World

The United States urged Iran to immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran closed the strategic waterway following Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon. The move has cast doubt over a fragile US-Iran ceasefire amid escalating regional tensions and uncertainty over oil shipments

Israeli airstrikes devastated central Beirut on Wednesday, hitting residential and commercial areas just hours after a ceasefire was announced in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Lebanon’s health ministry reported at least 89 dead and 700 wounded. President Donald Trump said Lebanon was excluded from the deal due to Hezbollah’s involvement.

Kuldip Singh, a 42-year-old former Metropolitan Police officer of Indian origin, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges in connection with a “crash-for-cash” insurance scam in the UK. Singh and his associates staged vehicle collisions, filed fraudulent injury and damage claims, and manipulated police records to cover up their crimes.

US President Donald Trump announced what he termed a “productive regime change” in Iran, vowing to eliminate uranium enrichment while signalling possible sanctions relief and threatening steep tariffs on countries supplying weapons to Tehran.

A US Securities and Exchange Commission case against Gautam Adani advanced as a New York court granted a hearing on his dismissal plea, citing lack of jurisdiction, no investor losses, and disputing alleged bribery and securities fraud claims

Artemis II crew surpassed Apollo 13 record for farthest human travel, completing a lunar far-side flyby and capturing images. The mission also tested new science operations, aiding future moon missions and advancing lunar geology research

Donald Trump shifted from threatening Iran to backing a 14-day ceasefire after mediation efforts, including Shehbaz Sharif. The move aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and avoid prolonged US military involvement

Donald Trump hailed the ceasefire as a “big day for world peace,” pledging US support to ease congestion in the Strait of Hormuz while expressing confidence in stability and reconstruction efforts in Iran

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faced controversy after a “draft” label appeared in his social media post urging Donald Trump to delay action on Iran, sparking speculation over authorship and possible external involvement in messaging.

The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with President Donald Trump pulling back planned strikes. The deal includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and initiating talks, though sporadic attacks continue across the region

Oil prices fell sharply below USD 100 while global markets rallied after the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and easing tensions despite continued sporadic attacks across the region

The UN Security Council failed to pass a resolution aimed at safeguarding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz after Russia and China vetoed the proposal. Bahrain, backed by Gulf allies, had introduced a toned-down draft calling for defensive coordination, but Pakistan and Colombia abstained.

At a United Nations Security Council session, Iranian envoy Amir-Saeid Iravani warned that Tehran would take immediate and proportionate action if US President Donald Trump carried out threats to attack Iran’s “entire civilisation.”

Rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban risk strengthening militant networks instead of eliminating them

The Indian women’s hockey team will tour Argentina from April 13 to 17 for a four-match series at CeNARD, Buenos Aires. The tour offers vital match practice ahead of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 and Asian Games

US President Donald Trump warned that “whole civilisation will die tonight” if Iran fails to meet his 8 pm Washington deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The ultimatum comes amid escalating tensions, Israeli strikes and growing global concerns over the conflict

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia following a US ultimatum to Tehran, India advised its nationals in Iran to remain indoors and stay where they are for the next 48 hours, avoiding military installations and upper floors of buildings.

A gunfight erupted outside a building housing the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul after three assailants opened fire on police. One attacker was killed, two were wounded and captured, while two police officers sustained minor injuries, Turkish authorities said

The US carried out fresh strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub, targeting military installations hours before a deadline set by President Donald Trump for Tehran to meet his demands. Iranian media reported explosions, while experts warned against possible US ground operations

More than 80 migrants are feared missing after a boat carrying around 120 people capsized in the central Mediterranean, having departed from Tajoura, Libya. The International Organization for Migration reported that harsh weather led to the vessel overturning.

The Strait of Hormuz crisis has intensified as Donald Trump pressures Iran to reopen shipping. Experts outline ceasefire, military intervention, or UN-led action scenarios, warning global oil trade and economic stability remain at risk

Louvre Abu Dhabi has invited proposals for the 6th ‘Art Here’ exhibition, curated by Kamini Sawhney. The 2026 edition will include Indian and GCC artists, exploring shared cultural histories under the theme “Confluences”

Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, a senior Awami League leader, was arrested in Dhaka over cases linked to 2024 protests. Police said she is under interrogation amid ongoing political crackdown following the fall of Sheikh Hasina government

Saudi Arabia closed the King Fahd Causeway after Iranian missile strikes targeted its Eastern Province amid escalating conflict. Donald Trump renewed threats over the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of wider regional war