Asian stock markets plunged after the U.S. imposed a sweeping 104% tariff on Chinese imports, intensifying fears of a global trade war. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell nearly 4%, while markets in South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand also saw sharp losses. China’s blue-chip stocks dropped 1.2%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index lost 3.1%. The U.S. S&P 500 reversed dramatically, erasing $5.8 trillion in four days. Oil prices hit four-year lows and the offshore yuan slumped to a record low, signaling broader economic turbulence and heightened recession fears across global financial systems. (PC: AP Photo)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that two Chinese nationals have been captured by Ukrainian forces while allegedly fighting alongside Russian troops in the Donetsk region. The individuals were found with Chinese identification documents, bank cards, and personal data confirming their identities. Zelensky expressed concerns over possible involvement of more Chinese citizens and has directed Ukraine’s Foreign Minister to demand an official explanation from the Chinese government. The incident adds a new layer of complexity to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, raising serious diplomatic questions about the presence of foreign nationals in the ongoing war. (PC: CNN)

An anthrax outbreak has killed approximately 50 hippos in Virunga National Park, a major conservation area in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Believed to stem from naturally occurring spores, the outbreak is raising serious concerns over wildlife health, ecosystem disruption, and potential zoonotic transmission to humans and livestock. Park authorities have issued warnings to locals and tourists to avoid contact with contaminated areas. As one of Africa’s most biodiverse protected zones, Virunga’s ecological balance is at risk. Officials are now coordinating response efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of animal life. (PC: Reuters)  

TMC leader Mahua Moitra alleged that BJP members threatened Bengali fish and meat shop owners in Chittaranjan Park, Delhi, accusing them of operating near a temple. She shared a video claiming BJP supporters were trying to forcibly shut shops, targeting Bengali culture. Moitra condemned the act as intimidation and communal provocation. The BJP denied the allegations, calling the video misleading and accusing her of spreading falsehoods to polarize voters. Delhi Police have not received a formal complaint but have begun an enquiry. The issue has sparked a political clash ahead of the general elections, drawing sharp public reactions.(PC: India Today)

Indian authorities are making high-security preparations at select jails in Delhi and Mumbai for the anticipated extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, is accused of helping David Coleman Headley with logistics and surveillance for the attacks. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will take custody once he lands in India. Senior officials, including NSA Ajit Doval, are overseeing the arrangements to ensure safe detention and interrogation. Rana is currently fighting extradition from the U.S. after a court cleared the process. (The Hindu)

In a key meeting with the Congress party’s top leadership, Rahul Gandhi strongly reaffirmed that secularism is central to the Congress’s identity and ideological foundation. He emphasized the need to uphold the Indian Constitution and promote unity in diversity. Gandhi drew a clear distinction between Hinduism and Hindutva, stating that the Congress supports the former’s inclusive ethos, while accusing the BJP and RSS of weaponizing Hindutva to polarize society. (PC: ANI)

In response to the United States' increasing tariffs under the Trump administration, China has appealed to India for support in challenging what it calls the "abuse of tariffs" by the U.S. Chinese embassy spokesperson Yu Jing highlighted the importance of China-India cooperation, citing their roles as the two largest developing economies with complementary trade ties. China urged India to oppose rising protectionism, following President Trump’s move to raise cumulative tariffs on Chinese goods to 104%, intensifying global economic uncertainty and trade tensions. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Two UK teenagers, aged 13 and 15, were found guilty of manslaughter in the brutal killing of Bhim Kohli, an 80-year-old Indian-origin grandfather in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, near Leicester. Kohli, a retired businessman and beloved community figure, suffered fatal spinal injuries after being attacked while walking his dog. The youths, who filmed and laughed during the assault, cannot be named due to their age. Kohli's daughter condemned the cruelty, calling it a "deeply shocking" racist attack. The girl had earlier photographed Kohli, and the boy admitted to pushing him and hitting him with a shoe. Sentencing is set for next month. (PC: Sky News)

Game of Thrones creator George RR Martin was moved to tears after meeting cloned dire wolf puppies created by US-based startup Colossal Biosciences. The extinct species, brought back using ancient DNA from fossils dating back up to 72,000 years, includes three puppies named Remus, Romulus, and Khaleesi. Co-founder Ben Lamm revealed Martin met the wolves before the public announcement and called it “one of the greatest things he’s ever seen.” Initially playful, the dire wolves are now displaying more wolf-like behaviors and are under constant observation by a 10-person team. Photos of the puppies on the Iron Throne went viral online.(PC: Hindustan Times)

Cristiano Ronaldo has hired a new bodyguard, Claudio Miguel Vaz, amid rising security concerns for his family in Saudi Arabia. The move follows online threats targeting Ronaldo, his partner Georgina Rodríguez, and their children. Vaz, known for his aggressive security style, has worked with footballers and musicians in high-risk situations. His recent viral incident at Paris Fashion Week—where he used a flashlight to block paparazzi—sparked criticism online. In contrast to Messi’s calm bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, Vaz’s tough methods are drawing mixed reactions. Georgina has also reduced her social media activity to protect their children, as the family maintains a low profile. (PC: Sportsration)