India on Monday said it has had “no such bilateral discussion” with the United States about joining a coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We are aware this matter is being discussed bilaterally by several countries. We have had no such bilateral discussion yet.” He was responding to questions about whether India could send naval ships to help reopen the key waterway. The strait carries about 20% of the world’s oil supply. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India’s talks with Iran have helped some Indian ships pass through the strait. Talks are continuing. (PC: PIB)

The government has assured that LPG supply across India remains steady despite concerns about shortages. Officials said oil companies are delivering around 50 lakh LPG cylinders every day. Consumers have been urged to avoid panic buying and use online booking systems for cylinder delivery. Authorities are also monitoring rumours, hoarding and black marketing of cooking gas. Meanwhile, LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi, carrying about 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are on their way to India. The situation has affected some sectors, with restaurants, hostels and schools warning of possible disruptions if gas supplies tighten further.

India hopes its talks with Iran will help ease shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said. The narrow waterway is a key route for global oil trade. Jaishankar said discussions with Tehran have shown some results, though there is no full agreement yet for all Indian ships. Two Indian gas tankers passed through the strait on Saturday after diplomatic talks. However, 22 Indian vessels are still waiting for clearance. The route is crucial as about 40–50% of India’s crude oil imports pass through it. The conflict in West Asia has disrupted shipping and pushed global oil prices higher. (PC: Getty Images)

The government said the India-US trade agreement will be signed only after a new tariff framework is put in place. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the deal will move forward once the United States restores global tariff rates. He spoke during a trade data briefing on Monday. The issue comes after a US Supreme Court ruling struck down some reciprocal tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump. Soon after, Trump announced a temporary import surcharge on goods entering the United States. The levy was first set at 10 percent and later raised to 15 percent. India and the United States are continuing talks on the trade pact. Officials said discussions on tariff details are still ongoing. (PC: HT)

Donald Trump warned NATO that the alliance could face a “very bad” future if member countries do not help secure the Strait of Hormuz. He said protecting the key shipping route should not fall only on the United States. Trump urged NATO allies to take a bigger role in keeping the waterway open. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil routes. Many global energy shipments pass through it each day. Trump said the security of the strait affects global trade and energy supplies. He called on NATO partners to work together to protect the route and prevent further threats to ships moving through the area. (PC: BBC)

The Election Commission has replaced West Bengal’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police ahead of the Assembly elections. Senior IAS officer Dushyant Nariala will take charge as Chief Secretary. He replaces Nandini Chakravarty. IPS officer Siddh Nath Gupta has been appointed as the new Director General of Police. He replaces Peeyush Pandey. Gupta is a 1992-batch IPS officer with over three decades of service. The Commission also transferred three other senior officers, including the Kolkata Police Commissioner. Ajay Kumar Nand will now lead the Kolkata Police. The poll body said the decision followed a review of election preparedness. Voting in West Bengal will take place on April 23 and April 29. (PC: India Today)

One Battle After Another won six awards at this year’s Oscars, including best picture, making it the biggest winner of the night. Jessie Buckley won best actress for her role in Hamnet. She became the first Irish performer to win the award. Michael B Jordan won best actor for playing twin brothers Smoke and Stack in Sinners. During his speech, he said, “I stand here because of the people who came before me.” Sinners also made history when Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman to win the Oscar for best cinematography. After the ceremony, many stars arrived at the Vanity Fair after-party. Connor Storrie, Hudson Williams and Anya Taylor-Joy were among those seen arriving. (PC: BBC)

A video of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering coffee has triggered fresh debate online after claims that it may be AI-generated. The clip was posted on Netanyahu’s official X account to dismiss rumours about his death. In the video, he jokes about the claims while holding a cup of coffee and speaking to the camera. However, Grok, an AI chatbot developed by xAI, responded to a user query saying the video could be a deepfake and that no real event matching it was found. The claim quickly spread on social media, raising questions about the video’s authenticity. Israeli officials have not responded yet.

Spanish actor Javier Bardem called for peace and support for Palestine during the Oscars 2026 ceremony on Sunday. Bardem made the statement while presenting the Best International Feature Film award with Priyanka Chopra. He wore a “No to War” pin on his tuxedo and said, “No to war and Free Palestine” on stage. The message received loud cheers from the audience. Earlier on the red carpet, Bardem also spoke about war and criticised ongoing conflicts. The award they presented went to the Norwegian film Sentimental Value. The 98th Academy Awards took place during a time of rising global tensions and political conflict in West Asia.

At least 10 patients were killed after a massive fire broke out at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, early Monday. The fire started around 3 am on the first floor of the trauma care unit, where 23 patients were admitted. Thick smoke quickly spread through the ICU, causing panic. Seven patients died inside the ward, while three others died later after inhaling smoke. Eleven hospital staff were injured during rescue efforts. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after several hours. Authorities suspect a short circuit in the ICU’s air conditioner or medical equipment caused the fire. The Odisha government has ordered a judicial inquiry.