World

Bangladesh PM adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir warned IMF loan conditions may slow growth and worsen inflation. Experts at a Dhaka seminar cautioned that rigid reforms, rising debt, and weak institutions could push Bangladesh toward economic and middle-income traps

Sadhvi Satish Sail of Goa won Femina Miss India World 2026 in Bhubaneswar and will represent India at Miss World. Femina Miss India 2026 crowned winners including Rajnandini Pawar and Sree Advaita G amid Odisha’s first-ever hosting of the event

Indian negotiators led by Darpan Jain will meet US officials in Washington from April 20–22 to advance the bilateral trade agreement. Talks may revise tariff terms amid shifting US policies and ongoing trade disputes under Section 301

Bulgaria held its eighth parliamentary election in five years after political instability and failed government formation. Voters will elect 240 lawmakers, following the resignation of PM Rosen Zhelyazkov amid protests over economic policies

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan met Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo, discussing housing projects, Cyclone Ditwah aid and fishermen issues. The visit aims to deepen India–Sri Lanka ties under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy

In the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, wildlife thrives decades after the Chernobyl disaster. Rare Przewalski's horse and other species have rebounded, though radiation and war-related disturbances continue to pose ecological risks

Pakistan heightened security in Islamabad and Rawalpindi amid possible US-Iran talks, despite no official schedule. Measures include checkpoints, closures, and aerial restrictions after Donald Trump hinted at a visit, as mediation efforts continue before the ceasefire deadline

Lee Jae Myung begins India and Vietnam visit to meet Narendra Modi and Vietnamese leaders, focusing on economic cooperation, supply chains, and energy stability amid Middle East tensions, while boosting trade, technology, and strategic diplomatic engagement

Iran reversed reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, firing on a tanker and enforcing closure amid tensions with the US. Escalation threatens global oil supply, while fragile ceasefire efforts and ongoing regional violence complicate diplomatic progress toward a potential agreement

Iranian forces fired on India-bound vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, halting 13 of 14 ships carrying crude, LPG and fertilisers, triggering returns and delays, as India coordinates for safe passage amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Iran’s Ambassador to India after Indian-flagged vessels, including a crude oil tanker, came under fire from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz. While the crew remained safe, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed multiple incidents, including a container ship hit by a projectile.

An additional 5,000 tonnes of diesel began flowing from India to Bangladesh via the India–Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, strengthening Dhaka’s energy security amid global supply uncertainty. The pipeline, linked to Numaligarh Refinery Limited, continues to support steady and cost-effective fuel imports

Iran has reversed its decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, insisting it will block transit until the US lifts its blockade of Iranian ports. The move comes after President Donald Trump reaffirmed the blockade’s continuation. With one-fifth of global oil passing through the strait, the closure threatens to drive prices higher.

Tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran and the US clashed over shipping access amid a blockade. Iran fired on a tanker and reimposed restrictions, raising fears of renewed conflict and worsening global energy instability

British American Tobacco said Pakistan has the world’s largest illicit cigarette market, with 55% share. High taxes widened price gaps, boosting illegal trade while failing to cut consumption or significantly increase government revenue, reports suggest

Costa Rica received a second group of migrants deported from the US under a third-country agreement, including an Indian national, offering options for voluntary return or residency amid concerns over migrants facing legal uncertainty abroad.

Ajit Doval met Ukraine’s NSA Rustem Umerov in New Delhi to discuss bilateral ties and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with India reiterating its stance on dialogue and diplomacy for peaceful resolution

Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz "completely open" for commercial vessels, aligning the move with the 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel announced by US President Donald Trump. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasised that ships must follow coordinated routes set by the Ports and Maritime Organization.

India welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, with MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal backing peace efforts, while noting due process on designating Hamas as a terror outfit amid regional tensions.

Global energy disruptions from the Iran war are pushing Asian and African nations to expand nuclear power, with countries accelerating reactor plans and boosting output to reduce reliance on fossil fuels amid rising costs and supply uncertainties worldwide

Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer lead talks in Paris with dozens of nations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Iran blockade, aiming to secure global oil trade without involvement of United States

US President Donald Trump described his conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “very good,” highlighting discussions on bilateral ties and the West Asia conflict, with both leaders stressing the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

Alexander Zverev cruised into the Munich quarter-finals with a straight-sets win over Gabriel Diallo. He now faces a tough challenge against Francisco Cerundolo, while other players including Alex Molcan and Denis Shapovalov also advanced in the tournament

Lionel Messi has acquired Spanish fourth-tier club UE Cornellà, marking his entry into football ownership. The move reflects his focus on youth development and long-term investment in Catalonia, building on his legacy and connection with Barcelona