World

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

Tensions escalated between Pope Leo XIV and Donald Trump over Iran war remarks, with sharp exchanges highlighting contrasting views on peace, global conflict, and leadership, exposing a rare public clash between religious authority and political power

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority issued a notice to Geo News for airing Indian content while reporting Asha Bhosle’s death, citing violation of a ban, sparking debate over cultural expression and media restrictions in Pakistan

Two US Representatives, Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales, announced resignations amid sexual misconduct allegations and ethics investigations. Swalwell denied claims but apologized, while Gonzales faced mounting pressure over an alleged affair and a staffer’s tragic death

The US military has begun a blockade of Iranian ports, intensifying tensions in the Gulf amid the ongoing war. Iran has issued counter-threats while shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed sharply, raising fears of global economic disruption

India’s medal tally rose to three golds at the US Open Pickleball Championship 2026 in Naples, Florida, with Arjun Singh winning Men’s Singles 5.0 and Dhiren Patel clinching 40+ Pro Men’s Singles. The Indian Pickleball Association hailed the success

Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz 7‑6, 6‑3 to win the Monte Carlo Masters and reclaim the World No 1 ranking. The Italian matched Novak Djokovic’s 2015 feat of winning the first three Masters 1000 titles of a season

With thousands of lives already lost and the global economy hanging in the balance, the US, Israel, and Iran must give diplomacy a genuine chance to forge a workable middle ground

Iran’s Hormuz leverage globalises the conflict but risks isolation, economic fallout, and regional backlash, underscoring the need for maritime norms and renewed diplomacy

Britney Spears has voluntarily entered a substance abuse treatment facility following her recent DUI arrest in California. Authorities are reviewing charges, with a court decision expected soon, as the singer seeks personal change after years of legal and career struggles

Narendra Modi congratulated Peter Magyar after his Tisza Party won Hungary’s elections, ending Viktor Orbán’s long rule and signalling a new phase in India-Hungary relations

The US announced a blockade of Iranian ports after failed talks, escalating tensions while avoiding a full Strait of Hormuz shutdown. Iran threatened retaliation as oil prices surged and global shipping slowed, raising fears of wider conflict and prolonged instability

US-led talks with Iran failed to secure peace but built goodwill, raising hopes for future agreement. Washington believes pressure tactics, including a Hormuz blockade, may push Tehran to accept terms, despite disagreements over nuclear ambitions and perceived negotiating leverage

A Nigerian Air Force strike intended to target jihadi rebels mistakenly hit a local market in Yobe State, killing more than 100 civilians and injuring many others. Amnesty International confirmed the toll through survivor accounts.

US President Donald Trump warned of imposing 50% tariffs on countries supplying weapons to Iran, saying the threat was aimed at China. While downplaying the likelihood, he cited reports of missile supplies and cautioned of strict action if confirmed

The US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan collapsed after 21 hours, leaving a fragile two-week cease-fire in jeopardy. President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to cut off Iran’s economic leverage, while US officials blamed Tehran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear programme.

Inter Miami CF drew 2-2 with Red Bull New York in the MLS, extending their unbeaten run to six matches. Goals from Mateo Silvetti and German Berterame secured a point, while Jorge Ruvalcaba and Adri Mehmeti scored for RBNY

Arjun Singh and Aditya Singh won India’s first gold medal at the US Open Pickleball Championship 2026 in Naples, Florida, defeating top seeds Ryder Brown and Soli Messiri. Naga Moksha added a bronze in women’s singles, boosting India’s tally

China signalled easing tensions with Taiwan by restoring limited ties, including direct flights and aquaculture imports, after talks involving Xi Jinping and Cheng Li-wun. Despite outreach, long-standing disputes persist since Tsai Ing-wen’s 2016 election

Talks between Iran and the US in Islamabad ended without agreement, with Iran citing “excessive demands.” JD Vance blamed Tehran’s nuclear stance. Esmaeil Baqaei noted partial consensus but key disagreements remained despite mediation by Ishaq Dar