At least five people were killed and several injured after a massive avalanche struck the Srinagar-Leh highway at Zoji La in Ladakh, burying multiple vehicles and blocking the strategic route. The avalanche hit vehicles at Captain-turn at Zojila Pass in Drass on Friday afternoon. Authorities said 12–15 vehicles were trapped under snow, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving police, army, BRO, SDRF, and local administrations from Sonamarg and Drass. Over 100 personnel and heavy machinery were deployed, though traffic congestion hindered efforts from the Kashmir side. Officials warned casualties may rise as some vehicles remain fully buried. Rescue operations, ongoing for hours, are expected to continue further into the night ahead.

India has backed Bangladesh in its demand for justice over the 1971 atrocities, calling out Pakistan for remaining “in denial.” External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the масштаб of violence during Operation Searchlight, including mass killings, sexual violence, and displacement of millions. Bangladesh’s leadership reiterated that March 25 is observed as Genocide Day, remembering victims of the crackdown. India also emphasised its intent to strengthen ties with Bangladesh under the new government. The statement reinforces India’s long-standing position on the 1971 events while adding diplomatic pressure on Pakistan over historical accountability. (PC: NDTV)

Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with state leaders to review India’s preparedness amid the West Asia crisis. He emphasised maintaining supply chain stability, preventing hoarding, and ensuring energy security as key priorities. States were directed to activate control rooms, monitor essential supplies, and plan ahead for the Kharif season, especially fertiliser availability. The government also stressed tackling misinformation and safeguarding citizens, including Indians in the Gulf. Despite global disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, officials assured no immediate fuel shortage, citing adequate reserves and alternative sourcing, while markets remain sensitive to rising oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty. (PC: India Today)

Iran-linked hacker group Handala Hack Team has breached the personal email of FBI Director Kash Patel, publicly releasing private photographs and his purported resume. A Justice Department official confirmed the breach to Reuters, stating the published material appeared authentic. The leaked photos show Patel smoking cigars, riding in an antique convertible, and taking selfies with a bottle of rum. The FBI did not immediately respond to comment requests. Handala Hack Team declared Patel's name now features among their "successfully hacked victims." The breach represents a significant embarrassment for America's top law enforcement official amid the ongoing US-Iran war, suggesting Tehran's cyber offensive is increasingly targeting senior US government figures personally. (PC: AP)

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman firmly dismissed nationwide lockdown rumours during a Rajya Sabha session on the Finance Bill 2026, calling them "baseless" and politically motivated fear-mongering. Sitharaman pointedly clarified: "Where is this lockdown happening? It is happening in Pakistan, not India." She drew a composed comparison with neighbouring Bangladesh, emphasising India's steady resource management amid Middle East-driven economic disruptions. Sitharaman stressed that despite global turbulence stemming from the West Asia conflict, the government is ensuring citizens face no supply difficulties. She urged both politicians and the public to refrain from spreading panic, reaffirming India's economic stability and its commitment to maintaining strong neighbourly relations with surrounding nations.

India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared ₹2.38 lakh crore worth of defence proposals in a single day one of the largest single-day approvals in recent history. Cleared under the Acceptance of Necessity route, the approvals span the Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Key acquisitions include additional S-400 air defence systems, medium transport aircraft replacing ageing AN-32 and IL-76 fleets, Dhanush artillery guns, remotely piloted strike aircraft, and heavy-duty coast guard hovercraft. In FY26 overall, AoNs worth ₹6.73 lakh crore have been approved across 55 proposals, though a significant gap remains between approvals and actual contracts signed, standing at ₹2.28 lakh crore. (PC: X)

In Bandar Abbas, a strategic Iranian port city near the Strait of Hormuz, a young girl swings peacefully on a beach while smoke from fresh strikes darkens the horizon and explosions rumble nearby. The widely shared video, originally posted by The Insider Paper on March 27, 2026, captures a haunting duality childhood innocence suspended in motion against a backdrop of active military bombardment. The scene delivers what no geopolitical briefing can: a wordless, visceral reminder that real children absorb the weight of wars they never chose. Her rhythmic swing becomes simultaneously fragile and defiant a quiet symbol of human resilience persisting stubbornly within the chaos of conflict.

Pakistan issued a fierce warning to Israel after US-Israeli airstrikes landed near Pakistan's embassy in Tehran, shaking the compound and surrounding buildings though its ambassador was unharmed. The government-affiliated Pakistan Strategic Forum declared: "Pakistan is no Qatar. We will beat hell out of them if any harm comes to our diplomats." The strike is particularly provocative given Pakistan's active role as a peace mediator, with PM Shehbaz Sharif publicly offering Islamabad as a venue for US-Iran talks. Washington has extended Trump's Strait of Hormuz deadline to April 6, citing ongoing negotiations progressing "very well" while Iran continues denying any formal engagement with the United States.

During its 83rd wave of Operation True Promise 4, Iran's IRGC inscribed "Thank You to People of India" on missiles launched at Israel, a symbolic gesture shared by the Iranian Consulate in Mumbai. Similar messages addressed Spain, Pakistan, and Germany. The tribute reflects Iran's recognition of India's humanitarian support, including Kashmiris donating gold, jewellery, and even children's piggy banks for Iranian war victims. Iran has also granted safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz exclusively to Indian vessels, calling India a "friendly" nation. The development underscores India's complex diplomatic balancing act between its historical ties with Tehran and relationships with Washington and Tel Aviv.

On his 15th birthday, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi enters his sophomore IPL season carrying enormous expectations. Rajasthan Royals' director of cricket Zubin Bharucha revealed he had reserved ₹10 crore for Sooryavanshi after witnessing him at trials ultimately signing him for just ₹1.1 crore. Bharucha compared his instant impact to first-ball moments from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson. Most strikingly, Sooryavanshi hit a sidearm delivery clocked at 157 kph clean over the sightscreen for six. Fresh off an 80-ball 175 in the U-19 World Cup final, earning Player of the Tournament, Sooryavanshi now faces a tougher challenge as IPL bowlers armed with data specifically designed to dismiss him. (PC: HT)