Pakistan issued a fierce warning to Israel after US-Israeli airstrikes landed near Pakistan's embassy in Tehran, shaking the compound and surrounding buildings though its ambassador was unharmed. The government-affiliated Pakistan Strategic Forum declared: "Pakistan is no Qatar. We will beat hell out of them if any harm comes to our diplomats." The strike is particularly provocative given Pakistan's active role as a peace mediator, with PM Shehbaz Sharif publicly offering Islamabad as a venue for US-Iran talks. Washington has extended Trump's Strait of Hormuz deadline to April 6, citing ongoing negotiations progressing "very well" while Iran continues denying any formal engagement with the United States.

During its 83rd wave of Operation True Promise 4, Iran's IRGC inscribed "Thank You to People of India" on missiles launched at Israel, a symbolic gesture shared by the Iranian Consulate in Mumbai. Similar messages addressed Spain, Pakistan, and Germany. The tribute reflects Iran's recognition of India's humanitarian support, including Kashmiris donating gold, jewellery, and even children's piggy banks for Iranian war victims. Iran has also granted safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz exclusively to Indian vessels, calling India a "friendly" nation. The development underscores India's complex diplomatic balancing act between its historical ties with Tehran and relationships with Washington and Tel Aviv.

On his 15th birthday, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi enters his sophomore IPL season carrying enormous expectations. Rajasthan Royals' director of cricket Zubin Bharucha revealed he had reserved ₹10 crore for Sooryavanshi after witnessing him at trials ultimately signing him for just ₹1.1 crore. Bharucha compared his instant impact to first-ball moments from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson. Most strikingly, Sooryavanshi hit a sidearm delivery clocked at 157 kph clean over the sightscreen for six. Fresh off an 80-ball 175 in the U-19 World Cup final, earning Player of the Tournament, Sooryavanshi now faces a tougher challenge as IPL bowlers armed with data specifically designed to dismiss him. (PC: HT)

US Senator Chris Murphy publicly condemned the Middle East war, stating America spends $2 billion daily attempting to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that was freely open before the conflict began. "This is insanity," Murphy declared, calling it a self-created global crisis. Meanwhile, Iran has formally imposed a $2 million toll per vessel transiting the strait, with Iranian lawmaker Boroujerdi framing it as a display of sovereign authority. Israel escalated fresh strikes on Iran, warning attacks "will escalate and expand." Trump extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the strait to April 6, while Tehran maintains it is not engaged in any negotiations whatsoever. (PC: NDTV)

Israel has granted temporary immunity (4–5 days) to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf after Pakistan urged Washington that eliminating them would leave no one available for peace negotiations. Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are mediating between Tehran and Washington. Iran's demands include closure of all US Gulf military bases, financial reparations, Strait of Hormuz toll rights, sanctions removal, and retention of its missile programme. The US countered with a 15-point plan demanding full nuclear dismantlement, uranium transfer to the IAEA, disbanding proxy networks, and keeping Hormuz open. The IRGC is now shaping Iran's negotiating position amid ongoing high-intensity hostilities. (PC: News18)

The Government of India has firmly denied rumours suggesting a nationwide lockdown, calling them “completely false” and baseless. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri clarified that no such proposal is under consideration and urged citizens not to panic or spread misinformation. The clarification comes amid rising concerns linked to global tensions and fuel supply fears. Authorities emphasized that India has adequate fuel reserves and supply chains remain stable. The government reassured that all necessary measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential commodities, urging people to remain calm and rely only on official information. (PC: PTI)

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that a married man living in a live-in relationship with an adult woman does not constitute a criminal offence under Indian law. The court stressed that legal protection cannot be denied based on societal or moral views, drawing a clear line between law and social morality. The observation came while hearing a plea from a couple seeking protection from police action and threats. The court reaffirmed that consenting adults have the constitutional right to live together, and authorities must safeguard their life and liberty irrespective of marital status. (PC: Moneycontrol)

In a historic shift, the United States will introduce new paper currency bearing the signature of Donald Trump, marking the first time a sitting president’s signature appears on American banknotes. The move, announced by the US Treasury, ends a 165-year tradition of including the US Treasurer’s signature, a practice followed since 1861. Scott Bessent’s signature will still appear alongside Trump’s. The redesigned notes, starting with $100 bills, are part of celebrations for America’s 250th independence anniversary and are expected to enter circulation from mid-2026. (PC: AP)

Israel’s military leadership has issued a stark warning over a deepening manpower crisis as the country faces ongoing multi-front conflict in the Middle East. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir cautioned that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) could “collapse in on itself” due to mounting operational pressure and a shortage of around 12,000 troops. He highlighted “10 red flags,” urging urgent legal reforms, including broader conscription, extended service periods, and strengthened reserve laws. The crisis has worsened since the Gaza war, with prolonged deployments straining personnel and readiness. Political disagreements over military exemptions have further complicated efforts to address the shortage, raising concerns about the army’s ability to sustain operations. (PC: X)

Nepal has sworn in former rapper Balendra Shah as its new prime minister, marking a historic political shift. The 35-year-old, popularly known as Balen, rose from music and activism to national leadership after his party secured a landslide victory in recent elections. A former mayor of Kathmandu, Shah gained strong support from young voters through his anti-corruption stance and reform-driven agenda. His appointment follows widespread protests against political instability and corruption. Now the youngest prime minister in decades, Shah faces major challenges including job creation, governance reforms, and restoring public trust in Nepal’s political system. (PC: AFP)