World

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar concluded a productive Brussels visit, meeting EU leadership to advance the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. The talks prioritized strategic cooperation in technology, de-risking supply chains, security partnerships, and connectivity initiatives like the IMEC corridor

A drone attack in the UAE’s Fujairah triggered a fire at an oil facility amid escalating Iran-linked regional tensions. Missile interceptions and airstrikes were reported across the Middle East, including Iran, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, raising fears of wider conflict

An alleged Pakistani airstrike on Kabul’s Umid addiction treatment hospital killed over 400 people and injured at least 250, with Taliban officials blaming Pakistan and international figures expressing concern over rising civilian casualties and escalating tensions.

Israel’s Ambassador to India Reuven Azar dismissed rumours of the death of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling them disinformation. Netanyahu also posted videos from Israel to counter speculation circulating on social media amid the ongoing West Asia conflict

A drone strike on a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport triggered a fire and led to the temporary suspension of all flights on Monday. Emergency crews swiftly contained the blaze, and authorities confirmed no injuries.

The Israeli military said it carried out strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure across Lebanon and issued evacuation orders for several Beirut neighbourhoods, while Hezbollah reported targeting Israeli troop positions and international leaders called for efforts to end the conflict.

Daniil Medvedev defeated top seed Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to reach the Indian Wells final, ending the Spaniard's winning streak this year. Medvedev will face Jannik Sinner, who beat Alexander Zverev comfortably in the other semifinal

Nineteen-year-old Kimi Antonelli claimed his first Formula 1 victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, becoming the second-youngest race winner in history. The Mercedes rookie led teammate George Russell in a 1-2 finish, while Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton secured third place

Israeli soldiers opened fire on a car in Tammun, northern West Bank, killing four members of the Odeh family, including two children. The Israeli authorities claimed the car accelerated toward troops during a pursuit of suspected militants.

Taiwan detected 26 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval ships near the island after a recent dip in such activity. Analysts link the surge to military training, US–China diplomacy, and ongoing tensions, while Taiwan maintains its defensive posture

A bus carrying Indian pilgrims fell off a slope in Gorkha District, Nepal, killing seven and injuring seven others. The pilgrims were returning from Manakamana Temple. Police said the driver escaped, and investigations into the accident are ongoing

China’s HQ-9B air defence system is facing global criticism after reported failures in Pakistan, Venezuela and Iran. A report said the missiles and JY-27A radars failed to detect or stop attacks in real combat, raising doubts about Chinese military technology

Central Board of Secondary Education cancelled Class 12 board exams for students in several West Asian countries due to the regional crisis. Exams scheduled between March 16 and April 10 across Gulf nations will not be held; alternative result declaration methods will be announced later

Amid escalating tensions between the U.S., Iran, and Israel, Donald Trump urged allies to deploy warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz as Iran warned evacuations at UAE ports and accused the US of launching strikes from Emirati territory

India’s young boxers continued their strong performance at the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 in Bangkok, with Chandrika, Gunjan, Joyshree Devi and Ambekar Meetei advancing to the finals, while Radhamani Longjam settled for a bronze medal after a semifinal defeat

India finished runners-up at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Hyderabad after losing 0-2 to England in the final. Grace Balsdon and Elizabeth Neal scored for England, while India still secured qualification for the upcoming Hockey World Cup

American far-right activist Laura Loomer stirred debate at India Today Conclave 2026 in New Delhi by accusing Pakistan of backing terrorism, while apologising for past anti-India posts and defending her opposition to the US H-1B visa programme

Iran granted safe passage to Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz after talks between Narendra Modi and Masoud Pezeshkian, allowing LPG carriers and oil tankers to transit safely amid Gulf tensions, ensuring continuity in India’s crucial energy supply routes

Five candidates, including Michelle Bachelet and Rafael Grossi, have been nominated to succeed António Guterres as UN secretary-general, with interactive candidate sessions beginning April 20, announced Annalena Baerbock, president of the United Nations General Assembly

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of hypocrisy, saying Washington pressured India to stop buying Russian oil but is now urging countries to purchase it after the recent conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel escalated tensions across the Gulf region

A message from US President Donald Trump praising India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was read out by activist Laura Loomer at the India Today Conclave 2026, where she also hinted that Trump may visit India again in the near future.

India defeated Italy 1-0 in the semifinal of the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier in Hyderabad. Manisha Chauhan scored the decisive goal as the hosts secured a place in the final, where they will face England

Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro has been admitted to an intensive care unit in Brasília with bronchopneumonia. The 70-year-old, currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for attempting a coup, is receiving antibiotics and clinical support, hospital authorities said