Salman Khan's film Sikandar has seen a drop in collections but has still outperformed Sky Force. Directed by AR Murugadoss, the movie earned ₹158.5 crore worldwide in four days. On day four, it made ₹13.85 crore in India and ₹3.5 crore overseas, much lower than day three’s ₹27.16 crore and ₹8.10 crore. While Sikandar has surpassed Sky Force (₹149 crore lifetime), it is far behind Chhaava, which has earned ₹800 crore. Sikandar stars Salman Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, and others. It tells the story of a kind man who stands against corruption.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to draft 150,000 citizens aged 18-30 between April 1 and July 15 under the 2025 spring conscription. This move is part of Russia’s broader military expansion plan to increase troop numbers to 1.5 million by 2026. Although the Kremlin claims the draft is unrelated to the Ukraine war, critics argue conscripts may be sent to the front lines. Russia has also introduced mandatory patriotic education in schools, reinforcing nationalist narratives. The conscription underscores Moscow’s strategic shift toward long-term military preparedness amid escalating global tensions. (PC: CNN)  

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a crucial IPL 2025 match at Eden Gardens on April 3. KKR, currently at the bottom of the table, faces SRH, who are also struggling in eighth place. KKR’s opening partnerships have averaged just 15.3 runs per game, while SRH’s bowling attack has the worst powerplay economy rate (11.4). Key players include Andre Russell and Sunil Narine for KKR, and Heinrich Klaasen and Bhuvneshwar Kumar for SRH. The Eden Gardens pitch is spin-friendly, which could influence team strategies heavily in this high-stakes match. (PC: India Today)  

A new analysis using the Rangarajan poverty line shows a significant decline in poverty across all religious groups in India from 2011-12 to 2023-24, especially among Hindus and Muslims. The study attributes this to economic growth and government welfare programs. The poverty line, based on food and non-food expenditures, was updated using the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Experts highlight the role of inclusive policies in improving living standards. “The data confirms that poverty has declined across all communities,” the report states, emphasizing the impact of targeted initiatives. (PC: The Indian Express)

Starting May 1, 2025, all non-Thai nationals, including Indian tourists, must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before entering via air, land, or sea. The old paper-based TM6 form will no longer be accepted. Failure to complete the TDAC could lead to entry denial or long delays. Immigration officers will strictly enforce the new rule. Travelers must submit the TDAC online, receive a confirmation email, and present it at immigration for smooth entry. Officials urge tourists to check for updates before traveling to avoid complications. (PC: Instagram)

Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing will attend a Bangkok summit as his country faces devastation from a deadly earthquake. The 6.8-magnitude quake in central Myanmar killed 3,085 people and injured 4,715, with hundreds missing. The military announced a temporary ceasefire to expedite aid but continued attacks in rebel-held areas. Host Thailand, where 21 also died, seeks a joint disaster statement. Global aid efforts struggle amid Myanmar’s civil war. The UN has urged more international aid before monsoon season worsens conditions. Myanmar’s economy and humanitarian crisis remain dire. (PC: Reuters)

The Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court's decision canceling 25,753 teacher and non-teaching staff appointments made by the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) in 2016, calling the process “tainted beyond repair.” The court directed the Bengal government to start a fresh selection process within 3 months, allowing relaxation for untainted candidates. The SC also scheduled a hearing on Bengal’s challenge to the CBI probe. Justice Sanjiv Khanna stated that salaries paid so far need not be returned. Bengal argued the HC order disregards the academic impact. (PC: The Print)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s long Bay of Bengal coastline and its commitment to BIMSTEC, countering Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. Yunus, during his China visit, controversially stated that India's Northeast is landlocked and Bangladesh is the region’s "only guardian of the ocean." Jaishankar, at the BIMSTEC Summit, asserted that India has the longest Bay of Bengal coastline and plays a key role in regional connectivity. He warned against “cherry-picking” cooperation and stressed concerns over extremism and terrorism. India-Bangladesh ties have strained since Yunus’s rise to power. (PC: PTI)

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi attacked the BJP in the Lok Sabha, alleging it was "bowing its head before foreigners." He claimed China occupied 4,000 sq km of Indian territory and criticized India's response. "20 jawans attained martyrdom in 2020, but our Foreign Secretary cut a cake with the Chinese envoy," he said. Gandhi also demanded the government clarify its stance on US tariffs. BJP's Anurag Thakur refuted the claims, insisting no land was lost to China. The government maintains ties with Beijing have improved following troop withdrawals last year. (PC: 

The Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court's decision, canceling the appointment of over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff in Bengal. The bench ruled the hiring process was “vitiated by manipulation and fraud,” stripping it of legitimacy. The state must conduct fresh recruitment within 3 months. Candidates who fail must return salaries drawn since 2016. Former Education Minister Partha Chatterjee, jailed in connection with the scam, remains under scrutiny. BJP called it a “crushing defeat” for Mamata Banerjee. The ruling deals a major blow to her government, which had defended the appointments. (PC: NDTV)