Iran’s prolonged digital shutdown has entered its 47th day, with internet monitoring organisations warning of an unprecedented level of disruption as the country remains largely cut off from global connectivity. The situation has raised serious concerns about access to information, communication, and civil liberties during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions, reported ANI. 1,104 Hours of Digital Isolation Raises Alarm According to NetBlocks, Iran has now experienced over 1,104 hours of near-total international internet disruption. The watchdog described the blackout as one of the most extensive in recent history, effectively isolating millions of citizens from the global digital ecosystem, reported ANI. While limited domestic networks continue to function, access to international platforms remains severely restricted. Experts say this has created a significant information vacuum, limiting the flow of independent news and restricting communication with the outside world. Protests and Conflict Trigger Tighter Restrictions The current wave of internet restrictions began following renewed domestic protests in early January. Authorities gradually imposed tighter controls, which were further intensified amid escalating military tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel toward the end of February. Monitoring groups suggest that the convergence of internal unrest and external conflict has contributed to the scale and duration of the blackout. The restrictions have not only disrupted everyday communication but have also impacted businesses, education, and access to critical services, reported ANI. Government Defiance Amid Diplomatic Strain Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has strongly pushed back against what he described as external pressure and military aggression. In remarks carried by ISNA, Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran remains open to dialogue but will not yield to coercion, reported ANI. He emphasised that attempts to impose external will on Iran would fail, asserting the country’s commitment to sovereignty and independence. His comments come amid reports of stalled diplomatic engagements and the possibility of renewed talks between Tehran and Washington, reported ANI. Questions Raised Over Military Actions Pezeshkian also questioned the legality and humanitarian implications of recent military actions, particularly those attributed to US and Israeli forces. He raised concerns about alleged strikes affecting civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, and called into question their justification under international law, reported ANI. The remarks reflect growing tensions on the ground, with both sides exchanging strong rhetoric even as fragile ceasefire efforts continue in the region. US-Led Blockade Intensifies Economic Pressure The digital blackout coincides with a major escalation in economic and military pressure. United States Central Command confirmed the implementation of a full maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports, effectively halting a significant portion of the country’s trade, reported ANI. According to CENTCOM, US forces established control over key waterways, including the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, within 36 hours of initiating the operation. Officials stated that maritime trade into and out of Iran has been largely suspended, dealing a severe blow to the country’s economy, which heavily relies on sea-based commerce, reported ANI. The operation reportedly involves over 10,000 personnel, supported by multiple warships and aircraft, underscoring the scale of the ongoing military mobilisation. Crisis Deepens Across Digital and Physical Fronts As Iran faces simultaneous digital isolation and economic blockade, analysts warn of far-reaching consequences for both domestic stability and regional security. The combination of restricted communication channels and intensifying military pressure has placed the country in a uniquely precarious position, with no immediate resolution in sight. (With inputs from ANI)
15 April,2026 05:19 PM IST | Tehran | mid-day online correspondentUS President Donald Trump has said that the ongoing conflict with Iran is “close to over”, suggesting that the situation could stabilise soon, reported the PTI. In an interview with Fox News, recorded on Tuesday, Trump stated that he believes the war is nearing its end and claimed that if the United States withdrew now, Iran would take decades to recover. "I think it's close to over, yeah. I view it as very close to being over," Trump told Fox News in an interview that will be telecast later Wednesday. The comments came shortly after United States Central Command announced that it had effectively blocked maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports within the first 24 hours of a US-led blockade. The US said the move was aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. In an interview for the programme "Mornings with Maria", he said, "I think it's - I had to divert because if I didn't do that, right now you'd have Iran with a nuclear weapon. And if they had a nuclear weapon, you'd be calling everyone over there 'sir,' and you don't want to do that." Nuclear concerns highlighted According to the PTI, Trump defended his actions by stating that intervention was necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. He reiterated that allowing Iran to acquire such capabilities would pose a serious global threat and insisted that his administration remains firm on preventing that outcome. Talks in Islamabad may resume Despite ongoing tensions, diplomatic efforts appear to be continuing. Recent talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad failed to produce an agreement, the news agency reported. However, Trump indicated that a second round of discussions could take place within days, signalling a possible path towards de-escalation, the news agency reported. Pakistan’s role in mediation Trump praised Asim Munir for his role in facilitating dialogue, suggesting that Pakistan’s involvement has increased the likelihood of further negotiations, as per the PTI. He did not confirm whether key members of the US negotiating team, including Vice President JD Vance, would continue to lead future talks. The US President emphasised that he does not want Iran to feel it has gained any advantage from the conflict. He rejected suggestions of a long-term moratorium, reiterating that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a top priority. (with PTI inputs)
15 April,2026 04:03 PM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondentSaudi Arabia has agreed to provide Pakistan with additional financial assistance worth USD 3 billion, while also extending its earlier USD 5 billion deposit facility for three more years. According to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the existing deposit arrangement will no longer follow yearly renewal and will instead be extended for a longer duration. He said, “Saudi Arabia has pledged an additional USD 3 billion in deposits for Pakistan and has extended its existing USD 5 billion facility for a further three years,” reported PTI. The financial assistance comes at a crucial time for Pakistan, which is preparing to repay USD 3.5 billion to the United Arab Emirates this month. The country is also facing pressure on its foreign exchange reserves. Officials said the fresh support will help stabilise Pakistan’s external account and strengthen its reserve position at a sensitive time. How will this financial support help? Finance Minister Aurangzeb said the new support will play an important role in improving financial stability. He noted, “The fresh Saudi support comes at a critical time for Pakistan’s external financing needs and will help bolster foreign exchange reserves and strengthen the external account,” as per the news agency. The extended Saudi financial support is also expected to provide short-term relief to Pakistan’s external financing pressures. However, officials continue to focus on meeting repayment obligations and maintaining stability under the IMF programme. The announcement was made during his visit to Washington on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026. The announcement also comes ahead of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s scheduled visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye from April 15 to 18. These visits are expected to further discuss economic and diplomatic cooperation. IMF-linked conditions and external obligations Pakistan is currently under an IMF-supported programme, which includes conditions related to maintaining financial discipline. The IMF has asked key bilateral partners such as Saudi Arabia, China, and the UAE to keep their deposits in Pakistan until the programme is completed, reported the news agency. Aurangzeb said the government remains committed to meeting its obligations and maintaining reserves in line with IMF targets and market requirements. (With PTI Inputs)
15 April,2026 03:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwo Israeli strikes on Wednesday hit vehicles south of Beirut, state media reported, while Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel, hours after Lebanon and Israel agreed to hold direct negotiations. Israel is continuing its strikes on southern Lebanon in its war with Iran-backed Hezbollah, but has not targeted the Lebanese capital since a series of attacks across the country on April 8 that killed more than 350 people. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported two separate Israeli strikes on two vehicles, one in the seafront town of Saadiyat and another on a coastal highway in neighbouring Jiyeh, around 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of Beirut and outside Hezbollah's traditional strongholds. NNA also reported several other strikes across southern Lebanon. The Israeli military meanwhile said it had detected "approximately 30 launches" by Hezbollah militants towards Israel since the early hours, a spokesman told AFP. Hezbollah said it launched rockets at 10 northern Israeli areas. The attacks come a day after Lebanon and Israel's ambassadors to the United States held their first direct talks in decades in Washington and agreed to hold further direct negotiations, with the Lebanese envoy calling for a ceasefire. Hezbollah strongly rejected the talks. Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed more than 2,000 people and displaced more than a million since March 2, according to Lebanese authorities. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
15 April,2026 02:07 PM IST | Beirut, Lebanon | AFPIndia and Germany held the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Berlin on Tuesday, during which the two sides formally launched the logo commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. According to a press release by the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday, the consultations were co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and State Secretary of the German Foreign Office Geza Andreas von Geyr, during which both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral ties and explored ways to further deepen the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. Discussions also covered trade and investment, defence and security, technology cooperation, green and sustainable development, mobility, and people-to-people exchanges. The meeting is especially significant in 2025, as India and Germany mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, building upon their Strategic Partnership, which reached its 25th anniversary. Both sides also agreed to expand cooperation in emerging areas such as critical and emerging technologies, industrial collaboration, digital governance, renewable energy, green hydrogen, innovation, and development cooperation in third countries. The two delegations also exchanged views on major regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. "The discussions provided an opportunity for both sides to take stock of the current status of bilateral relations and explore avenues for further deepening the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. During the Consultations, both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the full spectrum of India-Germany bilateral relations, including trade and investment, defence and security, technology, green and sustainable development, mobility, and people to people exchanges," the release read. "They agreed to further deepen and diversify cooperation in areas of contemporary relevance, including critical and emerging technologies, defence, industrial collaboration, digital governance, renewable energy, green hydrogen, innovation, and development cooperation in third countries. The two sides also exchanged views on key regional and global developments including the situation in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine conflict," it added. As part of the visit, the Foreign Secretary interacted with foreign policy experts, members of parliament, and senior officials from Germany's federal and state governments at the Korber Foundation. The Ministry of External Affairs noted that the consultations were held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere and followed the recent visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India in January 2026, which added momentum to bilateral ties. During the visit, Misri also met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. The visit is expected to further advance ongoing cooperation and pave the way for substantive outcomes at the next India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations later this year. Foreign Secretary Misri also extended an invitation to State Secretary von Geyr to visit India at a mutually convenient time. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
15 April,2026 02:03 PM IST | Berlin (Germany) | ANIPrince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, arrived in Melbourne on Tuesday for their first Australian visit since their official royal tour in 2018. The lower-key four-day Australian visit comes after the couple announced in 2020 they planned to “step back” as senior royals and to become financially independent in their Californian base. The couple described their visit as privately funded. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 April,2026 11:02 AM IST | Melbourne | AgenciesA magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck Nevada east of the state’s capital of Carson City on Monday. The temblor hit just before 6.30 pm local time, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. It was centred near the town of Silver Springs at a depth of 5 km. The shaking continued for about a minute. The USGS said some residents in nearby communities reported strong to very strong shaking and light to moderate damage. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 April,2026 10:01 AM IST | Washington | AgenciesNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised more missile tests from his prized new warship over the weekend, state media said Tuesday. North Korea’s official newspaper Rodong Sinmun said Kim on Sunday observed the launches of two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles from his 5000-ton-class destroyer — the Choe Hyon — first unveiled in April 2025. Kim Jong Un oversees the tests The cruise missiles flew for more than two hours and the anti-ship missiles for more than 30 minutes along pre-set trajectories over the country’s western seas before accurately striking their targets. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 April,2026 09:57 AM IST | Seoul | AgenciesUS-Iran peace talks may shift to Pakistan's capital, with President Donald Trump indicating that the next round of negotiations "could be happening over the next two days" in Islamabad after the stalemate in phase one of negotiations prompted Washington to impose a blockade on Iranian ports, according to reports cited by The New York Post and Khaleej Times. In an initial telephonic interview, Trump said the ongoing discussions were "happening, but, you know, a little bit slow," while suggesting that a second round of direct negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing seven-week conflict would likely be held in Europe. The remarks by Trump came after reports had circulated online purportedly claiming that the location for negotiations was being changed. However, shortly after, Trump called back with a revised update. "You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and we're more inclined to go there," he said of Islamabad. "It's more likely, you know why? Because the field marshal is doing a great job." He was referring to Pakistan's Field Marshal Gen. Asim Munir, with whom he reportedly developed a rapport last year during heightened tensions involving India and Pakistan, which later de-escalated after a brief four-day conflict that the US helped mediate. "He's fantastic, and therefore it's more likely that we go back there," he said. "Why should we go to some country that has nothing to do with it?" "I just think he's a great guy. That guy. The field marshal. You know he ended the war with India, saved 30 million people," he added. Trump also clarified that he would not personally participate in the proposed second round of negotiations and did not name who would represent the United States. Meanwhile, he expressed dissatisfaction over reports suggesting that Washington had sought Iran's agreement to pause uranium enrichment for at least two decades following unsuccessful talks over the weekend. "I've been saying they can't have nuclear weapons", he said, "so I don't like the 20 years." When asked whether such a long moratorium could help secure a deal, Trump said, "I don't want them [Iran] to feel like they have a win," The New York Post quoted. On the diplomatic front, retired Pakistani Lt Gen Muhammad Saeed, who is said to be involved in facilitating the talks, stated that Tehran had shown "flexibility" on the contentious issue of uranium enrichment, which had repeatedly stalled negotiations. However, Trump cautioned that Iran would need to present any compromise in a politically acceptable manner domestically. "Iran has to be able to take something back to its people that doesn't look like a surrender," said Saeed, describing the Islamic Republic's need to frame any compromise as being made "in the golden trust of the people." Contrasting this, Mohammad Marandi, who accompanied the Iranian delegation in Islamabad, adopted a firm stance, stating, "A blockade won't change Iran's position," and adding that "ending enrichment will not be accepted," The New York Post reported. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 April,2026 09:53 AM IST | Islamabad | ANIForeign Secretary Vikram Misri met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin, with both sides appreciating the steady progress in India-Germany relations and agreeing to broaden and deepen cooperation across key sectors, reaffirming the strategic importance of their partnership. In a post shared by the Embassy of India in Berlin, "Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri met German Foreign Minister Dr. Johann Wadephul, in Berlin on 14 April 2026. FM Wadephul appreciated steady progress in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. Both agreed to broaden and deepen cooperation across key areas and reaffirmed the importance of this vital relationship," the post read. Arriving in Berlin following a two-day visit to Paris, Misri's presence at the Korber-Stiftung (Korber Foundation) highlighted India's growing role as a stabilising force in an increasingly volatile global order. During his engagement at the foundation, the Foreign Secretary also engaged with policy experts and members of the strategic community at the Korber Foundation, underlining India's increasing role in shaping global conversations amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. "State Secretary in the Foreign Ministry @VikramMisri met with representatives of think tanks and the foreign policy community at the @KoerberStiftung. The exchange covered key areas of the strategic partnership between India and Germany, including trade, security and defense, digital governance, as well as the role of India, Germany and the European Union in the changing world order. Geopolitical developments with impacts on energy, food, and economic security were also discussed," the Embassy of India in Berlin posted on X. The discussions came at a critical juncture, following German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to India in January 2026 and amid a deepening energy crisis triggered by the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions in Berlin were not merely diplomatic formalities but a deep dive into the practical pillars of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. "Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri interacted with think-tanks and the foreign policy community at @KoerberStiftung. The exchange covered key areas of India and Germany Strategic Partnership including trade, security and defence, Digital Governance and role of India, Germany and the European Union in evolving global order. Geopolitical developments impacting energy, food and economic security were also discussed," the Embassy of India in Berlin posted on X. Building on the 2026 India-Germany Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, the two sides explored opportunities for co-development and co-production of military hardware, signalling a move toward long-term industry-level partnerships. Both sides also reviewed the Indo-German Digital Dialogue work plan for 2026-27, with emphasis on AI ethics, semiconductor supply-chain security and data sovereignty. With global markets reeling from West Asia tensions, the Foreign Secretary discussed collaborative measures to safeguard energy, food, and economic security--areas where the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement was expected to play a pivotal role. The exchange at the Korber Foundation provided a platform for Vikram Misri to articulate India's vision for a "multipolar world" and the central role Germany and the European Union were expected to play in it. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 April,2026 09:48 AM IST | Berlin | ANIAbout 70 Palestinian men were found hiding inside a garbage truck by Israeli police as they attempted to cross into Israel from the occupied West Bank, apparently in search of work. Israeli police released footage showing the back of the truck when it was being opened late Monday, revealing the men tightly crammed inside the truck's waste compartment. Police are seen in the video, some with their weapons drawn, surrounding the truck. Some of the men inside raised their hands in the air or put them behind their heads as they were discovered and pulled out of the truck, one by one. Occasionally, a voice in Arabic can be heard commanding: "Eskot," or "Be silent." Israel's Defense Ministry said the men were "trying to infiltrate central Israel" and that they were stopped at a West Bank checkpoint. Authorities did not provide details on the motive for the attempted entry, but Ital Almog, a local police commander, described them as "illegal entrants," a term that usually refers to Palestinians entering Israel in search of work. Almog said the men were on their way to cities across Israel and taken for questioning. The driver, an Israeli citizen, was driving without a proper license and arrested. Israeli police have routinely reported illegal entrants from the Israeli-occupied West Bank after Israel revoked tens of thousands of Palestinian work permits since Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack. The large number of men and grim conditions of the garbage truck incident highlighted the level of desperation and the lengths that some are willing to go. Some in the West Bank have said they haven't been able to pay rent after losing the permit to work inside Israel. Confined to the occupied territory, where jobs are scarce and wages far lower, some have sold their belongings or gone into debt as they try to pay for food, electricity and school expenses for their children. Others have paid steep fees for black-market permits or tried to sneak into Israel, risking arrest or worse if they are mistaken for militants. Israel, which has controlled the West Bank since capturing it nearly six decades ago, says it is under no obligation to allow Palestinians to enter for work and makes such decisions based on security considerations. Before the war, tens of thousands of Palestinians worked inside Israel, mainly in construction and service jobs. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 April,2026 09:42 AM IST | Jerusalem | APADVERTISEMENT
-1776247460640_d.png "Saudi Arabia’s FM Al-Jadaan (C) with Pakistan’s Muhammad Aurangzeb (L) and Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Ahmad (R), prior to their meeting in Washington. PIC/AFP")
-1776242165764_d.png "Damage at the site of an Israeli airstrike in the southern Lebanese village of Abbasiyeh. Pic/AFP")
-1776241742920_d.png "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri interacts with think-tanks and foreign policy community in Germany. PIC/X")
