Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused some European Union allies of “blackmail” over a Russian oil pipeline dispute. The EU wants Ukraine to repair the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Ukraine says the pipeline was damaged by Russian air strikes in January. Zelensky argued that reopening the pipeline would weaken sanctions on Russia during the war. Hungary has blocked new EU sanctions on Moscow and a €90 billion loan for Ukraine until the pipeline is restored. Zelensky said Ukraine should not allow Russian oil transit while sanctions remain in place. The dispute highlights growing tensions within the EU. (PC: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani has claimed that members linked to Jeffrey Epstein’s network may be planning a 9/11-style attack to blame Iran. In a post on X, Larijani said he had heard of a conspiracy to stage a major terrorist incident and falsely accuse Tehran. His statement comes as tensions rise during the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Larijani said Iran strongly opposes terrorism and has no conflict with the American public. The September 11 attacks in 2001 killed nearly 3,000 people in the United States. The claim has not been independently verified and comes amid growing war tensions.

Iran on Sunday launched the Sejjil-2 missile during the ongoing war with Israel and the United States. It is the first time the missile has been used since the conflict began on February 28. The Sejjil-2 is a solid-fuel ballistic missile with a range of about 2,000 kilometres. It can carry a payload of around 700 kilograms. The missile is nicknamed the “dancing missile” because it can move at high altitude and avoid defence systems. The war has now entered its 16th day. Reports say more than 2,000 people have died, most of them in Iran. Fighting continues as both sides launch strikes and increase military presence.

Heavy rain and a sudden hailstorm damaged several houses and crops in parts of Manipur on Sunday. The storm began late Saturday night and affected districts such as Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal. Farmers reported that standing crops like cabbage, peas, and beans were destroyed. Many houses in Moirang Phiwangbam and Thanga-Ngaram near Loktak Lake were also damaged. In some areas, large hail covered roads and fields. Power supply was disrupted in several places. No human casualties were reported. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh directed officials to provide relief and help affected families. Authorities advised people to stay indoors during heavy rain and prepare emergency supplies.

The BJP has offered actor-politician Vijay the post of Deputy Chief Minister if the NDA wins the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, sources said. As part of a possible alliance, the BJP has also offered around 80 seats to Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Talks between the two sides have reached the final stage ahead of the polls, sources added. Vijay is also said to be aiming for the Chief Minister’s post, which remains a key point in discussions. BJP leaders believe Vijay’s large fan base could help the alliance in closely fought constituencies. However, some of Vijay’s advisers have expressed concern about joining a national alliance so early. (PC: India Today)

Loud blasts were reported in parts of Dubai after fresh Iranian missile and drone strikes during the ongoing Middle East conflict. Sounds were heard in the Marina and Al Sufouh areas, officials said. Iranian attacks also hit Kuwait’s international airport with drones, though authorities reported no injuries. Operations at the UAE’s Fujairah oil terminal stopped after a strike, with thick black smoke seen rising from the site. One Jordanian national was reported injured. Dubai’s media office said several threats were intercepted by air defence systems. Iran has launched more than 1,800 missiles and drones at the UAE since the war began on February 28. (PC: NDTV)

Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, a key military facility that hosts U.S. warplanes and personnel, amid the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict. Reports indicate that several U.S. aerial refuelling aircraft were damaged in the strike, though no fatalities were reported. Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also warned residents across Gulf countries to stay away from oil ports and strategic facilities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned that U.S. companies in the Middle East could be targeted if Iran’s energy infrastructure is attacked. The attacks mark a major escalation, raising fears of a wider regional war and threatening global oil supplies. (PC: X)

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran is reportedly considering allowing a limited number of oil tankers to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, but only if the oil transactions are conducted in Chinese yuan instead of U.S. dollars. According to reports citing a senior Iranian official, the move would be part of a controlled reopening of the waterway after disruptions caused by ongoing conflict and attacks on ships. The condition aims to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar and strengthen economic ties with China. Analysts say such a policy could challenge the dominance of the petrodollar system and reshape global oil trade dynamics. (PC: X)

A senior Iranian security official has claimed that members of Jeffrey Epstein’s network are planning a major attack and may try to blame Iran for it. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, made the allegation in a post on X. “I’ve heard that the remaining members of Epstein’s network have devised a conspiracy to create an incident similar to 9/11 and blame Iran for it,” Larijani wrote. He did not provide evidence to support the claim. Larijani also said Iran opposes terrorism and does not see the American public as its enemy. The statement comes as tensions remain high during the ongoing Middle East conflict. (PC: India Today)

The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Voting will begin on April 9 in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry, while Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23. West Bengal will hold elections in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes for all states and the union territory will take place on May 4. The elections will cover more than 800 assembly seats, and political parties are expected to intensify campaigning as the race for power begins across these key states. (PC: India Today)