Global markets plunged for the second consecutive day as US President Donald Trump's new tariffs sent shockwaves through the financial world. The FTSE 100 dropped 4.9%, its worst fall since March 2020. U.S. indices also suffered: Nasdaq fell 5.7%, S&P 500 down 5.71%, and Dow Jones dropped 4.98%. China announced a 34% retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods, escalating tensions. Investment analysts warn the $4.9 trillion market loss since Trump’s “Liberation Day” speech reflects massive uncertainty. Firms like Apple and Nike were hit first, but the selloff has spread across sectors. “People are just selling straight to cash,” said Horizon Investments' Mike Dickson. (PC: BBC)

India stands to gain from U.S. tariffs imposed under Donald Trump’s administration, as key Indian exports—including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and metals—are exempt from reciprocal duties. With China facing a 34% tariff on pharmaceuticals, India could emerge as a crucial supplier of affordable medicines. Government officials believe the tariff structure indirectly favors India, allowing it to expand trade into high-tariff markets like Mexico, Canada, and Vietnam. A committee is set to strategize India’s trade response in the coming months. “When it’s dark and gloomy, there is sunshine on the other side,” a senior official remarked on India’s economic prospects. (PC : Reuters)

Kolkata schools are struggling after 25,752 teachers and staff lost jobs due to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the bribe-for-job scam. Institutions like Bansberia Ganges High School in Hooghly lost 15 of 41 staff members, severely impacting education. The verdict followed a three-year CBI probe into recruitment corruption under former education minister Partha Chatterjee. CM Mamata Banerjee promised fresh recruitment, but WBSSC says hiring in three months is impossible. BJP accused TMC of corruption, while affected teachers plan legal action. The education crisis has sparked protests, with students and parents worried about their future. (PC: AP)

At the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus for the first time since Sheikh Hasina's ouster. Modi urged Yunus to avoid rhetoric that could harm India-Bangladesh ties, referencing Yunus’s recent call for increased Chinese influence in India’s Northeast. He emphasized the need to protect Bangladesh’s Hindu minority and address cross-border security concerns. Modi also supported Bangladesh’s leadership of BIMSTEC and stressed regional cooperation. Bangladesh raised the issue of extraditing Hasina, now under investigation by Yunus’s interim government. Both sides agreed to uphold bilateral dialogue and ensure stability in the region. (PC: X/@narendramodi)

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by 12 runs in a thrilling IPL 2025 clash at the Ekana Stadium on Friday. Despite Hardik Pandya’s maiden T20 five-wicket haul, MI fell short while chasing 204. LSG posted 203/8, powered by quick fifties from Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram. Rishabh Pant failed with the bat, but LSG’s bowlers held their nerve in the final overs. MI, missing Rohit Sharma due to a knee injury, couldn’t recover despite Pandya’s all-round brilliance. Both teams were eyeing their second win of the season after losing two matches each earlier in the tournament. (PC: BCCI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Colombo on Friday evening for a 3-day visit aimed at strengthening India-Sri Lanka ties. Despite rain, six Sri Lankan ministers welcomed him at the airport, including Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath and Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa. Modi, returning from a BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, wrote on X: “Looking forward to the programs in Sri Lanka.” On April 5, he will hold key talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Around 10 bilateral outcomes are expected, focusing on defence, energy, and digital cooperation. India had earlier provided Sri Lanka $4.5 billion during its economic crisis. (PC: X/@narendramodi)

Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi have filed petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it discriminatory against Muslims. Passed in Rajya Sabha after midnight Thursday, the bill awaits presidential assent. Jawed argues the law violates Articles 14, 25, 26, 29, and 300A of the Constitution, citing undue state control and inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards. The petition says this contradicts practices in Hindu and Sikh trusts and discriminates against new converts to Islam. Both leaders demand the court strike down the bill, claiming it undermines minority religious freedom and property rights. (PC: NDTV)

British comedian and actor Russell Brand, 50, has been charged with rape, oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault involving four women between 1999 and 2005, the Metropolitan Police confirmed Friday. Charges include rape in Bournemouth in 1999 and multiple assaults in Westminster between 2001 and 2005. Brand, who denies all allegations, stated on X: “I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity… I now have the opportunity to defend these charges in court.” He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2. The Met’s investigation remains ongoing, and affected individuals are urged to contact authorities. (PC: PA)

Former President Barack Obama and ex-Vice President Kamala Harris issued strong criticisms of Donald Trump’s second term on Thursday. “Imagine if I had done any of this,” Obama said at Hamilton College, calling Trump’s actions “unimaginable” and warning of threats to free speech and legal independence. He condemned efforts to pressure law firms and universities. Harris, speaking at the Leading Women Defined Summit, said Trump’s presidency had created “a great sense of fear,” adding, “I’m not here to say I told you so.” She closed with hope: “Courage is also contagious,” urging resistance to growing political intimidation. (PC: Getty Images)

Hardik Pandya claimed his maiden T20 five-wicket haul as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) posted a formidable 203/8 against Mumbai Indians (MI) in their IPL 2025 match at Ekana Stadium. Mitchell Marsh smashed a 27-ball half-century and Aiden Markram also scored a fifty. Rishabh Pant, captaining LSG, failed again with the bat. MI skipper Rohit Sharma was ruled out due to a knee injury, with Pandya leading in his absence. MI had won the toss and opted to bowl first. Both teams entered the match seeking their second win of the season, after each suffered two losses in their opening games. (PC: X/@IPL)