Defence ministers from 30 European nations met in Brussels on Thursday to discuss forming a reassurance force for Ukraine, again without US involvement. Convened by France and the UK, the "Coalition of the Willing" aims to deter future Russian aggression and support Ukraine post-conflict. Despite strong commitments from France and Britain, several countries, including Poland, Greece, and Italy, have hesitated over troop deployment, citing regional threats and lack of US backing. President Emmanuel Macron and PM Keir Starmer remain in contact with President Trump, who has yet to endorse the coalition. The US also skipped the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting. (PC: AP)

Russian-American ballerina Ksenia Karelina, jailed in Russia for donating £39 to a Ukraine-supporting charity, has been released in a US-Russia prisoner swap. Arrested in Yekaterinburg in 2024 and sentenced to 12 years for treason, she was exchanged for Arthur Petrov, a dual German-Russian citizen accused of exporting microelectronics to Russian military-linked firms. The swap occurred in Abu Dhabi early Thursday. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Karelina is en route to the US, calling her "wrongfully detained." CIA director John Ratcliffe was present. It’s the second US-Russia swap in two months, following the February release of teacher Marc Fogel.(PC: Reuters)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of IPL 2025 due to a hairline fracture in his right elbow. Head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the injury, which occurred during CSK’s match against Rajasthan Royals. MS Dhoni will return as captain starting with their next fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 11. Gaikwad struggled with form and fitness as CSK lost 4 of their 5 matches and sit ninth on the table. Dhoni, who last led CSK to the IPL 2023 title, now aims to revive their season. CSK wished Gaikwad a speedy recovery. (PC: PTI)

Tahawwur Rana, the Pakistani-origin Canadian accused of helping plot the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, is scheduled to land in Delhi on Thursday. A joint NIA and RAW team brought him from the US after his extradition appeal was rejected. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will arrest him upon arrival and likely lodge him in Tihar Jail. He is charged with conspiracy, murder, and waging war against India under UAPA. Rana allegedly helped Lashkar-e-Taiba’s David Headley plan the 2008 attacks. A special court order has shifted his case from Mumbai to Delhi. High-security cells in both cities are ready. (PC: News18.com)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will roll out a nationwide “Waqf Reforms Awareness Campaign” from April 20 to May 5, aiming to inform citizens about recent changes in Waqf property governance. The campaign will highlight concerns around alleged misuse and lack of transparency in Waqf land management and promote the need for reform. BJP leaders and legal experts will host seminars, public meetings, and social media outreach to educate the public on how reforms can ensure equitable access and accountability. The initiative is also expected to gain political traction ahead of upcoming elections. (PC: ANI)    

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that intelligence reports have identified at least 155 Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces amid the latest spring offensive. Some were allegedly recruited through social media and online platforms. Ukraine has captured several individuals during recent clashes in the east, prompting Kyiv to summon China’s ambassador for an explanation. While Ukraine stressed there’s no proof of direct Chinese government involvement, the revelation adds strain to already delicate diplomatic ties. China responded by saying it is investigating the matter and reiterated its neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. (PC: CNN)  

Russia claimed on April 9 that it destroyed 158 Ukrainian drones in a major overnight attack, with 29 shot down over the Rostov region. The Russian defence ministry reported evacuations from 48 apartments in Aksay and temporary airport closures across southern Russia. Most drones were intercepted over Krasnodar (69) and North Ossetia–Alania (15). No injuries were reported. Ukraine did not comment, but Kyiv says such attacks target infrastructure in response to Russia’s bombings. US President Donald Trump has pushed for a ceasefire, with the US announcing agreements in March aiming to halt strikes on energy infrastructure in the ongoing war. (PC: NDTV)

Indian wrestler and Congress MLA Vinesh Phogat has opted for a ₹4 crore cash award from the Haryana government, rejecting the alternative offers of a Group-A government job or a residential plot. This recognition comes despite her missing out on the 2024 Paris Olympics due to a weight category disqualification. The reward was promised by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, treating her on par with Olympic silver medalists. Phogat raised the issue in the state assembly, asserting that respect for athletes is more valuable than compensation. Her decision marks a symbolic stand on athlete recognition in India. (PC: ANI)

Apple has urgently transported around 600 tons of iPhones—about 1.5 million units—from India to the U.S. to avoid renewed Trump-era tariffs. The airlifts follow a rapid scale-up in production at Foxconn’s Chennai facility, which increased output by 20%, even operating on Sundays. To support this, Indian authorities accelerated customs clearance to just six hours. Foxconn’s India exports soared to $770 million in January and $643 million in February. The move highlights Apple's deepening manufacturing shift to India, aiming to reduce reliance on China while safeguarding U.S. market supply amid geopolitical and trade uncertainties. (PC: Mint)  

The European Union has paused its planned retaliatory tariffs against the US after President Donald Trump delayed a global tariff hike for 90 days. Trump’s new 10% universal tariff remains, along with a 25% rate on aluminium, steel, and automobiles. However, China faces a 125% tariff, worsening the US-China trade war. In response, Beijing imposed 84% duties on US imports. The pause in escalation brought relief to financial markets in Asia and Europe, with gains reported across stock exchanges. A UK-based short seller told the BBC he was “happy” with the profits earned during the recent market turbulence. (PC: BBC)