External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a 20-minute phone conversation on Friday with Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi to discuss the evolving situation in West Asia, particularly developments affecting international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Sharing details of the exchange on X, Jaishankar noted that the two leaders reviewed ongoing regional tensions and he expressed appreciation for Motegi’s message of condolence over the loss of Indian lives in the conflict.
According to a statement from Japan’s Foreign Ministry, both ministers also acknowledged the recent announcement by the United States and Iran, describing it as a positive step toward easing tensions. Motegi emphasized that de-escalation remains critical, especially in ensuring the safety and security of maritime navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. He further expressed hope that ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran would lead to a timely and lasting agreement. Motegi also highlighted the importance of close coordination with the international community, including India, in addressing the situation.
Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with Japan to support de-escalation efforts and safeguard maritime routes. Both leaders agreed to maintain regular communication and coordination moving forward. They also underlined the need to strengthen multilateral cooperation to enhance energy security and ensure the resilience of global resource supply chains. The conversation comes in the wake of a recently announced two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, following weeks of heightened conflict in West Asia that disrupted regional stability and impacted several countries.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal cast his vote on Thursday at Bordongki Government LP School in Hojai, as polling continues for the Assam assembly elections. Highlighting strong public support for his party, Ajmal urged voters to back AIUDF in pursuit of justice for singer Zubeen Garg. Speaking to ANI, he stated, “People across Assam are showing enthusiasm for the lock-and-key symbol… Vote for AIUDF for justice to Zubeen Garg, education, and technology.”
As of 1 pm, Assam reported a voter turnout of 59.63%, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI) data for the 2026 assembly elections. Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the NDA candidate from Jalukbari, cast his vote at polling station number 15, accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma and their children.
Over 2.5 crore voters are eligible to participate in the 126-member state assembly elections, with 722 candidates contesting. Of the 2,50,54,463 electors, 1,25,31,552 are male, 1,25,22,593 are female, 318 identify as transgender, and 63,423 are service voters. Among them, 6,42,314 are aged 18–19, 2,50,006 are above 80, and 2,05,085 are persons with disabilities.
To ensure effective monitoring, webcasting has been arranged at all 31,490 polling stations, including 31,486 main and 4 auxiliary stations. A total of 1,51,132 polling personnel have been deployed. Voting equipment includes 41,320 Ballot Units, 43,975 Control Units, and 43,997 VVPAT machines, with additional personnel and reserve equipment kept on standby.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Delhi remained one of the most polluted cities in the NCR during 2025–26, with an annual average PM10 level of 201 micrograms per cubic metre, despite a 17% decline from the 2017–18 baseline, according to a recent study. An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air found that Ghaziabad recorded the highest PM10 level in the country at 215 micrograms per cubic metre, followed by Delhi at 201 and Noida at 195.
The report highlighted that pollution in Delhi is still over three times higher than the national standard of 60 micrograms per cubic metre, indicating ongoing air quality concerns. It also pointed out that pollution is a regional issue, with emissions from nearby NCR cities such as Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad contributing significantly.
79 cities showed improvement in PM10 levels compared to the baseline year, with 27 achieving reductions of more than 40%. However, pollution worsened in 14 cities and remained unchanged in three, while 89 out of 96 cities still exceeded national air quality limits. Gurugram was the most polluted city in the country, followed by Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida, reflecting continued concerns in the NCR region.
Although 220 out of 251 cities recorded PM2.5 levels below India’s daily standard, only three met the stricter WHO guidelines, suggesting that achieving clean air remains a significant challenge. Experts emphasized the need for stronger, region-wide action under the National Clean Air Programme to address pollution sources affecting Delhi and surrounding areas.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.
The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has granted over 2,800 visas to Indian pilgrims for the Baisakhi celebrations in Pakistan, scheduled from April 10 to 19, 2026. Pilgrims will visit prominent Sikh religious sites such as Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, according to an official statement.
Extending his greetings, Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires to India, Saad Ahmad Warraich, wished the pilgrims a spiritually fulfilling visit and highlighted the broader significance of their journey. He stated that the visit reflects Pakistan’s commitment to fostering interreligious and intercultural harmony. Warraich also noted Pakistan’s role as a custodian of numerous places of worship, emphasizing its dedication to tolerance, goodwill, and mutual respect.
This pilgrimage is being conducted under the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, 1974, which governs cross-border religious visits between the two countries. The protocol ensures pilgrims access key historical and religious sites in a safe and organized manner. Baisakhi, celebrated widely by the Sikh community, marks the harvest festival in Punjab and commemorates the formation of the Khalsa in 1699. Every year, thousands of Indian devotees visit sacred Sikh shrines in Pakistan, reinforcing cultural and spiritual ties. This year’s visa issuance has been welcomed by Indian religious communities as an opportunity to deepen faith and strengthen cultural connections.
Pilgrimage organizers have coordinated with authorities in both countries to ensure smooth travel and compliance with protocols. Warraich emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to facilitating such visits, promoting interfaith dialogue, and providing a spiritually enriching experience. The High Commission confirmed that all arrangements, including travel, accommodation, and access to religious sites, have been made to ensure a safe and well-organized pilgrimage.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday told the Rajya Sabha that the House would be adjourned and reconvene soon to take up a “very important” bill, amid plans to increase Lok Sabha seats for women’s reservation. He said Thursday’s agenda would include the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill and the Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill, and added that the important bill would be taken up in the next 2–3 weeks. Rijiju stressed the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promise to women, while the Opposition called for caution, citing long-term implications and alleged political motives, which Rijiju denied.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.
A new AI system developed by NTU can forecast the rate at which food spoils, enabling supermarkets to reduce waste, enhance safety, and manage inventory more efficiently. The technology works by predicting bacterial growth in food. Could this signal the future of food retail? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss with Natalie Ong, CNA journalist, and Professor William Chen, Executive Director of FRESH@NTU, to explore the possibilities.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
This week, as the repercussions of the US-Israel conflict with Iran continue, Australians are feeling the pinch from a worsening fuel crisis. At the same time, the Liberal Party faces a critical moment as voters increasingly shift toward One Nation. In this edition of the Guardian’s Australian Politics podcast, political editor Tom McIlroy talks with Andrew Hastie, shadow minister for industry and sovereign capability, about Australia’s approach to the global fuel shock, the need for reindustrialisation, and his perspective on how the Liberal Party should respond to the rise of One Nation.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
In spring 2003, the initial euphoria over Saddam Hussein’s fall quickly turned into deadly chaos across Iraq. Guardian reporters, whether working independently or embedded with military units, witnessed the violence and disorder firsthand, documenting the rapid shift from jubilation to conflict, looting, and unrest that marked the early days following the invasion and the collapse of Saddam’s regime.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Our system of mental health diagnosis and labeling has provided clear benefits, helping people access treatment and understand their conditions. However, as a practicing doctor, I am concerned that overdiagnosis and excessive labeling may be causing more harm than good, potentially stigmatizing patients and oversimplifying complex mental health experiences.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
