshi nationals, including illegal residents in India, to execute terror plots while concealing Pakistan’s involvement. The arrest follows the recent busting of a Lashkar-linked module active across Delhi and parts of South India, which was involved in propaganda activities like putting up anti-India posters alongside preparing operational groundwork. (PC: India Today)

Indian equity benchmarks BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty50 opened sharply lower on the final trading day of the quarter, with Sensex falling over 1,000 points and Nifty dropping around 300. Banking stocks, especially Nifty Bank and PSU Bank indices, led the decline as all sectoral indices traded in the red. Market volatility surged, with India VIX rising above 28, signalling heightened investor anxiety. Foreign investors have offloaded nearly $12 billion worth of Indian equities in March amid global tensions. Meanwhile, the rupee opened at 93.56 against the US dollar, reflecting pressure from ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and capital outflows. (PC: X)

Authorities in Australia’s Victoria and Tasmania have made public transport free to counter soaring fuel prices triggered by the West Asia conflict and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Victoria will offer free travel across trains, trams, and buses throughout April, while Tasmania will extend the measure until the end of June. The policy aims to reduce pressure on fuel demand and household costs. Other states like New South Wales have declined similar steps, citing long-term concerns. Petrol prices have surged sharply, reflecting global oil market volatility, prompting governments worldwide to adopt fuel-saving strategies. (PC: BBC)

Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written message thanking Iraq and its top cleric Ali Sistani for supporting Iran during the ongoing conflict, but his continued absence from public view has intensified speculation about his condition. Since assuming leadership after Ali Khamenei’s death, he has not appeared publicly, with communications limited to written statements read by others. Officials suggest he may be recovering from injuries, though unconfirmed. Donald Trump has cast doubt on his status. The lack of visibility raises questions about leadership stability amid escalating regional tensions. (PC: X)

Donald Trump said the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran has effectively resulted in a “regime change,” citing the killing of several Iranian leaders and emergence of new leadership. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he expressed confidence that a deal with Iran could still be reached, stating negotiations were likely despite the escalation. Trump described the current Iranian leadership as fundamentally different from the past, framing the shift as a significant political transformation. However, there has been no official confirmation from Tehran acknowledging any regime change, and the situation remains fluid amid continued military tensions and uncertainty over diplomatic outcomes. (PC: AP)

Dhurandhar: The Revenge, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, has broken the nine-year North American box office record held by Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. Released on March 19, the film grossed over $22 million (Rs 205 crore), surpassing Baahubali 2’s $20 million benchmark. The makers of Baahubali 2, including producer Shobu Yarlagadda, congratulated the team for the milestone. The film’s success extends across India and global markets. The story follows an Indian spy navigating political and underworld networks in Pakistan. Featuring a strong ensemble cast, the film continues to set new commercial benchmarks.

A passenger on IndiGo flight 6E-185 from Bengaluru to Varanasi attempted to open the emergency exit door moments before landing, forcing the pilot to execute a go-around. The aircraft later landed safely at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport around 10:35 pm. The accused, Mohammad Adnan, 26, had earlier tried to tamper with the exit shortly after takeoff but was restrained by crew. He initially claimed he was under a “ghost’s influence” before saying he was unaware of the consequences. Over 100 passengers panicked. He was booked under Section 125 and later released to his parents; investigation continues. 

Donald Trump said the United States could seize Iran’s oil and potentially take control of Kharg Island, a key export hub handling most of Tehran’s crude shipments. He suggested a prolonged presence may be required, even as experts warned such a move could endanger US troops and extend the conflict. Trump claimed indirect talks with Iran were progressing and set an April 6 deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He also alleged increased tanker passage as a “gift” authorised by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Tehran has not confirmed these claims, while tensions and risks to global energy supply continue to rise. (PC: NDTV)

An Indian worker was killed after an Iranian strike hit a power and water desalination plant in Kuwait, causing significant structural damage, according to Kuwait’s electricity ministry. The attack, described as part of “Iranian aggression,” occurred on Sunday evening. Engineer Fatima Abbas Jawhar Hayat confirmed the fatality and damage. There has been no immediate response from India’s Ministry of External Affairs or its embassy in Kuwait. This raises the number of Indian nationals killed in the ongoing West Asia conflict to seven, with others reported dead across Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE. Indian missions are assisting affected citizens as regional tensions escalate following US-Israeli strikes and Iranian retaliation. (PC: AFP)

Israel said its military is striking targets across Tehran as the conflict with Iran continues. Heavy explosions were reported in the city, while power cuts hit several areas after attacks on electricity infrastructure, officials said. Iranian media reported strikes on a university in Isfahan for the second time this weekend. In southern Israel, a fire at an industrial site caused by an Iranian attack was brought under control. Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament speaker said forces are “waiting” for US troops. Funeral rites were also held in Beirut for journalists killed in a strike. (PC: BBC)