A major maritime scare unfolded off the coast of Oman after the oil and chemical tanker Marivex caught fire while sailing toward Duqm with 24 Indian seafarers on board. A dramatic distress call from the vessel has gone viral, with crew members reporting severe damage, fire spreading across the ship and fears that the vessel could sink. The crew also claimed the ship may have been struck, although authorities have not confirmed the cause of the incident. The vessel was sailing from Karwar in India to Oman when the fire broke out. Indian authorities, including the Ministry of External Affairs, Shipping Ministry and Indian Navy, are closely monitoring the situation.

India has signed a Rs 63,000 crore defence agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy. Finalised on April 28, the deal serves as an interim solution until India’s indigenous twin-engine deck-based fighter is ready. Manufactured by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale-M is purpose-built for aircraft carrier operations and will be deployed aboard INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. The order includes 22 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat trainers, with deliveries expected between 2028 and 2029. This acquisition adds to the Indian Air Force’s fleet of 36 Rafales, raising India’s total to 62 advanced 4.5-generation jets. The Rafale-M was chosen over the US-made F/A-18 Super Hornet, largely due to logistical advantages and compatibility with existing systems. Beyond airpower, the deal strengthens Indo-French defence ties and supports India's push towards greater self-reliance in military technology.