China will impose a 34% tariff on US goods from April 10, retaliating against US President Donald Trump's 54% tariffs on Chinese imports. Beijing's finance ministry said the US action violates international trade rules. The new Chinese tariff mirrors the latest US "reciprocal" tariffs. Additionally, China has announced restrictions on 33 US entities, citing national security and Taiwan issues. Six American firms lost export qualifications over food safety. Sixteen others were added to China’s "export control" list, and 11 firms were placed on the “unreliable entity” list for alleged military cooperation with Taiwan. The move escalates ongoing US-China trade tensions. (PC: Reuters)

MS Dhoni could return as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain in their IPL 2025 match against Delhi Capitals on April 5, as current skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad remains doubtful due to an elbow injury. Gaikwad sustained the injury during CSK’s last game against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. Batting coach Michael Hussey said Gaikwad’s fitness will be assessed during Friday’s training session. Hussey jokingly hinted that “a young guy behind the stumps,” referring to Dhoni, could step in. Dhoni last captained CSK during their 2023 title-winning campaign. A final decision will be made on matchday in Chennai. (PC: PTI)

As Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) prepare to take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2025, attention turns to five key players expected to impact the game. LSG aims to continue its winning streak against MI, having dominated past encounters. KL Rahul’s consistency and Nicholas Pooran’s explosive middle-order role will be crucial for Lucknow. MI, on the other hand, will rely heavily on Rohit Sharma’s experience and Jasprit Bumrah’s lethal bowling. Emerging star Tilak Varma also remains a player to watch. With both teams eyeing vital points, these players could determine the outcome of this much-anticipated clash. (PC: India Today)  

During a 40-minute bilateral meeting at the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, Indian PM Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus discussed key bilateral concerns. Modi urged Yunus to avoid rhetoric that harms ties and stressed India’s commitment to a peaceful, inclusive Bangladesh. He raised concerns over illegal border crossings and attacks on minorities, especially Hindus. Yunus, in turn, highlighted Bangladesh’s interests, including renewing the Ganges and Teesta treaties, and addressed statements by ousted PM Sheikh Hasina. The meeting marked the first official dialogue since Hasina’s ouster and followed Yunus’s controversial Beijing remarks on regional economic alignment. (PC: X/@Narendramodi)

Massive protests erupted in Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad after Parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Bill. Thousands, including actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and AIMIM members, marched against the bill, calling it “anti-democratic” and a threat to Muslim rights. Protesters demanded the bill's withdrawal, fearing it could retroactively affect Muslim properties. In Lucknow, police monitored the situation, urging public calm. The bill, passed with 288 votes in Lok Sabha and 128 in Rajya Sabha, mandates two non-Muslim members in Waqf bodies. Union Minister Rijiju claimed it won’t alter Muslim control, while Sonia Gandhi slammed it as a “brazen assault” on the Constitution. (PC: ANI)

An Indian-origin Hindu priest, Devendra Shukla, was tragically shot dead outside the Shiv Durga Temple in Kansas, USA. The 57-year-old spiritual leader was attacked in the temple parking lot in a suspected hate crime, shocking the Indian-American community. Local authorities and the Indian consulate are closely monitoring the investigation. The priest had served the temple for over a decade and was known for his community outreach. Police have not yet confirmed a motive but are reviewing surveillance footage. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over growing violence and hate crimes targeting Indian-origin individuals in the United States. (PC: WIBW)  

In a significant escalation of political tensions in Tamil Nadu, BJP state president K Annamalai has expressed readiness to step down following the AIADMK's decision to exit the BJP-led NDA alliance. The fallout was triggered by Annamalai’s controversial comments, which AIADMK leaders claimed disrespected party icons and strained ties. As the alliance collapses just ahead of the 2024 general elections, Annamalai stated he would resign if it helps mend relations. The development marks a critical turning point in state politics, potentially impacting BJP’s electoral strategies and its southern ambitions. (PC: NDTV)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at multiple premises linked to film producer and businessman Gokulam Gopalan in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Gopalan, known for producing the Malayalam film Empuraan and heading the Gokulam Group, is under investigation for alleged financial irregularities and violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The raids targeted his residences, offices, and institutions connected to the group. Sources indicate the probe is related to suspicious financial transactions and potential misuse of funds. Authorities are scrutinizing documents and digital evidence seized during the operations to trace the money trail and establish accountability. (PC: Kerala Kaumudi)    

India's Parliament has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introducing non-Muslims into waqf boards and increasing government oversight of Muslim charitable endowments. Supporters argue this will enhance transparency and reduce corruption, while critics, including Muslim groups and opposition parties, contend it infringes on constitutional rights and threatens the management of waqf properties. The bill has sparked significant protests in cities like Kolkata and Chennai, with demonstrators demanding its withdrawal. Concerns are growing among India's Muslim minority, who fear the amendments could lead to the seizure of historically significant religious properties lacking formal documentation. (PC: The Economic Times & The Week)

As Donald Trump eyes a return to the White House in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, analysts are assessing the potential impact on India-U.S. relations. While his previous tenure saw enhanced defense cooperation and strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific, it also brought trade frictions, including the withdrawal of India’s GSP status and tariff hikes. A renewed Trump presidency may intensify focus on bilateralism, potentially straining multilateral trade norms. India could face tougher immigration policies, especially around H-1B visas, while benefiting from continued defense collaboration amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region. (PC: The Economic Times)