Russian President Vladimir Putin supports a ceasefire in Ukraine but says many issues need to be resolved. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that several questions remain unanswered. He blamed Ukraine’s leadership for the delay in peace talks. The United States has also pushed for a ceasefire, but no agreement has been reached. President Donald Trump has spoken to both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy but expressed frustration over the slow progress. Russia rejected a U.S.-Ukraine ceasefire plan in March. Talks are ongoing, but it is unclear when a peace deal will be reached. (PC: AFP)

The government has increased the price of cooking gas by ₹50 per cylinder. Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced the hike on Monday. The price of a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder will now be ₹853 for regular users and ₹553 for Ujjwala scheme users. The minister said prices are reviewed every few weeks. He also clarified that the recent excise duty hike on petrol and diesel will not affect consumers. The government said oil companies will adjust fuel prices based on global crude oil rates. The new cooking gas prices take effect immediately. (PC: Hindustan Times)

US President Donald Trump denied inflation concerns on Monday, despite global markets plummeting following a US-China tariff clash. Trump blamed past US leaders and called China “the biggest abuser,” accusing it of exploiting America for decades. He defended existing tariffs, claiming they bring in billions weekly, and criticized China’s retaliatory 34% tariff hike. Major indices like S&P 500 fell nearly 2%, and Asian markets saw steep drops—Japan’s Nikkei down 7%, Korea’s Kospi by 4.8%. Trump insisted tariffs were “a very beautiful thing” and dismissed inflation fears, urging the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates amid continued economic uncertainty. (PC: Reuters)

R Ashwin's YouTube channel has decided to halt coverage of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) matches for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. This decision follows controversy stemming from comments made by guest Prasanna Agoram, a former data analyst for South Africa and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Agoram criticized CSK's acquisition of Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad for ₹10 crore, suggesting the team should have prioritized a batsman instead. The ensuing social media backlash led to the removal of the video. An official statement from the channel emphasized their commitment to maintaining the platform's integrity and clarified that guest opinions do not reflect Ashwin's personal views. (PC: The Quint & The Week)

Mukesh and Nita Ambani's residence, Antilia, faces legal scrutiny over its land's origins. The Maharashtra Waqf Board asserts that the 4,532 sq. mt. plot was originally intended for an orphanage, donated by Currimbhoy Ebrahim in 1895. In 2002, this land was sold to Antilia Commercial Pvt Ltd for ₹21 crore, significantly below its market value of ₹150 crore, without proper authorization from the Waqf Board. The sale's legitimacy has been contested, with claims of procedural violations and unauthorized approvals. The Supreme Court is currently deliberating on the matter, and a ruling could potentially impact the Ambanis' occupancy of Antilia. (PC: India Today)

Global financial markets are in turmoil following U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of steep tariffs on imports, leading to significant stock market declines worldwide. In Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 plummeted nearly 9%, triggering trading halts, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropped 8%. India's Sensex fell over 1,000 points amid escalating trade tensions. China retaliated with a 34% tariff on U.S. imports, intensifying fears of a global trade war. Investors are increasingly concerned about the long-term impact on global supply chains and economic stability. Analysts warn that without swift diplomatic intervention, the economic fallout could worsen, potentially leading to a global recession. (PC: India Today)

A 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, around 1:10 PM on Saturday. Another teenager sustained stab injuries but is in stable condition. Two 16-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of murder. Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie is leading the investigation, urging witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. The incident occurred near the junction of Erconwald Street and Du Cane Road. Authorities are appealing for any dashcam or mobile footage from the area at the time. (PC: BBC)

Global financial markets are in turmoil following President Donald Trump's imposition of tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% on imports from over 60 countries. The FTSE 100 plunged over 5.5%, reaching a one-year low, while Asian markets, including Japan's Nikkei and Hong Kong's Hang Seng, experienced significant declines. Goldman Sachs has raised the probability of a U.S. recession to 45%, citing severe financial tightening and heightened policy uncertainty. China has labeled the tariffs as "economic bullying" and announced retaliatory measures. President Trump remains steadfast, asserting that the tariffs are necessary despite widespread economic fallout and growing fears of a global trade war. (PC: New York Times)

In a remarkable conservation milestone, the Philadelphia Zoo announced the birth of four Galapagos tortoise hatchlings to 100-year-old residents, Mommy and Abrazzo. This event marks the first successful hatching of this endangered species in the zoo's 150-year history. The hatchlings, each weighing between 70 and 80 grams, emerged from eggs laid in November 2024. Mommy, who arrived at the zoo in 1932, is now the oldest known first-time mother of her species. This achievement underscores the importance of captive breeding programs in preserving critically endangered species. (PC: ABC news)

Commuters on London's Victoria Line were left shocked when a man openly smoked what appeared to be crack cocaine on a packed train. Captured on video, the individual was seen lighting a glass pipe containing a white substance, while fellow passengers, including children, looked on in discomfort. British Transport Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are appealing for witnesses. Possession of crack cocaine, a Class A drug, carries severe legal penalties in the UK. This event underscores growing concerns about public drug use on London's transport network, with smoking being the second most common complaint reported to Transport for London in recent months. (PC: Evening Standard)