West Bengal Minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim's recent remarks suggesting that Muslims could become a majority have ignited political controversy. In a viral video, Hakim stated that Muslims, constituting 33% in Bengal and 17% nationally, could, with Allah's grace and education, become the majority. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) swiftly distanced itself from these comments, emphasizing its commitment to communal harmony and stating that such views do not reflect the party's ideology. The BJP condemned Hakim's remarks, labeling them as incitement and drawing parallels to a "Bangladesh-type situation." Hakim later clarified that his comments were about educational empowerment, asserting his secular stance. (PC: Hidco)

Indian stock markets opened the week with a major rally as the BSE Sensex surged 1,750 points to 76,907.63 and the NSE Nifty rose 539 points to 23,368.35. The surge followed US President Donald Trump’s temporary easing of tariffs on electronic goods, boosting global investor confidence. All 30 Sensex stocks traded in green, with Tata Motors leading the rally. Sectoral indices like Auto, Realty, and Financials saw major gains. Analysts suggest the bullish trend could continue if Nifty crosses 23,400. Despite FIIs selling equities, strong domestic buying drove markets up. Only Asian Paints and TCS ended slightly in the red. (PC: PTI)

MS Dhoni stunned fans with a brilliant run-out against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, hitting the stumps with an underhand throw from behind. While some, including Robin Uthappa, called it a "tukka" (fluke), Dhoni’s legendary wicketkeeping continues to amaze. In the same match, he became the first IPL player to record 200 fielding dismissals — 155 catches and 46 stumpings. Dhoni’s lightning reflexes also claimed Ayush Badoni and Rishabh Pant in key moments. Chennai Super Kings defeated LSG by five wickets, with Ravindra Jadeja and Matheesha Pathirana shining with the ball.

A massive sandstorm swept across southern and central Iraq, leaving over 1,800 people suffering from respiratory issues, according to local health officials. Muthanna province reported at least 700 cases of suffocation, with hundreds more in Najaf, Diwaniyah, Dhi Qar, and Basra. The orange haze severely reduced visibility, shut down airports, and caused power outages. Iraq’s environment ministry warned of increasing "dust days" due to climate change, which the UN says makes Iraq one of the most vulnerable nations globally. Authorities deployed medics and urged precautions as the storm's effects are expected to ease by Tuesday morning. (PC: Getty Images)

In a dramatic escalation, the Trump administration has frozen $2.3 billion in federal funding to Harvard University after it refused to comply with demands to curb campus activism and dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Harvard President Alan Garber rejected the federal ultimatum, asserting the university’s independence and constitutional rights. The freeze includes $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts. Trump warned Harvard could lose up to $9 billion in total support. Other top universities, including UPenn, Brown, and Princeton, face similar pressure. Critics, including Senator Bernie Sanders, condemned the move as authoritarian overreach. (PC: AP)

Pop icon Katy Perry and five accomplished women safely returned to Earth after a historic Blue Origin mission — the first all-female spaceflight in over 60 years. Perry made history as the first artist to sing in space, performing What a Wonderful World while weightless. "It’s about this wonderful world we see out there and appreciating it," she said. The crew included Lauren Sánchez, Gayle King, Amanda Nguyen, Aisha Bowe, and Kerianne Flynn. “I can’t put it into words,” Sánchez said tearfully. King added, “Just to be alive, and be a part of this… is life-changing.” 

MS Dhoni turned back the clock with a sensational 26* off 11 balls, guiding Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a thrilling five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025. Chasing 167, Dhoni entered when CSK needed 52 off 30 balls and unleashed vintage power-hitting, supported by Shivam Dube (43*), as they sealed victory with three balls to spare. Dhoni’s blitz included 4 fours and a six, while also registering his 200th IPL dismissal as wicketkeeper. Despite the win, CSK remains at the bottom of the table with 4 points from 7 matches, next facing Mumbai Indians on April 20. (PC: X/CSK)

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Julian in San Diego County, California, on Monday, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake occurred just 2.5 miles south of Julian at a shallow depth of eight miles and was followed by a series of smaller aftershocks. While no immediate damage or injuries have been reported, the tremor serves as a reminder of California’s vulnerability to seismic activity. The region, located along active tectonic plate boundaries, has a history of devastating quakes. Authorities continue to monitor the area for aftershocks and potential impacts on infrastructure and public safety.

In a historic all-women spaceflight, pop star Katy Perry delivered a touching rendition of "What a Wonderful World" after glimpsing Earth from orbit. Fellow astronaut Gayle King described the spontaneous performance as a highlight of the mission, which emphasized beauty, peace, and reflection. The crew, including Lauren Sanchez, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn, shared emotional insights on the transformative journey. Perry brought a daisy as a symbol of resilience, underscoring her deep connection to Earth. This groundbreaking flight, launched by Blue Origin, was more than a milestone in space exploration—it was a reminder of unity, love, and the power of dreams. (PC: Blue origin)

After touching down from her historic Blue Origin spaceflight, Katy Perry kissed the ground and called the experience “second only to being a mother.” Holding a daisy for her daughter, Daisy, she said, “Daisies grow through anything—they're resilient.” Perry reflected on the emotional journey, saying she felt “super connected to love” and emphasized, “You don’t know how loved you are until the day you launch.” Singing What a Wonderful World during descent, she dedicated the moment “for the benefit of Earth.” Calling flowers “God’s smile,” Perry reminded the world of the beauty and resilience of Earth—and mothers.