US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday, citing India’s biometric voter ID system as a model for US election reforms. The order mandates citizenship verification, federal-state coordination, and strict enforcement against non-citizen voting. It also requires voter registration lists to be regularly updated and prohibits non-citizens from handling election processes. Trump emphasized “free, fair, and honest elections,” ensuring ballots are counted accurately and without fraud. The order also enforces Election Day deadlines and tightens security against foreign interference. States failing to comply with federal election laws risk losing funding. (PC: Bloomberg)            

Gladys and Nelson Gonzalez, a Colombian couple who lived in the U.S. for 35 years, were deported despite having no criminal history. Their three U.S.-born daughters, devastated by the decision, described it as "cruel and unjust." The couple complied with immigration rules and sought legal pathways but fell victim to predatory immigration practices. They were detained by ICE on February 21 and deported on March 18. Their attorney criticized the abrupt deportation, saying they were not given time to say goodbye. The daughters have launched a GoFundMe campaign for support. (PC: GoFundme)  

India is considering reducing tariffs on $23 billion worth of U.S. imports to counter potential reciprocal tariffs from Washington, sources said. The move aims to shield $66 billion in Indian exports that could be impacted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s new trade policies. India is willing to cut or scrap tariffs on 55% of taxed U.S. goods, ranging from 5%-30%. Talks between Indian and U.S. officials are ongoing, with Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Brendan Lynch leading a delegation. Broader tariff reforms are also under discussion but remain in early stages. (PC: Reuters)

South Korea's worst wildfires have killed at least 18 people and injured 19, forcing over 23,000 evacuations. The blazes, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, have destroyed 17,000 hectares of forest, including the historic 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple. A firefighting helicopter crashed in Uiseong county as authorities struggled to contain multiple fires. Acting President Han Duck-soo called the disaster "unprecedented," warning of worsening conditions. Thousands of firefighters and military personnel, including US forces, have been deployed. Officials pledged to strengthen wildfire prevention measures after the crisis is controlled. (PC: Getty Images)

A pilot and two children survived 12 hours in freezing temperatures after their plane crashed into Alaska's Tustumena Lake. Stranded on the wing of their partially submerged Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser, they were spotted by Terry Godes, who saw a Facebook post about the missing plane and later located the wreckage. Another pilot, Dale Eicher, relayed the coordinates, leading to their rescue by the Alaska National Guard. The survivors suffered non-life-threatening injuries. "They spent a long, cold, dark, and wet night," Godes said, calling it a "miracle" they survived. (PC: AP)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed that Muslims feel the safest in the state, citing the absence of communal riots since BJP's 2017 victory. Speaking on an ANI podcast, he said, "A Muslim family is the safest among 100 Hindu families. But can 50 Hindus be safe among 100 Muslim families? No." He referenced Bangladesh and Pakistan as examples of attacks on minorities. His remarks have sparked discussions on communal harmony and security in the state. Opposition leaders have criticized his statement, accusing him of divisive rhetoric. (PC: PTI)

During the high-stakes IPL 2025 match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), a viral video allegedly showed two CSK players engaging in suspicious activity with the ball, triggering ball-tampering allegations. Fans took to social media, accusing CSK of unethical play, with heated debates surfacing online. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL officials have yet to comment on the incident. CSK ultimately won the match by four wickets, but the controversy has overshadowed the game, with cricket enthusiasts demanding clarity on the issue. (Mathrubhumi English)

Russia and the U.S. are assessing the outcomes of recent Ukraine peace talks in Riyadh, where discussions focused on ceasefires and sanctions relief. The Kremlin signaled willingness for limited ceasefires on maritime and energy targets but tied them to the restoration of Russian banks' access to global financial systems. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanded an immediate ceasefire without preconditions. The U.S. has pledged to facilitate lifting some sanctions on Russian agricultural and fertilizer exports. Both sides remain skeptical about each other’s commitments, highlighting ongoing tensions despite diplomatic efforts to ease the conflict. (PC: The New York Times)    

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman underscored the significance of digital records in tax investigations, revealing that decoding encrypted mobile messages led to the detection of ₹250 crore in unaccounted money. She defended the proposed Income Tax Bill’s provisions allowing access to digital data during authorized searches, stating it will help curb tax evasion. Addressing privacy concerns, she clarified that such measures are necessary to close loopholes in the 1961 Income Tax Act. The bill is currently under review by a Select Committee and is expected to be debated in Parliament’s Monsoon Session. (PC: Fortune India)  

Senior Indian and Chinese officials met in Beijing to review the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) amid ongoing border tensions. Both sides agreed to expedite cross-border cooperation, including water management of trans-border rivers and resuming the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage. They also discussed preparations for the upcoming Special Representatives’ meeting on the boundary issue, scheduled to take place in New Delhi later this year. The dialogue is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and enhance communication between the two nations following recent border stand-offs. Further high-level discussions are expected in the coming months. (PC: ETV Bharat)