The European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with Airbus UK, is set to launch the Biomass space probe on April 29, 2025. This 1.25-tonne spacecraft, equipped with a pioneering P-band synthetic aperture radar and a 12-meter antenna, will orbit Earth for five years. Its mission is to create detailed 3D maps of remote tropical forests in Africa, Asia, and South America, penetrating dense canopies to analyze vegetation and collect data on carbon storage. The probe will provide unprecedented insight into forest health, biodiversity, and the effects of deforestation, aiding in quantifying carbon release due to human activity. This data is vital for forecasting climate change impacts. (PC: Getty Images & ESA/ATG medialab)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during the Bastar Pandum festival in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, appealed to Maoists to surrender and integrate into mainstream society, emphasizing that "whenever a Naxal is killed, no one feels happy." He reiterated the government's commitment to eradicating Left Wing Extremism by March 2026 and announced that villages declaring themselves Naxal-free would receive ₹1 crore for development projects. Shah highlighted the government's focus on enhancing education, healthcare, and infrastructure in the Bastar region, aiming to achieve in five years what hadn't been accomplished in the past fifty. He assured surrendered Naxals of safety and rehabilitation. (PC: Daily Pioneer)

President Donald Trump has intensified his defense of the ongoing trade war with China, asserting that China is suffering more than the U.S. He described the situation as an "economic revolution," emphasizing the return of jobs and businesses to America. Trump acknowledged the challenges ahead but urged Americans to "hang tough," promising a historic outcome. These statements follow China's announcement of a 34% tariff on U.S. imports, a retaliatory move against Trump's similar tariff on Chinese goods. The escalating tariffs have raised concerns about a potential global recession, with U.S. stock markets experiencing significant declines. (PC: India Today)

A woman has accused an IndiGo crew member of stealing her child's gold chain during a flight from Ranchi to Chennai. She filed a complaint with the Chennai police, prompting an investigation into the alleged theft. IndiGo stated they are cooperating fully with authorities and have initiated an internal inquiry. The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and assured appropriate action based on the investigation's outcome. This incident raises concerns about in-flight security and crew conduct, highlighting the need for stringent measures to protect passengers' belongings. (PC: Wikipedia)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced India's commitment to construct an additional 10,000 houses for Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka's plantation regions. This initiative, part of the fourth phase of the Indian Housing Project, aims to improve living conditions for the Tamil community, many of whom work in tea and rubber plantations. The announcement underscores India's ongoing support for Sri Lanka's development and the well-being of its Tamil population. This commitment builds upon previous phases of the project, reflecting India's dedication to fostering strong bilateral ties and promoting regional stability. (PC: Narendra Modi/X)

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to jointly develop an energy hub in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, marking a significant move in India's strategic efforts to counter China's influence in the region. The agreement, signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka, includes plans for a multi-product pipeline and potential utilization of an existing fuel tank farm partially owned by Indian Oil Corporation's Sri Lankan subsidiary. This collaboration underscores the strengthening energy ties between India and the UAE, aiming to enhance energy security and infrastructure in Sri Lanka. The project also reflects India's commitment to supporting Sri Lanka's economic recovery and its broader strategy to assert influence in South Asia. (PC: Reuters & X)

Indian Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal recently criticized startups for focusing on quick commerce services, suggesting they emulate China's advancements in high-end technology. Zepto's CEO Aadit Palicha responded, highlighting that Zepto has created 150,000 jobs and contributes significantly in taxes. He emphasized the role of consumer internet startups in driving innovation and attracting substantial foreign direct investment. Other industry leaders, including Mohandas Pai, also defended the startup ecosystem, urging the government to provide more support for deep-tech ventures. This debate underscores the tension between governmental expectations and the strategic directions of India's burgeoning startup sector. (PC: The Tribune)

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka, India and Sri Lanka signed ten significant agreements to enhance bilateral relations. Key among these is a landmark defense cooperation pact focusing on joint military exercises, training programs, and high-level exchanges, underscoring the interconnected security interests of both nations. Additionally, both countries initiated the Sampur Solar Power Plant project, aiming to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub. Other agreements include interconnecting electricity grids to facilitate power trade, a tripartite agreement with India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE to develop an energy hub, and collaborations in digital transformation, debt restructuring, and health and medicine. (PC: Posted By PM Modi on X)

As of April 5, 2025, the death toll from Myanmar's powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake has risen to over 3,354, with 4,500+ injured and 220 missing. The quake struck central Myanmar on March 28, causing massive destruction, especially in Mandalay, where hospitals, homes, and infrastructure were severely damaged. The UN has called the scale of devastation “staggering” and is urging the international community to provide urgent humanitarian aid. Aid delivery is being hampered by ongoing conflict and restrictions from Myanmar’s military government, especially in opposition-held areas, raising fears of a worsening crisis amid blocked relief access and growing displacement. (PC: AFP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a three-day official visit to Sri Lanka—his first since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake took office. The visit resulted in seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across defence, energy, trade, and health sectors. Highlights include the first India-Sri Lanka defence cooperation pact, a 120-MW solar project in Trincomalee, and the conversion of over $100 million in loans into grants. PM Modi also addressed issues like detained Indian fishermen and economic recovery. The visit reflects India’s strategic commitment to strengthening regional ties and supporting Sri Lanka’s development and stability. (PC: India Today)