The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly recently witnessed significant turmoil as the National Conference (NC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clashed over a resolution seeking the restoration of the region's special status. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary introduced the resolution, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the identity, culture, and rights of Jammu and Kashmir's people. BJP members opposed the move, leading to heated exchanges and physical altercations within the Assembly. The Speaker ordered the eviction of several protesting BJP MLAs, resulting in further chaos and the House being adjourned. This series of events underscores the deep political divisions regarding the region's constitutional status. (PC: Maktoob Media & News 18)

The Indian stock market has witnessed a significant downturn, eroding approximately ₹20 lakh crore from investors' wealth. This decline is attributed to weak U.S. job data, sparking recession fears, and sharp plunges in global markets, notably Japan. The BSE Sensex tumbled 2,222.55 points (2.74%) to settle at 78,759.40. This downturn has led to reduced consumer spending and poses risks to economic growth, with sectors like auto sales experiencing notable declines. Analysts caution that prolonged market slumps could deter retail investments, further impacting the economy. (PC: The Tribune)

Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended issuing Umrah, business, and family visit visas to citizens of 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, until mid-June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of Hajj. This measure aims to manage overcrowding and prevent unregistered pilgrims from performing Hajj without proper authorization. The affected countries are India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and one unspecified nation. Authorities have warned that individuals found staying illegally during Hajj will face a five-year entry ban and a fine of SAR 10,000. Pilgrims are advised to obtain proper Hajj permits to avoid penalties. (PC: Newsx, Aaj English TV & AP)

Indian markets are bracing for a steep fall as Gift Nifty signals a 3%+ decline, mirroring a global stock meltdown. President Donald Trump defended his aggressive new tariffs as "medicine" to fix trade imbalances, but markets reacted sharply. Asian shares plunged—Japan’s Nikkei dropped 8.8%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng 8%, and China’s CSI300 4.5%. US equity futures extended losses, with Nasdaq falling 5.3%. South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan also reported sharp declines. With global recession fears growing, Sensex and Nifty 50 are set to face a Black Monday, reflecting widespread investor panic over the deepening US-China trade conflict. (PC: Reuters)

A car driven by Bengali TV director Siddhanta Das killed one and injured six in Kolkata’s Thakurpukur Bazar on Sunday morning. The deceased, Aminur Rahman, was a Kolkata Municipal Corporation sweeper and a CPI(M) leader. Das, allegedly intoxicated, was arrested after locals thrashed him and co-passenger Shriya Basu, an executive producer, who collapsed at the scene. Both were reportedly partying all night after their show’s success. Witnesses say the car entered the crowded market from the Bishnupur side and rammed pedestrians. Police seized the vehicle and launched an investigation. The injured remain critical in CMRI and Kasturi hospitals. (PC: India Today)

Global markets tumbled after U.S. President Donald Trump enforced sweeping tariffs, calling them “medicine” to fix trade deficits. Japan’s Nikkei fell nearly 8%, Singapore’s index 6.8%, and South Korea’s Kospi 4.4%, with U.S. futures also sharply down. China retaliated with matching tariffs, making trade between the top two economies nearly impossible. Trump warned countries must “pay a lot of money” to lift tariffs. Goldman Sachs raised U.S. recession risk to 45%. “Sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something,” Trump said. Analysts fear lasting damage to global trade and recession if negotiations don’t replace aggressive tariff policies. (PC: Reuters)

The BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi celebrated Ram Navami and Swaminarayan Jayanti with grandeur, uniting thousands in devotion. The day began with Ram Bhajans and culminated in the Shri Ram Janmotsav Aarti. Pujya Brahmavihari Swami led the festivities, calling the event a beacon of peace and eternal Hindu values. A cultural performance by young BAPS artists portrayed the life of Lord Ram through music and drama on a stage resembling the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. The temple continues to symbolize interfaith harmony and global Hindu pride. Ram Navami marks the birth of Lord Ram, Vishnu’s seventh avatar. (PC: NDTV)

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has approached the Bombay High Court seeking to quash an FIR filed by Mumbai Police after he allegedly called Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde a “traitor” during a performance. Kamra argues the FIR violates his constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and expression. The case stems from a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. Kamra, who lives in Tamil Nadu, was granted interim transit anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court. He skipped three police summons and clarified, “I will not apologise,” adding his remark echoed what Ajit Pawar had said about Shinde. (PC: X/kunalkamra88)

Indian-origin engineer Vaniya Agrawal publicly confronted Microsoft leaders Satya Nadella, Steve Ballmer, and Bill Gates, accusing the company of enabling Israel's military actions in Gaza. At the firm's 50th anniversary event, she shouted, “Shame on you all,” alleging Microsoft’s AI and cloud services aid in “genocide.” After being escorted out, she submitted a scathing resignation, effective April 11, stating Microsoft empowers oppressors. Her letter claimed Microsoft’s technology powers surveillance and lethal systems in Gaza. A second employee, Ibtihal Aboussad, also protested, calling AI head Mustafa Suleyman a “war profiteer.” Microsoft has not responded officially to the incident. (PC: India Today)

India will likely avoid retaliating against US President Donald Trump’s 26% tariffs, according to officials, citing ongoing trade talks between the two nations. A clause in Trump’s tariff order allows exemptions for countries working to fix trade imbalances. India, already negotiating a trade deal since PM Modi’s February US visit, sees itself in a stronger position than nations like China or Vietnam. India may slash duties on $23 billion in US imports. However, economists warn the tariffs could slow India’s GDP by 20-40 basis points and hit diamond exports hard, risking thousands of jobs and broader economic damage. (PC: Reuters)