Two Indian-origin men, Sampath Rajidi and Sreedhar Mada, have pleaded guilty to H-1B visa fraud in the United States. They promised jobs at the University of California that did not exist. “The beneficiaries did not work on projects at the University,” court documents said. The duo submitted false visa petitions between 2020 and 2023. They now face up to five years in jail and a $250,000 fine. Officials said their actions took visa slots from genuine applicants. Several US agencies are investigating the case.

An Indian-flagged oil tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, the same day Iranian forces fired at two other Indian vessels, officials said. The tanker Desh Garima was carrying 31 Indian crew members and is expected to reach Mumbai on April 22. The Petroleum Ministry said the passage was completed safely. Two other ships, Sanmar Herald and Jag Arnav, were forced to turn back after the firing. No injuries were reported. India later raised concerns with Iran's ambassador and sought safe passage for India-bound vessels. (PC: India Today)

2 Indian-flagged tankers came under fire in the Strait of Hormuz. No injuries were reported. A distress audio from tanker Sanmar Herald showed confusion. “You gave me clearance… you are firing now,” a crew member said. The ships turned back after the incident. Another vessel, Jag Arnav, was also targeted. India raised the issue with Iran and stressed safety of ships. Officials asked for safe passage to resume. The strait remains tense due to the ongoing conflict. Iran has warned ships against entering the area. Many vessels are avoiding the route as uncertainty continues.

Amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing Iran conflict, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has praised Kerala’s Vizhinjam Port as a rising global shipping hub. He noted that nearly 100 ships are queued or seeking access, reflecting a major shift in maritime traffic toward India. Operated by Adani Ports, Vizhinjam is India’s first deep-water transshipment port and is rapidly expanding capacity. Tharoor described it as India’s “answer” to global supply disruptions, highlighting its growing importance. The development comes as the Hormuz crisis threatens global oil routes, pushing international shipping toward alternative, reliable gateways like Vizhinjam. (PC: NDTV)

Two Indian-flagged vessels, Sanmar Herald and Jag Arnav, were targeted by Iranian naval forces while passing through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Despite the sudden attack, all crew members remained safe, with only minor damage reported, including shattered glass on board. India responded strongly, raising the issue with Iranian authorities and expressing concern over the safety of its ships and seafarers. The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with reports suggesting attempts to control or restrict maritime movement. The attack underscores growing threats to global shipping routes and energy supply chains passing through the Gulf. (PC: Reuters)

Former Union minister and BJP leader Dinesh Trivedi is set to become India’s next High Commissioner to Bangladesh, according to reports. He is expected to replace career diplomat Pranay Verma, who will move to Brussels as India’s envoy to the European Union. Trivedi, 75, earlier served as Railway Minister and Minister of State for Health in the UPA government while with the Trinamool Congress. He joined the BJP in 2021. His appointment comes as India and Bangladesh work to improve ties after recent tensions. The move also signals that the Narendra Modi government may send senior political leaders to key foreign posts. (PC: HT)

Two Indian men were shot dead in Italy’s Covo town in Bergamo province after leaving a gurdwara, local media reported. The attack happened late Friday near Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur Ji during a Vaisakhi gathering. The victims were identified as 48-year-old Raginder Singh and 48-year-old Gurmit Singh. Reports said the gunman fired several shots and fled in a car. Police recovered around 10 shell casings from the scene. Investigators are looking into the case as a planned attack. An eyewitness told reporters the shooter was “an Indian” who also visited the gurdwara. A third person was reportedly grazed by bullets. (PC: India Today)

Two Indian-flagged vessels came under attack from Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating regional tensions. The ships, including a very large crude carrier transporting oil, were fired upon while navigating the critical shipping route near Oman. No injuries or damage were reported, but both vessels were forced to turn back due to safety concerns. The incident prompted India to summon the Iranian ambassador, expressing serious concern over maritime security. The attack highlights growing risks to global oil supply routes as the Hormuz crisis deepens, disrupting shipping and raising fears over energy security and international trade stability. (PC: X)

India strongly condemned the attack on French UN peacekeepers in Lebanon on Saturday. One peacekeeper was killed and three were injured after a patrol came under fire. In a statement, India expressed condolences and wished recovery to the injured. It urged the Lebanese government to investigate the attack and bring those responsible to justice. The United Nations mission in Lebanon said the firing was by non-state actors. An investigation is underway. India also stressed the need to protect UN personnel. The incident comes amid rising tensions in the region and raises concerns over the safety of peacekeeping forces deployed there.

The Iran Navy fired on a large Indian crude oil tanker north of Oman on Saturday. The tanker, Jag Arnav, was carrying about two million barrels of Iraqi oil. A second vessel, Sanmar Herald, was nearby but was not attacked. The Indian Navy is working to get more details. It has no ships in the Strait of Hormuz but has two destroyers, one frigate, and one tanker in the Gulf of Oman. Officials said India takes the firing by Iran's Revolutionary Guard seriously. India stands for "open and free navigation" in the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: HT)