Two India-flagged very large gas carriers, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing regional conflict. Sailing from the UAE toward Iran’s Qeshm and Larak islands, the vessels used routes close to the Iranian coast under strict monitoring. Their transit comes as the vital shipping lane faces disruptions due to escalating tensions. India, dealing with LPG supply concerns, coordinated diplomatically to ensure safe passage. The ships reportedly signaled Indian identity instead of destination, reflecting heightened maritime risks in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

United Kingdom Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of Air Staff of the Royal Air Force, arrived in India for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral military cooperation. He commenced his visit by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial, paying tribute to fallen soldiers. The visit reflects deepening defence ties between India and the United Kingdom, with discussions expected on joint exercises, advanced technology sharing, and enhanced strategic coordination between the two nations’ air forces. (PC: X)

The United Nations has warned that Earth’s climate is more unstable than ever. The World Meteorological Organization said the planet is trapping more heat than it releases. “Every indicator is flashing red,” UN chief António Guterres said. Rising greenhouse gases have heated oceans and melted ice caps. The last 11 years have been the warmest on record. In 2025, global temperatures were 1.43°C above pre-industrial levels. Scientists fear a new El Niño phase may bring even higher temperatures. Most excess heat is absorbed by oceans, harming marine life and raising sea levels. Experts urge urgent action. (PC: Getty Images)

The NDA has finalised its seat-sharing plan for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. AIADMK will contest 178 seats, while BJP will fight 27 out of 234 seats. PMK has been given 18 seats and AMMK 11. AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami called it a “victory alliance” and expressed confidence of forming the government. He said talks within the alliance were smooth. BJP leader Piyush Goyal said people will reject the DMK-Congress alliance. He added voters want development and better governance. Elections in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23. Further seat talks with allies may continue.

US President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran have held talks for two days during the ongoing war. He called the discussions “very good and productive.” The US has decided to pause attacks on Iran’s energy sites for five days. Trump said the move depends on the progress of talks. He described the talks as “in-depth, detailed, and constructive.” The discussions will continue this week. The war has lasted over three weeks with rising tensions. Officials said the pause may help ease the situation. However, there is no final agreement yet. Both sides remain cautious. (PC: Bloomberg)

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge has had a strong opening at the box office. The film earned around Rs 700 crore worldwide in four days. It collected over Rs 454 crore in India. “Eyes Rs 1,000 crore in week one,” trade reports said. The film has already beaten Gadar 2, Jailer, and Salaar in global earnings. Sunday alone saw a huge collection of over Rs 114 crore. The movie is also performing well overseas, especially in North America. Experts say it may soon cross Rs 1,000 crore. The film is directed by Aditya Dhar and stars a strong cast.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz “unacceptable” in Parliament. He said the route is vital for India’s oil, gas, and fertiliser supplies. Disruptions have made shipping difficult. The government is working to keep fuel and essential supplies stable. “Efforts are on for safe passage of Indian ships,” he said. India is also boosting domestic production and prioritising local needs. Officials are monitoring supply chains closely. Meetings have been held across sectors to assess risks. The government aims to reduce the impact of the crisis on daily life. (PC: PTI)

A parliamentary panel has asked the Indian Air Force to fully use its budget for modernisation. It stressed the need to improve combat readiness. The IAF’s capital budget has increased by over 37% for 2026–27. Funds are planned for fighter jets, transport aircraft, and surveillance systems. The force is facing a shortage of fighter squadrons. The panel said upgrades and new purchases are important in the current global situation. “Use the allocated funds for modernisation,” the report said. Key deals, including aircraft procurement, are under review. Officials said these steps will strengthen the Air Force’s capabilities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised E20 petrol as India faced rising oil prices due to the West Asia war. He said ethanol blending helped cut oil imports. India moved from 1% to nearly 20% blending in a decade. “We imported about 4.5 crore barrels less oil,” he said in Parliament. The policy aims to reduce costs and support farmers. However, some users have raised concerns over lower mileage and engine issues in older vehicles. The government has denied safety risks. Experts say E20 helps reduce dependence on crude oil. The debate over its impact continues across India. (PC: PTI)

Indian-Americans have raised concern over delays in H-1B visa stamping in India. They said no regular visa slots have opened for over 100 days. Many applicants are stuck in India and unable to return to the US. “Thousands stranded. Families torn apart. Careers destroyed,” a statement said. The delay began after new social media checks reduced daily appointments. Dates have now been pushed to 2027 in some cases. Five US consulates in India show no available slots. Some workers are at risk of losing jobs and homes. The community has urged authorities to take immediate action.