New data on global arms exports highlights how defence industries continue to shape geopolitical power.

The United States remains the dominant player by a wide margin, while France, Russia and China continue to be key exporters in the global weapons market.

The distribution of arms exports reflects broader strategic influence, with major powers using defence trade to strengthen alliances and expand their global footprint.

Global Arms Trade: Who Holds the Power | World Business Watch

India’s foreign exchange reserves remain strong, covering around nine months of imports, even as the rupee comes under pressure.

The Reserve Bank of India has been intervening in the forex market by selling dollars to defend the currency, but has recently allowed the rupee to weaken past a key psychological level.

While the drawdown in reserves signals pressure from global factors, including rising oil prices and market volatility, the overall buffer remains comfortable by global standards, providing a cushion against external shocks.

India's Forex Reserves Cover 9 Months of Imports | World Business Watch

Viewership for the Academy Awards has dropped to 17.9 million, marking a four-year low for Hollywood’s biggest night.

The decline highlights ongoing struggles for the ceremony to retain audiences, despite efforts to boost engagement and broaden appeal.

The Oscars, once a dominant television event, have seen fluctuating ratings in recent years amid changing viewer habits and increased competition from digital platforms.

Oscars 2026 Ratings Fall to 17.9 Million, Hit Four-Year Low | WION

A report says the UK’s National Security Adviser believed a nuclear deal between Iran and the United States was within reach shortly before the conflict began.

According to sources, Jonathan Powell attended the final round of US-Iran talks and saw “surprising” progress in negotiations, with Tehran putting forward a proposal that could have prevented a rush to war.

Diplomats indicated that further technical talks had already been scheduled, suggesting both sides were moving closer to an agreement before military action was launched.

The findings raise fresh questions over whether a diplomatic resolution was still possible before the escalation.

US-Iran War | Report: UK NSA Felt Iran-US Deal Was Within Reach Before War | WION

US President Donald Trump has said Israel will not carry out further strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field, while issuing a sharp warning to Tehran amid escalating tensions.

Trump warned that if Iran targets Qatar again, the United States would respond by “massively” striking Iran’s gas field, one of the world’s largest energy reserves.

His remarks come after Iranian missile strikes hit Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub following earlier attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure.

The developments mark a dangerous escalation in the conflict, with energy infrastructure across the Gulf increasingly becoming a key target.

US-Iran War: Trump Says Israel Will Not Strike Iran Gas Plant Again | WION Breaking

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has warned that Pakistan’s missile programme could potentially reach the United States, raising concerns over long-range capabilities.

Gabbard said Pakistan’s arsenal may include intercontinental-range missiles, signalling a possible expansion in its strategic reach.

The remarks come amid heightened global focus on missile capabilities and evolving security threats.

US-Iran War: Tulsi Gabbard Warns Pakistan Missiles Could Reach US, Flags ICBM Capability | WION

Director Aditya Dhar has apologised to fans for the delay in releasing regional versions of Dhurandhar 2.

The filmmaker acknowledged the setback and addressed audience concerns as the film continues its theatrical run. No further details on the revised release timeline have been announced.

Aditya Dhar Apologises for Delay in Regional Versions of Dhurandhar 2 | WION

QatarEnergy says an Iranian missile strike has damaged infrastructure at Ras Laffan Industrial City, the world’s largest LNG production site.

The attack triggered fires and caused what officials described as extensive damage to parts of the facility. Authorities said the site had been evacuated earlier after warnings that it could be targeted.

Doha has condemned the strike as a violation of its sovereignty and national security, as tensions escalate across the region.

Iran-US War: Iranian Missile Damages Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG Facility | WION

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called for a new protocol governing the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting fresh rules for navigation after the ongoing conflict ends.

Araghchi said any new framework should be developed by countries bordering the Gulf and ensure safe passage under conditions aligned with regional and Iranian interests.

He also made it clear that Iran will not allow its “enemies” to use the strategic waterway, signalling continued restrictions amid rising tensions.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global energy route, and any change in access or rules could have major implications for international oil and gas flows.

US-Israel Strikes: Iran FM Calls for New Hormuz Protocol, Says Enemies Won’t Be Allowed Access

The United States has extended its $15,000 visa bond requirement to additional countries as part of efforts to combat visa overstays.

The rule, which requires certain travellers to post a bond as a condition for entry, is aimed at ensuring compliance with visa terms and reducing the number of overstays.

US authorities say the expanded measure will come into effect on April 2, marking a broader push to tighten immigration enforcement.

US Extends $15,000 Visa Bond Rule to New Nations From April 2 | WION

Qatar has condemned the Iranian missile strike on Ras Laffan Industrial City, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and national security.

Authorities said the attack targeted the world’s largest LNG production site, causing fires and damage to key infrastructure. The facility had been evacuated prior to the strike following warnings of a possible attack.

Doha has strongly criticised the escalation, as tensions across the Gulf region continue to rise.

Iran Strikes Back: Qatar Condemns Iranian Strike on Ras Laffan LNG Facility | WION

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has come under scrutiny after refusing to directly answer whether Iran posed an “imminent threat” to the United States before the war.

During a Senate hearing, Gabbard said determining what constitutes an imminent threat is the responsibility of the president, not the intelligence community, declining to give a clear yes-or-no answer.

The controversy comes as a senior US counterterrorism official, Joe Kent, resigned in protest, stating that Iran posed “no imminent threat” and questioning the justification for the conflict.

Lawmakers have criticised the lack of clarity, as conflicting assessments within the US administration raise questions over the intelligence basis for the war.

US-Iran War: Tulsi Gabbard Dodges Iran Threat Question, Top US Official Says No “Imminent Threat”

India’s aviation regulator DGCA has directed airlines to allocate at least 60% of seats on every flight free of charge, in a move aimed at reducing extra costs for passengers.

Under the new rules, passengers travelling on the same PNR, typically families or groups, must be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats.

The directive comes after widespread complaints over airlines charging for seat selection and separating passengers unless additional fees were paid. Authorities say the move is part of a broader push to improve transparency, passenger rights, and overall travel experience.

India Mandates 60% Free Flight Seats, DGCA Says Families Must Sit Together | WION

Indian cinema is increasingly leaning on sequels, with big franchises driving box office momentum across the industry.

Dhurandhar 2, starring Ranveer Singh, has hit theatres on March 19, backed by massive advance bookings and strong pre-release buzz. The sequel has recorded huge ticket sales and paid previews, signalling a strong opening.

The trend is reflected in other releases as well. Border 2, a sequel to the 1997 war film, has emerged as one of the biggest performers of 2026, becoming the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year.

From action thrillers to war dramas, sequels are now dominating theatres, with established franchises increasingly shaping audience demand and box office success.

Sequels Rule Bollywood as Dhurandhar 2 Releases, Border 2 Drives Massive Box Office | WION

Brazil has introduced stricter rules on children’s use of social media, with a new law aimed at protecting minors from harmful online content.

Under the new framework, users under the age of 16 will be required to connect their accounts with a parent or guardian. Authorities say the move is designed to increase oversight and reduce exposure to unsafe material online.

The law forms part of broader efforts to regulate digital platforms and strengthen child safety protections.


Brazil Tightens Social Media Rules for Children, Under-16s Must Link to Parents | WION

Meta is facing scrutiny after a UK review found more than 1,000 high-risk financial advertisements appearing on its platforms within just one week.

The review identified thousands of rogue ads, raising concerns over the spread of potentially illegal financial promotions and scams targeting users.

The findings have intensified pressure on Meta to strengthen oversight and enforcement against harmful and misleading financial content online.


Meta Under Fire as UK Review Flags 1,000+ High-Risk Financial Ads | WION

Dhurandhar 2, starring Ranveer Singh, has been released in theatres.

The film marks the latest instalment in the franchise and brings Ranveer Singh back to the big screen in a leading role. Audiences are now heading to cinemas as the film opens across theatres.


Dhurandhar 2 Hits Theatres, Ranveer Singh’s Film Releases | WION

British author Len Deighton has passed away at the age of 97.

Deighton was widely known for reshaping the spy thriller genre by introducing a working-class protagonist, breaking away from the traditional elite spy archetype.

His work brought a more grounded and realistic tone to espionage fiction, influencing generations of writers and readers.


Len Deighton Dies at 97, British Author Redefined the Spy Thriller | WION

US Extends $15,000 Visa Bond Rule to New Nations, Effective April 2 | WION

A Belgian court has ordered 93-year-old former diplomat Étienne Davignon to stand trial over alleged involvement in the 1961 killing of Congo’s first Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba.

Davignon, the only surviving suspect among a group of Belgian officials accused by Lumumba’s family, faces charges of participation in war crimes. Prosecutors say the case relates to Lumumba’s unlawful detention, transfer, and treatment before his killing.

Lumumba, a key figure in Congo’s independence from Belgium, was killed in January 1961 at the age of 35 during a period of political turmoil and Cold War tensions.

A 2001 Belgian inquiry had already found the country “morally responsible” for the events surrounding his death. The upcoming trial, expected to begin if appeals fail, could mark the first criminal prosecution linked to the assassination.

Davignon has denied the charges.

Belgium Orders Trial of 93-Year-Old Over 1961 Killing of Congo PM Lumumba | WION

Iran Strikes Back: Iranian Missile Damages Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG Facility | WION

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has pointed to what he calls growing evidence that the US-led war is “unjust”, as criticism mounts over Washington’s actions.

His remarks come as the head of the US National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, resigned in protest, saying Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States and questioning the basis for the conflict.

US-Iran War: Iran’s Araghchi Alleges “Unjust War” as US Counterterror Chief Quits | WION

The much-anticipated film “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” has already earned $10 million in advance bookings, signaling massive excitement among audiences. Fans are flocking to secure tickets ahead of its release, making it one of the biggest pre-release successes. The thriller promises high-octane action, gripping storytelling, and stellar performances, setting the stage for a blockbuster debut.


'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' Earns $10 Million in Advance Bookings

Iran’s Deputy Ambassador to India says Tehran and New Delhi share common views on key strategic and regional issues, highlighting strong bilateral ties and cooperation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Iran-India Relations: Iran's Deputy Ambassador to India Says Iran is on the Same Page With India 

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