China announced an 84% retaliatory tariff on all US goods starting April 10, sharply escalating trade tensions with the United States. The move follows Donald Trump's sweeping 104% tariff on Chinese imports announced Tuesday. Beijing also blacklisted 12 US firms and added six to its "unreliable entity" list. The Chinese commerce ministry warned of further countermeasures if the US continues its economic aggression, stating it has "abundant means" to respond. Premier Li Qiang affirmed China’s economic resilience, expressing confidence in offsetting external shocks. US stock futures dropped after the news, deepening concerns over the global economic fallout from the trade war. (PC: AFP)

During a Republican donor dinner on April 9, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that foreign leaders are desperately seeking trade deals to escape new U.S. tariffs. Trump said, “These countries are calling us up, kissing my a**,” and mocked their appeals with, “Please, sir, make a deal. I’ll do anything.” He ridiculed the idea of letting Congress handle trade, boasting about his own negotiating prowess. The remarks underscore Trump’s combative stance on international trade and his continued influence over U.S. foreign economic policy. (PC: India Today)

Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 41°C on Tuesday, 6°C above normal, marking the highest early April temperature since 2011. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert, forecasting similar heat on Wednesday with possible relief from Thursday due to thunderstorms. The Delhi Health Department released an advisory urging people to stay indoors from 12-3 pm, remain hydrated, eat seasonal fruits, and wear protective gear like sunglasses. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions are especially vulnerable. If temperatures exceed 40°C again on Wednesday, Delhi will officially enter a heatwave, the IMD said. (PC: ANI)

A fierce encounter broke out in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on April 9, 2025, after security forces trapped militants in the Khandara Top area. The operation, initiated by the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, aimed to neutralize the terrorists. During the gunfight, two terrorists, believed to be associated with Jaish-e-Mohammad, were killed. Authorities confirmed that one more terrorist is still trapped in the area, and the operation is ongoing. The incident highlights continued counter-terrorism efforts in the region, amid rising security concerns. ( PC: India TV )  

Pop star Katy Perry will fly 65 miles above Earth aboard Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission on April 14, says the White House, hailing the all-female crew as “inspirational.” Organized by Lauren Sanchez, wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the mission includes Perry, rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, researcher Amanda Nguyen, TV host Gayle King, and producer Kerianne Flynn. Though not entering deep space, they’ll cross the Kármán line in an 11-minute flight. Perry, excited to show her daughter “science can be glam,” says she’s dreamed of space travel for 20 years. Ticket prices reportedly range from £157,000 to £235,000. (PC: Getty Images)

China emphasized the significance of its economic and trade relationship with India amid the backdrop of Donald Trump's 104% tariffs on Chinese goods. Beijing's remarks reflect its ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with India despite challenges posed by the US-China trade tensions. The statement highlights China's strategic interest in maintaining robust trade with India, which remains a key player in Asia's economic landscape. This comes as China navigates the complexities of its global trade relations, particularly with the United States' tariff policies affecting its manufacturing sector. ( PC : mint )

Pop star Katy Perry will fly 65 miles above Earth aboard Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission on April 14, says the White House, hailing the all-female crew as “inspirational.” Organized by Lauren Sanchez, wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the mission includes Perry, rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, researcher Amanda Nguyen, TV host Gayle King, and producer Kerianne Flynn. Though not entering deep space, they’ll cross the Kármán line in an 11-minute flight. Perry, excited to show her daughter “science can be glam,” says she’s dreamed of space travel for 20 years. Ticket prices reportedly range from £157,000 to £235,000. (PC: Getty Images)

The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump’s new 104% tariff on Chinese goods is effective from today, intensifying the US-China trade war. The move follows China’s refusal to withdraw a 34% retaliatory tariff on American products. Citing a national emergency caused by trade deficits, the US sharply raised tariffs from 10% to 104% in under a week. China responded, calling the action “blackmail” and vowed to “fight to the end.” Trump stated China “wants to make a deal” but hasn’t acted. Global markets have plummeted, marking the biggest drop since the COVID-19 pandemic due to this escalation. (PC: Reuters)

India has approved a Rs 63,000-crore deal to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets from France, aimed at strengthening its naval aviation capabilities. The aircraft will be deployed on aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, replacing the ageing fleet of MiG-29K jets by 2031. The deal includes 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater variants, along with weapons, simulators, spares, and training. Sources say this strategic move will significantly enhance India's maritime strike power. The agreement is expected to be signed during the visit of French officials later this year, marking a major step in Indo-French defence cooperation. (PC: India Today)

Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, is likely to be extradited to India from the U.S. “shortly,” sources confirmed. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected his final plea seeking a stay on extradition, clearing the way for the process. A multi-agency Indian team is in the U.S. coordinating paperwork. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin and linked to David Headley, cited medical and torture concerns in his petition. President Donald Trump earlier approved Rana’s extradition, calling him “very evil.” Rana is currently lodged at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, facing extradition for his alleged role in the attacks. (PC: ANI)