World

Narendra Modi and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker pledged to strengthen India-Austria ties, focusing on innovation, trade, and sustainability. The leaders highlighted growing cooperation in emerging technologies, defence, and startups during Stocker’s first India visit in over four decades.

Christian Stocker praised India as a reliable global partner, highlighting its strong international influence. Alongside Narendra Modi, he stressed diplomacy, trade growth, and deeper cooperation in technology, security, and defence ties.

Amir Hamza, co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, was injured in a gun attack in Lahore. Unidentified attackers opened fire on a car carrying him and a TV host. Police are investigating the incident, while political groups have condemned the attack.

The US Navy has issued radio warnings to merchant vessels in and around Iran, declaring its readiness to board and seize ships violating the blockade on Iranian trade. A message broadcast by US Central Command emphasised that vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports would face interdiction.

Amid a US blockade on Iranian ports, vessels altered AIS data while crossing the Strait of Hormuz to mask destinations. Limited traffic continues as tensions rise, with Washington deploying forces and warning ships, complicating maritime monitoring and regional trade flows

Around 250 people, including Rohingya refugees, went missing after a boat capsized in the Andaman Sea en route to Malaysia. Overcrowding and rough seas caused the हादसा, as UN agencies highlighted ongoing displacement and risky migration conditions

Harvey Weinstein’s rape retrial has begun in New York, with jury selection underway in the case involving Jessica Mann. The proceedings may include new evidence, while the former film producer continues to deny all allegations against him

Lebanon and Israel have entered their first direct talks in decades, even as clashes with Hezbollah continue in southern Lebanon. The US, represented by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is mediating alongside ambassadors from both nations.

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan’s sisters were once again denied permission to meet him at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, despite Islamabad High Court orders allowing bi-weekly visits. Aleema Khan stated that police routinely stop them at the checkpost and the jail administration misinforms the court about their absence.

The US, Israel and Lebanon held rare talks amid rising tensions involving Iran, as Washington claimed success in enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports. Meanwhile, the UN urged continued diplomacy, warning that violations of international law are worsening instability

A report highlights that over 80 per cent of Balochistan’s population lacks access to primary healthcare due to budget shortfalls, weak infrastructure, staffing gaps and poor governance, with experts pointing to systemic failures and lack of effective policy implementation

The Roland Garros 2026 entry list features 100 of the top 101 WTA players, led by Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka. Former champions and rising stars promise a strong competition in the season’s second Grand Slam in Paris

Taylor Swift leads the 2026 American Music Awards nominations with eight nods, extending her dominance. Several artistes follow closely, while the awards ceremony will be held on May 25 in Las Vegas with public voting determining winners

Carlos Alcaraz began his Barcelona Open campaign with a straight-sets win over Otto Virtanen. Lorenzo Musetti and Alex de Minaur also advanced to the next round with comfortable victories in their respective opening matches

The resilience of Hungary’s democracy amid authoritarian governance will inspire activists worldwide

President Donald Trump has indicated that a second round of talks with Iran may take place in Islamabad within two days, crediting Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir for facilitating dialogue. The US blockade of Iranian ports, enforced by CENTCOM with warships and aircraft, has pressured Tehran back to negotiations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the situation in West Asia and bilateral ties during a phone call. India welcomed the ceasefire between the US and Iran, emphasising peace and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

China has strongly criticised the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "dangerous and irresponsible move" that threatens regional stability. Beijing denied allegations of aiding Iran militarily and warned of countermeasures if Washington raises tariffs.

The government said all Indian seafarers and ships in the Gulf region are safe, with no incidents reported in the past 24 hours. Authorities continue repatriation efforts and coordination with missions to ensure safety amid ongoing regional tensions

India’s crude oil imports from Russia more than tripled to 5.3 billion euro in March, driven by higher volumes and rising prices. A temporary US sanctions waiver and increased availability of Russian crude supported the sharp rise in purchases

Rahul Gandhi criticised PM Narendra Modi over the India-US trade deal, alleging it will harm small industries, farmers and workers. At a rally in Murshidabad, he also accused the Trinamool Congress of corruption and helping BJP gain ground in Bengal

Telangana’s Naga Moksha Yerram, 18, won bronze at the US Open Pickleball Championships. She earlier claimed two golds and a bronze at IPA Nationals 2025. Her success highlights the rise of pickleball in Telangana and India

India’s under-17 women’s football team lost 0-3 to Russia in their second friendly at Sochi. Valeria Menyailova scored twice after Sofia Svyatnaya’s opener. India, coached by Pamela Conti, will play the final friendly on April 17

Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran conflict and blockade fears have disrupted global oil supply, pushing crude prices higher. Analysts warn reduced Iranian exports and shipping risks could further strain markets and increase petroleum costs worldwide