Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took on Jasprit Bumrah in a key moment during the IPL 2026 match in Guwahati. In a rain-shortened game, he hit a six on the first ball he faced from Bumrah. It was a rare loose delivery. He followed it with another six in the same over. Bumrah reacted with a smile and walked back calmly.   Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya said, “In rain-affected games you should bat second.” He added, “It’s just the start of the season… we need to improve.” Rajasthan Royals continued their strong start to the season. 

Neelam Shinde, an Indian student in Sacramento, has died after remaining in a coma for 14 months. She suffered severe injuries in a hit-and-run accident on February 14, 2025. Doctors performed surgery, but she never regained consciousness. Her family stayed with her during the long treatment. After her death, the family fulfilled her last wish. They said she had wanted to help others even in death. Her organs were donated, helping several patients. Authorities are still investigating the accident. No arrest has been confirmed so far. (PC: India Today)

Pakistan has issued over 2,800 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India for the Baisakhi celebrations, scheduled between April 10 and 14 in Punjab province. Pilgrims will enter via the Wagah border and attend the main ceremony at Gurdwara Panja Sahib on April 14, marking the 327th Khalsa Janam Din. The delegation will also visit key religious sites including Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib. Pakistani authorities have completed security and hospitality preparations, ensuring accommodation, transport and essential facilities. The annual pilgrimage highlights cross-border religious engagement and cultural ties, even as broader diplomatic relations remain complex between the two countries. (PC: PTI)

Fears of a potential nuclear escalation surged after Donald Trump warned that an entire civilisation could be wiped out if Iran fails to meet a looming deadline. Speculation intensified when JD Vance said Washington could deploy “tools” not yet used, prompting social media claims about possible nuclear options. The White House swiftly rejected such interpretations, stating no remarks implied nuclear intent. The rhetoric follows US strikes on Kharg Island and ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. While concerns persist within political circles, officials emphasised that nuclear use remains speculative, even as the US President retains sole authority to order such action.

Amid escalating tensions before a US deadline, Masoud Pezeshkian claimed 14 million Iranians have volunteered to sacrifice their lives, signalling defiance against threats from Donald Trump over the Strait of Hormuz. The statement comes as Washington warns of strikes on Iran’s power plants and bridges. Tehran has also mobilised civilians, urging human chains around critical infrastructure. Violence has intensified, with fresh airstrikes and regional missile exchanges. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps signalled escalation, while global concern grows over legality of targeting civilian infrastructure. Oil prices surged past $111 per barrel as fears of supply disruption mount and casualties continue rising across the region. (PC: AP)

London’s Wireless Festival has been cancelled after Kanye West was denied entry into the UK, with the Home Office withdrawing his Electronic Travel Authorisation over concerns his presence was not conducive to public good. The decision followed backlash over the rapper’s past antisemitic and pro-Nazi remarks, prompting sponsor withdrawals and mounting criticism. Organisers said consultations had raised no prior objections, but acknowledged the impact of antisemitism. Despite West expressing willingness to engage with Jewish groups, community organisations and political leaders backed the ban. With no headline act and escalating controversy, the festival was scrapped, and ticket refunds announced, marking a major disruption to the UK’s summer music calendar. (PC: Getty Images)

With less than 12 hours before a deadline set by Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, tensions escalated sharply as both sides exchanged stark warnings. Trump warned that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if Tehran failed to comply, while leaving room for last-minute diplomacy. Iran rejected the ultimatum, with its embassy warning of an “unforgettable hit” and signalling defiance. US strikes targeted Kharg Island, a key oil export hub handling most of Iran’s crude shipments. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed a decisive response, declaring self-restraint over as ceasefire efforts stalled over demands for a permanent end to the conflict.

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised Indian nationals to remain indoors for 48 hours as a deadline set by Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz approaches. Citizens have been urged to avoid power grids, military installations and upper floors of buildings, and to coordinate any travel with the Embassy. The advisory follows continued US-Israel strikes on Iran since February 28. India has already facilitated the evacuation of thousands, including students and fishermen, via neighbouring countries. Authorities said efforts remain focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of Indians in the region.

Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, saying its civilisation could face destruction as a deadline over reopening the Strait of Hormuz approaches. While threatening severe military action, Trump indicated the strike could still be called off at the last moment. He described the moment as historically significant, while also hinting at possible regime change leading to a different future. The US has repeatedly extended deadlines tied to Hormuz, creating uncertainty over its next move. The strait remains crucial for global oil supply, and its closure has heightened concerns about energy security and regional stability amid escalating tensions. (PC: India Today)

NASA has released new images from the Artemis II Moon fly-by. Astronauts captured a rare “Earthset” view, showing Earth rising beyond the Moon’s surface. Another image showed a solar eclipse as the Moon blocked the Sun. The photos were taken during a six-hour fly-by. Astronauts experienced a short period of radio silence behind the Moon. One astronaut described the view as unreal and like science fiction. The images remind people of the famous Earthrise photo from 1968. They show Earth’s beauty and the vast darkness of space around it. (PC: NASA)