Top news of the day | April 4, 2026

Oil Ministry confirms Iranian crude purchases, rejects claims of payment-led tanker diversion

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) dismissed news reports that Iranian crude was being diverted from Indian shores due to payment issues and noted that Indian refiners were, in fact, purchasing Iranian crude. “Amid Middle East supply disruptions, Indian refiners have secured their crude oil requirements, including from Iran; and there is no payment hurdle for Iranian crude imports, contrary to the rumours being circulated,” the social media post read.

Rahul alleges Centre hiding foreign surveillance via CCTVs, apps

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday (April 4, 2026) alleged that the Modi government is putting the security of every Indian at risk by attempting to “cover up its own failures” and concealing the reality of foreign surveillance through Chinese cameras installed at vital locations. “This is a deliberate conspiracy to keep India in the dark,” he said in a post in Hindi on Facebook.

‘I go to Parliament to create impact, not ruckus’: Raghav Chadha rubbishes AAP allegations

“I go to Parliament to create impact, not ruckus,” said Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Saturday (April 4, 2026) as he rejected allegations levelled against him by the Aam Aadmi Party, calling them “false” and part of a “coordinated campaign”. In a video, Mr. Chadha dismissed claims that he did not join Opposition walkouts, terming the charge a “blatant lie”.

Seventh India-flagged LPG tanker crosses Strait of Hormuz

Another Indian-flagged tanker carrying LPG has safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz, the government said in a statement on Saturday (April 4, 2026). Green Sanvi would be the 7th LPG carrier, under the flag of India, to cross the strait and sail towards the country. “Green Sanvi has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, carrying 46,650 MT of LPG cargo with 25 seafarers on board,” the statement read, without further details on its final destination.

India has come through solidly from recent global shocks that tested its resilience: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday (April 4, 2026) said India has come through solidly from global shocks that recently tested its resilience, an apparent reference to the ongoing military conflict in West Asia. Speaking at the convocation ceremony of IIM Raipur, Mr. Jaishankar emphasised that India has managed both domestic and external challenges fairly successfully.

Sexual abuse case: Kerala filmmaker Ranjith sent to three days’ police custody

The Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court on Saturday (April 4, 2026) sent Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith, who was earlier arrested in connection with a case of sexual abuse following a complaint filed by a female actor, to police custody for three days. His bail application will be considered on April 7. The prosecution has argued that his police custody was required in view of the “serious nature” of the alleged crime.

‘Authority carries accountability’: Supreme Court restores bank manager’s dismissal

The Supreme Court has reinstated the dismissal of a bank’s senior manager, underscoring that authority comes with accountability, and his position carried with it an increased degree of responsibility and integrity. The top court noted allegations that the senior manager had connived with an officer and a gunman to misappropriate the money of customers for personal gain and steal bank records.

Uproar in J&K Assembly over Ganderbal encounter; Speaker says time-bound probe ordered by L-G

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed uproar on the final day of the Budget Session on Saturday (April 4, 2026), with members of the National Conference, the Congress and the PDP demanding a judicial probe into the recent Ganderbal encounter. The Army has claimed that the man killed in the encounter in Arhama forests on March 31 — identified as Ganderbal resident Rashid Ahmad Mughal — was a terrorist. However, his family alleged that he had no terror links and termed the encounter fake, while demanding the return of his body for proper burial.

Jan Vishwas Bill: Commerce Ministry wants departments to consider withdrawing cases involving minor offences

The Commerce and Industry Ministry wants all the departments to consider withdrawing pending court cases involving minor offences in light of Jan Vishwas amendment bill, as it would significantly reduce load on the judiciary and promote ease of living, a top official said on Friday (April 3, 2026).

Downed planes spell new peril for Trump as Tehran hunts missing U.S. pilot

Iran’s forces were hunting on Saturday (April 4, 2026) for a missing U.S. pilot from one of two warplanes ‌downed over Iran and the Gulf, officials from both sides said, while two airmen were rescued. The incidents ​show the risks still facing U.S. and Israeli aircraft over Iran as the war entered its sixth ⁠week, despite assertions by President Donald Trump and his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that U.S. forces had total control of the skies.