Month: April 2026

The week-long celebration of Rongali Bihu , the biggest festival of of Assam, has began across the state on Tuesday, starting with traditional Goru Bihu (Cattle Bihu).

Assam is celebrating the first of Rongali Bihu as the Goru Bihu (Cattle Bihu).

Goru Bihu has observed on the first day of Rongali Bihu, is dedicated to the worship of cow.

Bulls and cows are bathed with a paste made of fresh turmeric, black lentils, other ingredients and fed with gourds and brinjals and provided with new attaching ropes.

People also sing traditional songs to the cattle, “Lao kha, bengena kha, bosore bosore barhi ja, maar xoru, baper xoru, toi hobi bor bor goru” (means “Eat gourd, eat brinjal, grow year by year, your mother is small, your father is small, but you will become a large, strong cow”).

Worship of cattle on this occasion means showing respect and gratitude to the cattle, bulls, that are important parts in farming and daily life.

Along with other parts of the state in Guwahati also, people on Tuesday have observed traditional Goru Bihu on the first day of Rongali Bihu. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the six-lane Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor in the capital city of Uttarakhand.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami were also present at the inauguration ceremony.

The 213 km long six-lane access-controlled Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor has been developed at a cost of over Rs 12,000 crore. The corridor traverses through the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours at present to around two-and-a-half hours.

Implementation of the project also includes the construction of 10 interchanges, three Railway Over Bridges (ROBs), four major bridges and 12 wayside amenities to enable seamless high-speed connectivity. The corridor is equipped with an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) to provide a safer and more efficient travel experience for commuters, a press release from the PMO stated.

Keeping in view the ecological sensitivity, rich biodiversity and wildlife in the region, the corridor has been designed with several features aimed at significantly reducing man-animal conflict. To ensure the free movement of wild animals, the project incorporates several dedicated wildlife protection features. These include a 12 km-long wildlife elevated corridor, which is one of the longest in Asia. The corridor also includes eight animal passes, two elephant underpasses of 200 metres each, and a 370-metre-long tunnel near the Daat Kali temple.

According to the PMO, the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor will play a pivotal role in strengthening regional economic growth by enhancing connectivity between major tourism and economic centres as well as opening new avenues for trade and development across the region.

Earlier today, PM Modi reviewed the 12-km-long Wildlife Corridor in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur, one of the longest in Asia, constructed by Uttarkhand on the elevated section of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway.

He also performed Darshan and Pooja at Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple near Dehradun. Children sang an aarti, with the Prime Minister seen clapping and joining in. (ANI)

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed deep sorrow over the passing of legendary singer Asha Bhosle, describing it as a “profound loss” to the world of music and culture.

Asha Bhosle passed away on Sunday at the age of 92.

In a post on his social media X, Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim said Bhosle’s contribution to music spanned generations, with her voice weaving “emotions, traditions, and narratives” through thousands of songs that resonated globally.

“The passing of the Indian legend, Asha Bhosle, represents a profound loss to the world of music and culture. As a singer, she has woven together emotions, traditions, and narratives through thousands of works spanning generations. Her unique voice, brimming with soul and energy, has brought to life the silver screen and dramas that have filled the hearts of millions around the world,” he wrote.

Highlighting her legacy, he noted that as the younger sister of Lata Mangeshkar, Bhosle carried forward a rich musical heritage while carving her own distinct identity.

“As the younger sister of Lata Mangeshkar, she has elevated a family legacy of immense stature within the treasury of South Asian arts, while steadfastly forging her own path of artistic leadership with a distinctive style–boldly experimenting to rise above the ordinary, never settling for the “mediocre,” and remaining ever relevant amid the relentless currents and eddies of an era that constantly promises change and fresh images,” he added.

The Malaysian Prime Minister also praised her ability to remain relevant through changing times, calling her an enduring inspiration for artists across generations.

Extending condolences, Anwar Ibrahim said, “Malaysia extends its deepest condolences to her family and all art lovers who share in this sense of loss.”

He further expressed hope that her legacy would continue to inspire future generations and enrich the global music landscape, “May her legacy continue to flourish, serving as inspiration and injecting vitality into future generations as they enrich the world of music and culture,” Malaysian PM concluded the post.

The legendary singer was cremated with full state honours on Monday at the Shivaji Park Crematorium in Mumbai. Family members, friends, members of the film industry and admirers gathered there to pay their last respects to the iconic singer whose voice ruled hearts for more than eight decades.Widely regarded as one of the most versatile singers in Indian music, Asha Bhosle’s repertoire spanned classical compositions, ghazals, cabaret songs, and contemporary pop. She holds a Guinness World Record for the most studio recordings and, along with her sister Lata Mangeshkar, helped define the golden era of Hindi film music.

Born to classical singer and theatre actor Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar, she began her musical journey at a young age and went on to build an unparalleled legacy.

Following her demise, several celebrities, politicians and sports personalities paid tribute to the iconic singer. (ANI)

District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar Medha Roopam on Tuesday announced a series of worker welfare measures following recent protests in Noida that turned violent, urging labourers to maintain peace and stating that “violence is not the answer.”

Speaking to reporters here, Roopam said, “I thank the Chief Minister and the high-powered committee for accepting the workers’ primary demand of wage increase. Furthermore, other directives have been issued, including ensuring that workers’ wages are credited to their accounts before the 10th of every month.”

She added that additional benefits have been introduced to safeguard workers’ rights. “Bonuses will also be paid before November of each year. Double pay will be paid for overtime work. Double pay will also be paid for working on weekly holidays. Sexual harassment committees will be formed everywhere. Women will chair these committees. Complaint boxes will also be available,” she said.

Appealing for calm, the District Magistrate emphasised, “My appeal to everyone is that violence is not the answer. I urge everyone to maintain peace and order in Gautam Buddha Nagar. The call centre and control room numbers have also been released. Workers can raise their complaints there as well. We will monitor it, and we will take prompt action.”

Meanwhile, Shanmuga Sundaram MK, Principal Secretary, Labour and Employment Department, said that the government engaged with all stakeholders before finalising the measures. “We spoke with both workers and entrepreneurs… We brainstormed for about two hours and tried to strike a balance. Because the government is always inclusive, taking every section of society into account. The Chief Minister has also directed that the committee should carry out its work keeping all sections of society in mind,” he said.

Earlier, Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner Deepak Kumar had stated that workers demanded wage hikes due to inflation and alleged that the violence was carried out by “outsiders.”

The unrest erupted in the Hosiery Complex in Phase 2 of Noida, where workers protesting for higher wages clashed with police, leading to stone pelting and arson. According to police, more than 300 people have been arrested, and multiple FIRs have been registered.

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced an interim wage hike of around 21 per cent for workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad, effective from April 1, as efforts continue to restore normalcy and address labour concerns. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a roadshow in Dehradun ahead of inaugurating the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Corridor today.

The roadshow witnessed a huge crowd with people welcoming the Prime Minsiter by waving the flags of the Bhartiya Janata Party.

Earlier today, he also held a roadshow in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur.

The 213 km long six-lane access-controlled Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor has been developed at a cost of over Rs 12,000 crore. The corridor traverses through the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It has been designed with several features aimed at significantly reducing man-animal conflict.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Prime Minister will review the 12-km-long Wildlife Corridor, one of the longest in Asia, constructed by Uttarkhand on the elevated section of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway.

He will perform Darshan and Pooja at Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple near Dehradun. Thereafter, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor at a public function in Dehradun and will also address the gathering on the occasion.

Implementation of the project also includes the construction of 10 interchanges, three Railway Over Bridges (ROBs), four major bridges and 12 wayside amenities to enable seamless high-speed connectivity. The corridor is equipped with an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) to provide a safer and more efficient travel experience for commuters.

Keeping in view the ecological sensitivity, rich biodiversity and wildlife in the region, the corridor has been designed with several features aimed at significantly reducing man-animal conflict. To ensure the free movement of wild animals, the project incorporates several dedicated wildlife protection features.

The corridor also includes eight animal passes, two elephant underpasses of 200 metres each, and a 370 metre long tunnel near the Daat Kali temple.

The Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor will play a pivotal role in strengthening regional economic growth by enhancing connectivity between major tourism and economic centres as well as opening new avenues for trade and development across the region.

The project reflects the vision of the Prime Minister to develop next-generation infrastructure that combines high-speed connectivity with environmental sustainability and improved quality of life for citizens. (ANI)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday issued a strong warning to the Central government over the proposed delimitation exercise, alleging that the Union government intends to “bulldoze” a Constitutional amendment without proper consultation with states.

He said Tamil Nadu would launch a massive agitation if the state’s interests are harmed or if southern states are disproportionately affected.

His remark comes as the Parliament is set to meet on April 16,17,18 in a special sitting of the budget session to discuss amendments to Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 and a proposed Delimitation Bill to implement the one-third reservation for women in Parliament.

In a video, CM Stalin said, “This video serves two purposes: to speak about the grave danger that has now reached the very doorstep of Tamil Nadu, and to issue a clear warning to the Union BJP government. Even amidst the relentless pace of election campaigning, this duty cannot be set aside. The day after tomorrow, on April 16, a special session of Parliament is being convened. More accurately, it is being forcibly convened in the midst of elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. In this session, the Union government intends to bulldoze through a Constitutional amendment on delimitation.”

The chief minister further said Tamil Nadu and other southern states had earlier followed population control and family planning measures as advised by the Centre, but were now facing potential consequences for it.

Stalin said Tamil Nadu would not remain silent if the state’s interests were harmed or if southern states were disproportionately affected by delimitation.

“From the very beginning, we have consistently cautioned against this. We have created awareness among the people. Not only in Tamil Nadu, but across India, we brought together Chief Ministers of states that stand to be affected, as well as leaders of major political parties, and convened a Joint Action Committee meeting in Chennai,” he said.

Adding that they have called for more time to present their concerns to the Centre, Stalin said, “we sought time for Members of Parliament from various parties to meet the Prime Minister in person and present our concerns. Even that was denied. This hurried attempt to push through delimitation is a blatant assault on democracy by the BJP government. More than that, it is a direct assault on the rights of states. We do not even know how this delimitation exercise is going to be carried out.”

“India will once again witness the spirit of the DMK of the 1950s and 1960s. Do not mistake this for a threat. This is a warning. Even if you choose to interpret it as a threat, it does not concern us. Yes, this is a warning issued from Tamil Nadu. Elections and the exercise of power are secondary to us. We are a people of self-respect. For us, principles matter. The rights of states matter. These are the living ideals bequeathed to us by Perarignar Anna and Muthamizharignar Kalaignar. If you imagine that you can wrong Tamil Nadu and move on as usual, you are mistaken.”

Invoking Dr BR Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, Stalin said, “On the birth anniversary of the Father of the Constitution, Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, I say this with utmost solemnity: If Tamil Nadu is affected, we will make the entire nation take notice. Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi, I repeat, this is the final warning issued to you from Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu will fight, Tamil Nadu will win. Tamil Nadu will fight, Tamil Nadu will win.”

The Centre has planned two major amendments. Originally, it was proposed that Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam would implement women’s reservation using the new census and delimitation data. However, due to census delays, the plan is to proceed with the 2011 census data.

The Lok Sabha seats may increase from 543 to 816 post-amendment. A separate Delimitation Bill will be introduced. Both bills need to be passed as Constitutional amendments for women’s reservation. Keeping up with the status quo, there is no provision for OBC reservation, and SC/ST reservation will continue. (ANI)

The prices of seven essential medicines, including insulin, have risen sharply, raising fresh concerns among patients and healthcare professionals in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, according to a report by The Express Tribune (TET).

The most significant increase has been seen in insulin, a vital drug used to manage diabetes. The cost of an insulin injection device has more than doubled, increasing from Pakistani Rs 2,200 to Rs 4,720. This steep hike is likely to heavily affect thousands of diabetic patients who depend on regular insulin doses to control blood sugar levels and avoid serious health complications.

Prices of other commonly used medicines have also gone up. A pack of medicine used for indigestion and acidity has increased from Pakistani Rs 530 to Rs 620. Similarly, a pack of vitamins and nutritional supplements, often prescribed to patients recovering from illness or dealing with deficiencies, now costs Pakistani Rs 510 compared to its earlier price of Rs 480, as cited in the TET report.

The price of medicine used to treat Vitamin B deficiency has gone up from Pakistani Rs 500 to Rs 600. Patients with thyroid disorders will now have to pay Pakistani Rs 290 for a drug that previously cost Pakistani Rs 85, marking an increase of over 240 per cent. In the same way, the price of medicine used for treating typhoid has risen from Pakistani Rs 805 to Rs 930.

The revised prices were approved by the concerned regulatory authorities and have already come into effect at local pharmacies in Peshawar. Several other life-saving medicines have also seen price hikes, although exact details of those increases were not immediately available. Patients and pharmacists in Peshawar have expressed serious concern over the latest rise.

“Many diabetic patients, especially the elderly and those from low-income families, are already finding it difficult to afford insulin,” a local pharmacist said on condition of anonymity. “This doubling in price may force many to skip doses or turn to cheaper, and sometimes substandard, alternatives, which can be extremely risky,” the TET report highlighted.

Doctors have cautioned that such frequent and steep increases in medicine prices could result in reduced adherence to treatment, leading to a rise in complications and hospital admissions. The spike in drug prices comes at a time when the cost of living is already high due to inflation and ongoing economic challenges. Families with chronic patients are particularly at risk, as monthly spending on medicines may now take up a large share of their income, TET reported.

Health experts have urged the government to reconsider the recent price hikes and explore options such as subsidies or financial relief for patients who depend on these essential medicines. They have also called for stricter oversight to ensure that no substandard drugs enter the market amid the growing demand for cheaper alternatives, as noted in the TET report. (ANI)

Workers’ protests continued on Tuesday in the Hosiery Complex in Phase 2 of Uttar Pradesh’s Noida, despite the state government announcing a wage hike for workers.

Police personnel were deployed at the spot.

The workers have been demanding an increase in minimum wages. The protests turned violent on Monday after an altercation with the police. The protesters pelted stones and torched vehicles.

More than 300 people were arrested in connection with the case, Gautam Buddha Nagar Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh said.

The Police Commissioner said that they are conducting route marches, and the committee formed by the UP government has held meetings with stakeholders to resolve the issue.

The police official said, “Route marches have been conducted continuously since 5 am. Workers gathered at three locations this morning and were dispersed within fifteen minutes after immediate talks with them. The high-powered committee, which has been here since yesterday, held extensive meetings and long marathon meetings with all stakeholders, and made some recommendations. The Uttar Pradesh government understands the workers’ problems, sympathises with them, and is ready to resolve all their problems. I appeal to all workers to return to work in their factories and establish a peaceful environment in Gautam Buddha Nagar district.”

“Several such WhatsApp groups have been created in the past two days, where workers are being made to join the group by scanning QR codes. This suggests a systematic, organised gang operating behind the scenes. We have identified some of these elements from the crowd and arrested them, and we will ensure their arrests in the future. Their funding will also be investigated, and if it is found that they received funding from outside the country or the state, action will be taken in that direction as well. Yesterday, we registered 7 FIRs in connection with the incidents that took place at different locations. More than 300 people have been arrested. Some arrests have also been made of those who instigated them, and more arrests will be made in the coming days,” the Police Commissioner added.

Earlier today, the high-level committee constituted by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday increased the interim minimum wages by about 21 per cent for workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad, following massive protests in Noida Phase 2.

According to Noida DM’s office, for unskilled workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad, the interim wages have been increased from Rs 11,313 to Rs 13,690 monthly; from Rs 12,445 to Rs 15,059 for semi-skilled workers and from Rs 13,940 to Rs 16,868 for skilled workers. Interim rates are effective from April 1.

In districts with municipal corporations, the monthly wages for unskilled workers have been increased to Rs 13,006, for semi-skilled workers to Rs 14,306 and for skilled workers to Rs 16,025.

In other districts, the wages have been increased to Rs 12,356, Rs 13,591 and Rs 15,224 for unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled workers, respectively, according to the DM’s office.

The protests have also sparked a political row in the state. State Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ said that a committee formed by the UP government is holding discussions with the workers to resolve the issues. Gupta accused the Samajwadi Party and Congress of conspiring to disrupt the law and order situation in the state.

In a statement, the state minister said, “Our government has taken the matter very seriously. A panel of senior government officials has been formed under the chairmanship of the Industrial Development Commissioner… Anarchic and thug elements of the Samajwadi Party and Congress have repeatedly conspired to disrupt the state’s peace and order under the guise of such protests. At first glance, it cannot be denied that they played a suspicious role in inciting workers through rumours.”

The statement read, “The committee formed by the government is holding talks with representatives of labour unions, industry groups, and all stakeholders. After detailed discussion and due consideration of all points, a suitable solution to the issue will be reached as soon as possible. Any antisocial element challenging this identity and environment will face such action that people for seven generations will shudder at the mention of the crime. I appeal to all parties to exercise restraint and patience.”

On Monday, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said that the UP government is attempting to hide its failures, calling the protest a conspiracy.

“The Uttar Pradesh government ranks number one when it comes to lying. The Chief Minister claims that this is a conspiracy, but if it truly is a conspiracy, did his intelligence wing also accompany him to Bengal to campaign? By labelling this a ‘conspiracy,’ they are merely attempting to mask their own failures. Given the current high inflation, it is only natural for labourers to come forward with their demands. The committee formed today to engage in dialogue with the labourers could have been constituted much earlier,” Akhilesh said. (ANI)

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Congress In-Charge Girish Chodankar said that a decision on the visit of Rahul Gandhi to campaign for the Assembly elections in the state will be announced within the next two to three days.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the April 23 Assembly elections, he said that Rahul Gandhi, along with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, is expected to take part in the election campaign in Tamil Nadu.

He said that added that an official announcement regarding Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Tamil Nadu will be made soon, and that Priyanka Gandhi will also participate in the campaign.

Chodankar added that Congress has appointed in-charges for 28 constituencies, and also for all 234 Assembly constituencies across Tamil Nadu.

He further said that Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin are expected to campaign together.

“Rahul Gandhi will come and campaign for Tamil Nadu elections, all our leaders will come… All our leaders will start campaigning when the campaigning becomes very aggressive. We have already appointed party cadres and formed special committees in all 234 Assembly constituencies so that we can help all the allied parties’ candidates with whatever forces we have in each Assembly constituency…” he added.

Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to Puducherry, Chodankar said the Congress leader could not share the stage with Stalin due to the latter’s prior public meeting commitments in Tamil Nadu.

He also noted that Rahul Gandhi has already campaigned in three states and is keen to visit Tamil Nadu. However, due to the ongoing Parliament session, the dates are yet to be finalised.

“Congress is working fully to secure victory in 28 constituencies and will also strive for the success of alliance candidates,” he said.

He reiterated that the announcement regarding Rahul Gandhi’s visit will be made within the next two to three days.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate from Kolathur, MK Stalin, conducted a door-to-door campaign in Vellore.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

The main contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which includes the Indian National Congress, DMDK and VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance led by AIADMK with BJP and PMK as allies.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay is also set to make his electoral debut with his party TVK, which could turn the contest into a three-way fight. (ANI)

Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Amir Saeid Iravani has strongly condemned the United Nations over a naval blockade on Iranian ports, calling it a ” gross violation” of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to Iranian state media Press TV.

In a letter sent Monday to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of the UN Security Council, Iravani denounced Washington’s move as an “illegal act of aggression” that threatens regional and international peace and security.

“The imposition of a naval blockade is a gross violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Iravani wrote, adding that the measure was publicly announced by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on April 12.

He said the US action violates Article 2, paragraph 4 of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force, and constitutes “a textbook example of aggression under international law.”

The ambassador added that the illegal blockade also seriously violates the fundamental principles of the international law of the sea.

“By attempting to prevent maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports, the United States is illegally interfering in the exercise of the sovereign rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran and violating the rights of third states and legitimate maritime trade in accordance with international law,” the letter stated.

Iravani stressed that Iran “firmly and in the strongest possible terms rejects and condemns the illegal action of the United States,” and said Tehran reserves its “inherent right” to take “all necessary and proportionate measures to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.”

He further warned that the United States ” bears full responsibility for this internationally wrongful act and all its consequences, including its effects on regional and international peace and security.”

Calling for urgent international intervention, the Iranian envoy urged the UN Security Council to condemn the blockade and take steps to halt escalation, saying the situation poses a serious threat to stability in an already volatile region.

“Given that the said illegal action constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security and clearly increases the risk of escalating tensions in an already highly unstable region, the Islamic Republic of Iran calls on the Secretary-General and the Security Council… to oblige the United States to immediately cease its internationally wrongful acts against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he wrote.

Iravani began the letter by informing the UN that he was acting on instructions from the Iranian government to highlight “the continuing internationally wrongful acts of the United States of America against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

He also requested that the letter be circulated as an official document of the UN Security Council. 

Meanwhile, the United States Navy currently maintains a presence of at least 15 ships in the Middle East region, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and 11 destroyers, which could potentially take part in a maritime blockade of Iran’s ports, according to a US official, following orders from President Donald Trump, CNN reported.

However, it remains unclear which specific vessels are positioned or designated for participation in the blockade, as earlier assessments indicate that the naval assets are widely dispersed across the US Central Command’s area of operations.

The deployed fleet includes the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln along with 11 destroyers, including the USS Bainbridge, USS Thomas Hudner, USS Frank E. Petersen Jr., USS Delbert D. Black, USS John Finn, USS Michael Murphy, USS Mitscher, USS Pinckney, USS Rafael Peralta, USS Spruance and USS Milius. In addition, the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, comprising USS Tripoli, USS New Orleans, and USS Rushmore, is also deployed in the region.

The naval formation is accompanied by multiple support and escort vessels; however, it would need to transit either through the Suez Canal or exit the Mediterranean Sea and sail around Africa before reaching a position suitable to support any blockade operations.

The US president imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, following marathon talks in Pakistan over the weekend that failed to yield any agreement. (ANI)