Facing Donald Trump's 104% tariff on China, Beijing has urged India to unite against "unilateralism." The Chinese Embassy in Delhi said both nations should "stand together to overcome difficulties," calling the US move a threat to developing countries' rights. President Xi Jinping echoed this sentiment earlier to Indian President Droupadi Murmu. While India's exports to the US could drop by $5.76 billion due to new tariffs, Delhi has chosen not to retaliate. Instead, India is exploring adjustments to existing trade duties. The China-India rapprochement follows a 2024 patrol agreement in Ladakh, signaling a potential thaw since the 2020 Galwan clash.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6%, Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced on Wednesday. “The direction of the policy repo rates is downwards,” he said, signaling potential future cuts. Addressing the impact of rising US tariffs, Malhotra noted, “The impact is much less on India than others; we have a comparative advantage.” He emphasized that the central bank will intervene in forex markets only during excessive volatility, adding that India has “sufficient reserves.” The move is expected to lower loan EMIs, offering relief to borrowers in FY26. (PC: ANI)

Two UK teens, aged 13 and 15, have been convicted of manslaughter for killing 80-year-old Indian-origin man Bhim Kohli in Franklin Park, Leicester. Kohli was shoved, slapped with a shoe, and mocked in a racially charged attack while walking his dog. “They humiliated him, an 80-year-old man,” said his daughter Susan Kohli, adding, “Dad did not deserve this.” Videos showed the teens laughing as Kohli was assaulted. He died the next day from spinal injuries. The boy was remanded; the girl granted bail. Sentencing will follow next month. Kohli's family said they were “angry and disgusted” by the cruelty shown. (PC: Sky News)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured Muslims that her government would protect Waqf properties amid ongoing protests. Speaking at a Jain community event in Kolkata, she said, “Even if you shoot me, I will still participate in every religion, every festival.” Taking a veiled dig at BJP, Mamata asserted that her government won't allow religious division in Bengal. “Jiyo aur jeene do,” she declared, asking minorities to trust her leadership. Protests have erupted over the new Waqf law, but Mamata emphasized unity, secularism, and resistance to communal politics. “I will not let anyone divide Bengal,” she affirmed. (PC: India Today)

Priyansh Arya, 24, stunned IPL fans with a blistering 103 off 42 balls for Punjab Kings against Chennai Super Kings, hitting 7 fours and 9 sixes at a strike rate of 245.24. It was the fastest century by an uncapped Indian and the fifth-fastest in IPL history. Coach Sanjay Bharadwaj revealed Arya called him at 7:30 AM, saying, “I didn’t do anything, sir. It was God.” Arya credited support from Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting for backing his instincts. From Ashok Vihar, Delhi, Arya’s cricketing journey began at 10 and gained national fame with six sixes in a Delhi league match. (PC: PunjabKingsIPL)

India is among nearly 50 nations willing to reduce tariffs on US goods, according to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Speaking to the Senate Finance Committee, Greer cited India’s 39% average tariff on agricultural products, compared to the US average of 5%. The move follows President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 26% tariff on Indian imports effective April 2. Countries including India, Israel, Vietnam, and Argentina have expressed intent to lower trade barriers. As per an agreement during PM Modi’s February visit to Washington DC, India and the US will negotiate a bilateral trade deal by Fall 2025. (PC: Reuters)

India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has sparked a heated debate after suggesting Indian start-ups focus too much on lifestyle products like ice creams instead of tech innovations like AI chips. Speaking at Startup Mahakumbh, he contrasted India’s consumer apps with China’s deep-tech strides. While some entrepreneurs criticized his remarks as dismissive, others saw it as a call for bolder innovation. Investors like Mohandas Pai highlighted the lack of long-term funding for deep tech. A Nasscom report noted deep-tech start-ups in India raised $1.6bn in 2024, but more support is needed to compete globally in AI, semiconductors, and clean energy. (PC: Getty Images)

A tragic roof collapse at Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, killed at least 79 people and injured 155. The disaster struck just after midnight during a performance by renowned singer Rubby Perez, who was injured and trapped. Among the dead were Monte Cristi governor Nelsy Cruz and former MLB stars Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. Over 370 rescuers continue to search the debris. President Luis Abinader declared three days of mourning. The club, with over 50 years of history, was packed with 500–1,000 guests. Authorities are investigating structural failures behind the collapse that shocked the nation. (PC: India Today)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lowered its GDP growth forecast for 2025-26 to 6.5% from 6.7%, citing global trade risks and policy uncertainty. Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced the revised outlook after the Monetary Policy Committee meeting, also revealing a 25 basis point cut in the repo rate to 6%. Inflation is projected at 4% for the year, with a stable food price outlook and easing household expectations. The RBI noted strong services exports and remittances, a manageable trade deficit, and robust forex reserves. The central bank expects the monsoon to be normal, supporting agriculture and food price stability. (PC: India Today)

On April 8, 2025, a mass shooting at a townhouse complex in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, left three people dead and three others injured. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. and has shaken the local community. The wounded victims were rushed to nearby hospitals; their current conditions remain undisclosed. Law enforcement believes multiple suspects may be involved, but no arrests have been made and the motive is still under investigation. Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors. In response, Fredericksburg City Public Schools announced a two-hour delay to support students affected by the tragedy. The investigation continues. (PC: Financial Express)