The United States Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on a transnational opioid supply network linked to Sinaloa Cartel, targeting 23 individuals and entities across India, Latin America, and Mexico. Acting through the Office of Foreign Assets Control, officials accused the network of supplying fentanyl precursor chemicals disguised as safe materials. India-based individuals and firms were among those designated, with arrests already made in 2025. The crackdown highlights growing concerns over globalised chemical supply chains fueling synthetic drug production. Sanctions freeze US-linked assets and restrict financial dealings, aiming to disrupt trafficking networks and curb the proliferation of highly lethal opioids worldwide. (PC: iStock)

Iran has banned the export of steel products following airstrikes targeting its industrial infrastructure during the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel. According to local media reports citing customs authorities, the directive came into effect on April 26. The move is aimed at stabilising domestic supply and managing economic disruptions caused by damage to key steel facilities. Iran’s steel sector is a major contributor to its non-oil exports, and the sudden restriction highlights the broader economic fallout of the conflict. The ban could impact regional markets and supply chains already under strain due to escalating geopolitical tensions. (PC: X)

India is set to receive its fourth S-400 Triumf squadron from Russia in May 2026, significantly strengthening its western air defence along the Pakistan border. The system, capable of tracking 300 targets at a range of 600 km, will plug critical surveillance gaps in Punjab and Rajasthan. However, India’s strategy goes beyond a single platform, integrating systems like MR-SAM, Akash missile system, and upcoming Project Kusha into a layered network. This multi-tier architecture ensures comprehensive protection against drones, missiles, and aircraft, positioning India among nations with the most advanced and resilient air defence systems globally. (PC: Reuters)

Indian Overseas Bank said it never asked for physical proof after a man in Odisha brought his sister’s skeleton to a bank. Jeetu Munda had tried to withdraw Rs 20,000 from his late sister’s account in Keonjhar. Officials said he was earlier told to submit a death certificate and required documents. The bank said, “No such demand was ever made,” and added that proper rules must be followed for claims. Police said the man did not understand the process. Authorities are now helping him get documents so the money can be released after verification. (PC: India Today)

King Charles III will attend a White House ceremony with Donald Trump during his US state visit. Queen Camilla will also be present. The visit enters its second day with a formal event and a bilateral meeting. Later, the King will deliver a rare address to US lawmakers. He is expected to call for “reconciliation and renewal” between the UK and US. The visit comes at a time of tension over the Iran conflict. Officials say it is a major diplomatic test. It is the first British state visit to the US since 2007. (PC: BBC)

Google will inaugurate its $15 billion artificial intelligence data centre near Visakhapatnam by August 15, 2028, according to Nara Lokesh. The project, backed by N. Chandrababu Naidu and supported by Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, is expected to position Andhra Pradesh as a global AI and data infrastructure hub. The 1 GW facility will power advanced services like Gemini AI and catalyse a broader ecosystem, including server manufacturing and power electronics. Officials say the investment will attract Fortune 500 firms, boost jobs, and strengthen India’s digital economy, marking a major milestone in the country’s technology ambitions.

Donald Trump is unlikely to accept Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to a CNN report citing sources. The plan suggests reopening the key shipping route while leaving Iran’s nuclear programme for later talks. Officials said such a move could remove US leverage. They remain concerned about Iran’s uranium stockpile and enrichment. Trump shared his view during a meeting with national security officials. Talks between the two sides are ongoing, but differences remain. Iran has rejected US demands, calling them “illegal and irrational.” Oil prices have risen as uncertainty over the strait continues. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump claimed Iran is in a “state of collapse” and has asked Washington to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though he did not provide evidence. The claim comes as the vital global trade route remains shut following weeks of conflict involving the US and Israel. Trump reiterated that Iran faces a leadership crisis, adding to a series of assertions made in recent weeks. Meanwhile, negotiations to end the blockade and broader tensions have made little progress. Iran has proposed reopening the strait in exchange for easing restrictions, but no agreement has been reached, leaving around 2,000 ships stranded in the region.

Delhi recorded higher temperatures than Dubai on April 28, highlighting an intense early summer. The city saw nearly 43°C, while Dubai remained around 30°C. The India Meteorological Department said this was Delhi’s third straight heatwave day. It was driven by “dry northwesterly winds, strong glare from the Sun, and clear skies.” Delhi’s landlocked location exposes it to hot desert winds. Dubai, on the Gulf coast, gets cooling sea breezes. Heatwave conditions have spread across north and central India, with temperatures touching 45°C in some areas. Officials expect brief relief from approaching western disturbances before heat conditions return. (PC: India today)

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and OPEC+ face a major setback as the United Arab Emirates announced its exit effective May 1, citing long-term market strategy and policy flexibility. The move comes during a global energy crisis triggered by Middle East conflict and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. UAE’s departure weakens coordination within the bloc and challenges Saudi Arabia’s leadership. Officials indicated frustration over limited regional support amid tensions with Iran. Analysts warn the exit could destabilise oil prices, encourage further defections, and reshape global energy dynamics at a time when supply chains remain fragile and markets highly volatile worldwide. (PC: X)