At least 10 workers died and over 30 were injured after a blast at a Vedanta Limited power plant in Chhattisgarh. The incident happened in Sakti district on Tuesday afternoon. Officials said a pipeline carrying hot water burst, causing severe burns. Four workers died on the spot, while others died in hospital. Many injured remain critical. They are being treated in Raigarh hospitals. Rescue operations are over, and all workers have been evacuated. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai ordered a probe. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the explosion.

At least two ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz despite a US blockade, data showed. The ships, Christianna and Elpis, left Iranian ports and crossed the strait on Monday. Another tanker also used an approved route near Larak Island. The blockade was ordered by Donald Trump after failed talks with Iran. It began at 1400 GMT. The US said it would stop ships linked to Iran. Experts say enforcing the blockade will be difficult. The move could affect global supply of oil, food, and fertiliser, raising concerns about prices and trade disruptions.

The United States and Iran may hold another round of talks later this week or early next week in Islamabad. Officials from both sides have shown cautious interest, though no date is fixed. The earlier talks, held after 47 years, ended without progress. Soon after, Donald Trump ordered a blockade of Iranian ports, raising tensions. Iran said it is open to talks if there are no unfair demands. Pakistani officials, led by Shehbaz Sharif, are helping both sides coordinate. The next talks could be key to easing conflict.

Britain’s Chancellor Rachel Reeves has sharply criticised the United States over the economic fallout of the Iran war, saying she is “very frustrated and angry” as UK families bear the brunt. Speaking about policies under Donald Trump, Reeves called the strategy a “folly” due to the lack of a clear exit plan. She highlighted that gas prices have surged בעקבות disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that previously carried about 20% of the world’s oil. The closure, following US-Israel strikes on Iran, has intensified global energy pressures. (PC: X)

The United States and Iran are considering a fresh round of talks later this week after 21 hours of negotiations in Islamabad ended without a deal. With a fragile ceasefire set to expire on April 21, both sides are weighing new in-person discussions, potentially on Thursday, with Geneva and Islamabad as possible venues. Donald Trump signalled openness to talks if Tehran shows flexibility, while JD Vance noted partial progress. Key sticking points include Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions, and control of the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: X)

Pakistan’s hosting of high-profile US–Iran talks in Islamabad has drawn embarrassment after reports it failed to clear dues at the Serena Hotel Islamabad. The April 10–12 summit, intended to showcase Islamabad’s diplomatic role, instead raised concerns over financial credibility when the hotel’s owner, linked to the Aga Khan Development Network, reportedly settled the bill. The incident has sparked criticism in diplomatic circles, highlighting a gap between Pakistan’s ambitions and economic realities. Amid IMF scrutiny, inflation pressures, and fiscal strain, the episode has amplified perceptions of administrative weakness, turning a strategic initiative into a reputational setback. (PC: News18)

A US-sanctioned Chinese-linked tanker, Rich Starry, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite the naval blockade ordered by Donald Trump, marking an early test of enforcement. The vessel, owned by a Shanghai-based firm and previously blacklisted for aiding Iran, had briefly turned back before proceeding after declaring a Chinese crew. Carrying 2,50,000 barrels of methanol from the UAE, its transit allowed Tehran to mock Washington’s move. Additional sanctioned ships also passed through. The incident highlights risks of confrontation with China, a major energy importer heavily reliant on Hormuz, as tensions escalate following failed US-Iran negotiations.

China has issued a firm warning to the United States over its naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, urging Washington not to interfere in its ties with Iran. Defence Minister Dong Jun confirmed that Beijing will continue honouring trade and energy agreements, with Chinese vessels operating normally in the region. The strait, crucial for global energy flows, supplies nearly 40% of China’s oil and 30% of its LNG. The warning follows disruption to tanker routes after the US blockade. Donald Trump said vessels linked to Iranian ports would be stopped, escalating tensions after failed US-Iran talks despite a temporary ceasefire. (PC: X)

The United States has launched a high-stakes naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, deploying advanced military assets including F-35B Lightning II jets, MV-22 Osprey aircraft, and over 15 warships across the Gulf. The move signals a significant escalation in tensions with Iran, aimed at restricting maritime access and exerting strategic pressure. The deployment underscores Washington’s intent to dominate key sea lanes and deter Iranian response, while raising concerns over regional stability, global energy supply disruptions, and the risk of broader military confrontation in one of the world’s most critical geopolitical theatres. (PC: ET)

A key sticking point in US-Iran negotiations is the duration of limits on Tehran’s nuclear activity, with United States proposing a 20-year suspension while Iran is willing to accept only a five-year pause. The proposal stops short of a permanent ban, allowing Iran to retain its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Additional disputes include US demands to remove near-bomb-grade uranium, curb enrichment, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and end support for proxy groups. Despite failed Islamabad talks, both sides signalled possible renewed discussions, suggesting a narrow window remains for a diplomatic breakthrough. (PC: AP)