On April 12, 2025, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched 21 Starlink satellites from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Thirteen of these satellites feature advanced Direct-to-Cell technology, enabling direct communication between satellites and mobile phones, aimed at removing cellular dead zones globally. The Falcon 9’s reusable first-stage booster completed its 10th mission and safely landed on the drone ship “A Shortfall of Gravitas” in the Atlantic Ocean. This marks another milestone in SpaceX's plan to provide global high-speed internet, with over 7,000 satellites now part of the Starlink constellation. (PC: Republic World)  

China on Sunday urged the US to “completely cancel” its 145% reciprocal tariffs after Washington announced limited exemptions for smartphones, laptops, and chipmaking tools. Beijing’s demand followed the enforcement of its own 125% retaliatory tariffs on US goods, escalating trade tensions. China’s commerce ministry called the US move a “small step” and urged a return to “mutual respect.” Tech giants like Apple, Nvidia, and Dell are expected to benefit from US exemptions. Most Chinese goods, however, remain under steep levies after being excluded from a 90-day reprieve. The trade standoff shows no signs of easing as both nations hold firm.

Violence over the Waqf Act in West Bengal’s Murshidabad has left 3 dead and 150 arrested, prompting paramilitary deployment after Calcutta High Court's intervention. Protesters reportedly attacked BSF troops with petrol bombs. Visuals showed Hindus fleeing by boat to Malda. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accused Mamata Banerjee’s government of appeasement, claiming 400 Hindus fled the district. Internet remains suspended, and Section 163 is in force. A father-son duo and a 17-year-old Muslim boy were among the dead. BJP seeks AFSPA and plans to mark 'Shaheed Diwas'. Police are investigating, with more arrests likely. Situation remains tense but under control. (PC: India Today)

An Israeli air strike hit Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, destroying the intensive care and surgery units. It was the last fully working hospital in the area. Videos showed people, including patients in beds, running to escape. Israel said Hamas was using the hospital as a command center. No deaths were reported, but one injured child died during the evacuation. Gaza's health ministry said the building was completely destroyed. Israel said it warned staff before the strike. The hospital had sheltered many displaced families. This attack follows months of war after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. (PC: EPA)

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi created a political stir during his speech at Thiagarajar Engineering College in Madurai by leading students in chanting “Jai Shri Ram.” Referring to poet Kambar and the Kamba Ramayanam, Ravi encouraged the audience to echo the chant, which quickly went viral online. Opposition parties, including the DMK and Congress, criticized the act as an imposition of Hindutva ideology and a breach of secular conduct expected from a constitutional authority. The incident adds to existing tensions between the Governor and the Tamil Nadu government. (PC: India Today)

A Russian missile strike on Sumy, a city in northeast Ukraine, killed 31 people, including two children, and injured 84 others on Palm Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for a “strong response” from Europe and the US. “Only bastards can do this,” he said. The strike hit a busy street, damaging homes, cars, and a trolleybus. The attack came just two days after a US envoy met Russian President Putin to discuss peace. Russia has continued attacks despite ceasefire talks. Local rescue teams found bodies in streets, cars, and homes. The war has now lasted over three years. (PC: AFP)

The US government has warned all foreigners living in the country for more than 30 days to register or face serious action. “Leave now and self-deport,” the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a strong message. Those who don’t follow the rule may face fines up to $5,000, jail time, and a ban on returning to the US. DHS added, “Failure to comply is a crime.” The Trump administration has already deported 332 Indians. Officials said self-deporting allows people to leave on their own terms and may help them return legally in the future. (PS: Reuters)

In a significant policy change, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security now requires all non-citizens aged 18 and above—including H-1B visa and green card holders—to carry valid identification at all times. Approved by a U.S. district court, this rule is aimed at tightening immigration enforcement. Violations may lead to penalties, including six months’ imprisonment or deportation. The directive has sparked concern among the Indian community in the U.S., fearing increased scrutiny. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has stated that compliance will be strictly enforced, with no exceptions or leniency for violators. (PC: India.com)

A blast at a fireworks factory in Kailasapatnam, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh, killed eight workers and injured seven on Sunday. The explosion happened in Kotavuratla mandal. Two of the dead were women. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock and asked officials to give the best medical care to the injured. Home Minister V Anitha confirmed the details and said all injured are being treated. Former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also shared his sorrow and asked party leaders to support the victims. The cause of the blast is still being investigated. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Violent protests erupted in West Bengal's Murshidabad district over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leading to three deaths and over 150 arrests. The unrest intensified in areas like Suti and Samsherganj, prompting the deployment of nine Border Security Force (BSF) companies. BSF personnel faced direct attacks, with vehicles torched and minor injuries reported. The Calcutta High Court mandated the immediate deployment of central forces to restore order. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared the Act would not be implemented in the state, a stance criticized by the BJP, which accused her of inciting unrest. Prohibitory orders and internet suspensions were enforced in affected areas to curb further violence. (PC: OpIndia & PTI)