A civilian staffer at an Air Force station in Assam was arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan. The accused, Sumit Kumar, worked at Chabua Air Force Station. He was held in a joint operation by Air Force Intelligence and Rajasthan Intelligence. He was taken to Jaipur for questioning. Police said he shared details about aircraft, missile systems, and personnel. He used social media to contact handlers and received money. The probe began after another arrest in January. Officials said he had “shared sensitive information since 2023.” A case has been filed, and further investigation is underway.

“Kindness will never be forgotten,” the Iranian Embassy said, thanking people in Kashmir for donations to war-hit Iran. Residents in Budgam and Baramulla started a relief drive after Eid. People gave cash, gold, silver, and even livestock. Many women donated personal jewellery. A widow gave a gold memento kept for 28 years. Children also shared their savings. MLA Muntazir Mehdi pledged one month’s salary. The campaign saw wide support from all sections of society. Locals said the aid was a small step to help those suffering. Donations will be sent through official channels to reach affected people.

“Uncertainty is huge,” said VK Vijayakumar as markets fell sharply on Monday. The Sensex dropped over 1,800 points, while the Nifty also declined. Rising tensions near the Strait of Hormuz pushed oil prices above $110 per barrel. This increased fears of higher costs for India. The rupee hit a record low against the US dollar, making imports more expensive. Metal stocks led the fall, along with banks and auto shares. Midcap and smallcap stocks also declined. Investors remained cautious as global tensions grew. Experts said markets may stay volatile until there is clarity on the conflict.

Germany is increasingly turning to India to address a growing labour shortage caused by ageing demographics and low birth rates. Employers, struggling to fill roles, have recruited young Indian workers through agencies like India Works and Magic Billion, expanding from an initial 13 apprentices in 2022 to around 200 today. Sectors such as butchery, baking, construction, and logistics are benefiting. A 2024 study estimates Germany needs 288,000 foreign workers annually to prevent a 10% workforce decline by 2040. Policy support, including the 2022 Migration and Mobility Partnership and increased visa quotas, has accelerated inflows. Indian workers cite better wages, job prospects, and living standards as key motivations for relocating. (PC: BBC)

Indian markets tumbled as escalating West Asia tensions triggered a risk-off sentiment, with the S&P BSE Sensex plunging 1,650 points to 72,882.80 and the NSE Nifty50 dropping 532 points. Concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz pushed crude above $110 per barrel, raising inflation and current account risks for India. The Indian Rupee weakened to record lows, intensifying import cost pressures. Selling was broad-based, led by metals, PSU banks, and financials, while midcaps and smallcaps fell sharply. HCL Technologies and Tata Consultancy Services were rare gainers. Volatility surged, with investors tracking geopolitical developments and oil prices closely. (PC: India Today)

A civilian staffer at an Indian Air Force station in Dibrugarh has been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistani intelligence handlers. The accused, Sumit Kumar, a multi-tasking staff member, was apprehended in a joint operation by Rajasthan Intelligence and Air Force Intelligence. Investigations revealed he had been in contact with operatives since 2023 and was allegedly sharing sensitive information, including details about fighter aircraft, missile systems, and personnel, via social media in exchange for money. The case, registered under the Official Secrets Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, stems from an earlier arrest in Jaisalmer and may point to a wider espionage network under investigation. (PC: NDTV)

The Embassy of Iran in India expressed deep gratitude to Indians for donating money, gold, and jewellery to support Iran amid the ongoing crisis. Calling it an act of “kindness and humanity,” the embassy said such solidarity would never be forgotten. Contributions from Kashmir were highlighted, including a woman donating her late husband’s gold memento and children offering their piggy banks. Local initiatives, such as donation drives at religious sites, have mobilised communities to provide financial aid. The embassy emphasised that these gestures of compassion have brought emotional comfort to Iranians during a period of intense conflict and hardship. (PC: The Tribune)

An Indian national sustained minor injuries in Abu Dhabi after debris from an intercepted ballistic missile fell in the Al Shawamekh area. Authorities confirmed air defence systems successfully neutralised the threat. The incident comes amid escalating missile and drone attacks across Gulf nations as the conflict enters its fourth week. Dozens of Indians have been injured across the region, while six have died so far, including casualties in Saudi Arabia and Oman. The UAE has intercepted hundreds of aerial threats since the conflict began. With nearly 10 million Indians in West Asia, India and UAE officials have reiterated that expatriate safety remains a top priority. (PC: AFP)

Narendra Modi held a key security meeting to review the impact of the Iran war on India. He said, “Citizens must be safeguarded from the impact of this conflict.” The government reviewed supplies of food, fuel and fertilisers. Officials said coal stocks are enough and there will be no power shortage. Plans were made to find new import sources for key sectors. The meeting also focused on export growth and supply chains. Senior ministers attended. The government will form teams to monitor the situation and prevent shortages and price rise.

The oil tanker Aqua Titan carrying Russian crude has reached New Mangaluru port. It is the first of at least seven vessels diverted to India. The tanker was earlier bound for China but changed course in March. This came after India received a 30-day US waiver to buy Russian oil at sea. Indian refiners have increased purchases to meet demand. More tankers are expected in the coming days. The move comes as the Strait of Hormuz faces disruption due to war. The arrival of these vessels may help ease India’s fuel shortage and support energy supply in the short term.