First round of presidential elections in Italy ends with no result

India on Thursday welcomed Nepal's successful elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating Rabi Lamichhane and Balendra Shah on their victory, signalling a fresh chapter in the bilateral relationship between the two neighbouring nations.

The IRGC has enforced a maritime blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting vessels that move "even a few metres" without permission. With 14 tankers reportedly hit, the paralysis of this vital oil route has forced the US and IEA to release millions of barrels from strategic reserves.

The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has reported significant damage to civilian infrastructure across Iran following the ongoing military campaign by US and Israeli forces, which began on February 28, 2026. The IRCS said that more than 19,000 civilian units across the country have been damaged as a result of US-Israeli airstrikes.

North Korea is intensifying preparations for its upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for next week, including forming election committees and reviewing candidates for the Supreme People's Assembly, according to a report by Yonhap News Agency citing North Korean state media on Wednesday.

Jaishankar said in a post on X, "Appreciate the exchange of assessments today with FM Jean-Noël Barrot of France on the West Asia conflict. Look forward to continuing it in person."