- Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian and condemned attacks on critical infrastructure, stressing open and secure global shipping lanes.
- US and Israel launched fresh strikes on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, with Tehran confirming the attack but reporting no radioactive leakage.
- Mumbai Indians gear up for IPL 2026 with Rohit Sharma set to open, while team combinations including Shardul Thakur’s spot, remain under focus.
- Indian refiners consider resuming Iranian crude imports after a temporary US sanctions waiver, amid supply concerns from Middle East disruptions.
- Islamabad rejects US concerns over its nuclear arsenal, calling it defensive and indirectly pointing to India while dismissing threat claims.
Here are the top news of the day:
PM Modi speaks to Iran president, condemn attack on ‘critical infrastructure’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian, strongly condemning attacks on critical infrastructure amid the escalating Middle East crisis. He warned that such actions threaten regional stability and disrupt vital global supply chains.The Prime Minister also conveyed greetings on Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz amid the conflict, saying “we expressed hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia.” Read full story
Natanz targeted again: US, Israel strikes Iran’s nuclear site, no radiation leak reported
United States and Israel carried out fresh strikes on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, further intensifying the ongoing conflict. Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that the Natanz facility was targeted in the joint US-Israeli attack.It added that there were no immediate signs of radioactive leakage and residents in the surrounding area were not at risk.Officials described the attack as part of sustained assaults on the country’s infrastructure, noting that Natanz had already been targeted earlier this month during previous rounds of military action. Read full story
IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians eye strong 11, Rohit set to open
Mumbai Indians head into IPL 2026 as strong contenders, banking on a solid core of retained players and recent performances in global tournaments. Mumbai Indians entered the IPL 2026 auction with a purse of Rs 2.75 crore, the lowest among all ten teams.They had 5 spots to fill, including one overseas slot, after retaining a strong core of 20 players. Rohit Sharma remains the heart and soul of Mumbai Indians, having led the franchise to five IPL titles. He is the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history, with 7,046 runs in 272 matches, and will continue to open the innings with his experience and attacking approach. Read full story
Will India resume buying Iranian oil? Refiners eye crude return as US grants waiver
Indian refiners are considering resuming crude oil imports from Iran after the United States granted a temporary waiver on sanctions.Companies are currently awaiting clear guidance from the government and clarity on payment mechanisms before moving ahead with potential deals, Reuters reported.The 30-day waiver comes amid rising concerns over energy security due to disruptions in Middle East oil flows linked to the ongoing conflict. Read full story
Pakistan points to India after US calls Islamabad’s nukes a threat
Pakistan rejected US claims that its nuclear arsenal and missile capabilities pose a threat to America, while highlighting India in its rebuttal.Islamabad insisted its nuclear program is “centred on deterrence” with respect to its neighbour and nuclear-armed India.The Pakistani government also dismissed Israeli envoy to New Delhi Reuven Azar’s description of the country as a “rogue state.”Pakistani authorities defended the country against US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard’s assertion, saying, “Pakistan categorically rejects the recent assertion by a US official alleging a potential threat from Pakistan’s missile capabilities.” Read full story
