US President Donald Trump is set to announce sweeping tariffs, calling it "Liberation Day." The White House has not revealed details on tariff rates or targeted countries. Trump claims the move will boost American manufacturers by discouraging foreign imports. However, analysts warn of higher consumer prices and potential trade wars. The European Union has threatened retaliation, while UK officials express both concern and optimism. Reports suggest several nations have contacted Trump for last-minute talks. The tariffs, if imposed, could reshape global trade dynamics, impacting economies worldwide. Observers await Trump's announcement for further clarity. (PC: BBC)

The Waqf Amendment Bill has triggered protests across India. It seeks to change how waqf properties—land or assets donated for religious or charitable purposes—are managed. The government claims it will prevent misuse, but critics argue it gives excessive power to authorities and weakens waqf boards. The bill allows the government greater control over waqf land disputes, raising fears of state interference in religious institutions. Opposition leaders and Muslim groups call it an attack on religious rights. Protests have erupted in multiple cities, with demands to withdraw the bill. Legal experts warn of possible land conflicts as Parliament prepares for debate. (PC: ANI)

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha, claiming that “PM Modi stopped Parliament takeover by waqf” and that the previous Congress government would have handed over Parliament and airport lands. The bill seeks to amend the 1995 Waqf Act, which governs properties donated by Muslims. Opposition leaders protested, calling it unlawful, while Rijiju insisted the bill would ensure "accountability and transparency" in Waqf property management. He stated it was in the interest of poor Muslims, children, and women. The opposition raised slogans as the debate intensified. (PC: India Today)

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who returned to Earth after 9 months in space, shared a heartwarming video of her reunion with her Labrador retrievers. "Best homecoming ever!" she wrote as her dogs excitedly jumped around her. The video went viral, drawing a heart emoji reaction from Elon Musk. Williams, who landed on March 18 aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, expressed joy at returning, saying, "It’s home." She also shared plans to visit India, her father’s homeland, to discuss space exploration. Williams described seeing India from space as an “amazing” experience. (Screengrab from X)

The Indian Army thwarted a Pakistan Army-backed infiltration attempt in the Krishna Ghati sector, Poonch, Jammu & Kashmir, on Tuesday. "Our troops responded effectively in a controlled and calibrated manner," said a defence spokesperson. Sources confirmed that 4-5 infiltrators were killed in retaliatory firing after Pakistani forces violated the ceasefire and opened fire. The Indian side reported no casualties or damage. Cross-border firing has surged in recent months, with multiple intrusion attempts foiled by Indian forces. Despite the 2021 ceasefire agreement, tensions persist along the LoC, especially in the Pir Panjal region. (PC: India Today)

The Lok Sabha is set for a heated debate as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is tabled for discussion and passage. BJP leader NV Subhash called it a “historic day”, while Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that opposition to the bill should be on the “basis of logic”. The bill proposes 40 amendments, including non-Muslim representation in Waqf boards and mandatory registration of Waqf properties. Congress and other opposition parties call it "unconstitutional" and plan to challenge it. BJP and its allies have issued whips to ensure MP attendance, with Amit Shah expected to join the debate. (PC: PTI)

Bulldozers razed 400 acres of the University of Hyderabad’s forest at midnight, despite student protests and a pending court case. The Telangana government plans to sell the land, threatening the ecosystem, including the ancient Mushroom Rocks. As trees fell, peacocks’ cries echoed through the night, symbolizing the destruction of a habitat that houses 734 plant and 220 bird species. Environmentalists and students condemned the move as “eco-terror.” Protests erupted on campus, demanding an immediate halt to deforestation. “This is a crime against nature,” said a student activist, urging authorities to reconsider the irreversible environmental damage. (PC: X/Khimaanshu)

The White House sparked controversy by using Ghibli-style AI-generated images in its deportation messaging. A viral post depicted a weeping migrant in an anime aesthetic, while another video set footage of shackled deportees to Closing Time. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move, saying, “It sums up our immigration policy.” Critics argue this trivializes human suffering and normalizes far-right rhetoric. Experts warn that such messaging undermines the presidency’s credibility. Despite backlash, White House official Kaelan Dorr declared, “The arrests will continue. The memes will continue,” signaling an embrace of internet troll culture in official government communications. (PC: X/@Whitehouse)

Pakistan Army violated the ceasefire agreement by crossing the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir’s Poonch district on April 1, triggering an exchange of fire. The Indian Army’s Nangi Tekri Battalion responded “effectively in a controlled and calibrated manner,” ensuring the situation remained under control. The ceasefire violation coincides with intensified operations in Kathua’s Panjtirthi area, where security forces launched a search-and-destroy mission after detecting suspicious movement. "Upholding the DGsMO understanding of 2021 is crucial," an Indian Army official stated. The situation along the LoC remains under strict surveillance as India maintains heightened security measures. (PC: PTI)

​Students at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) are protesting the Telangana government's plan to clear 400 acres of forested land in Kancha Gachibowli for an IT park. Over 50 students were detained for obstructing land-clearing activities but were later released. The government asserts ownership of the land, citing court rulings, while students and environmentalists highlight its rich biodiversity, home to over 455 species. The opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has criticized the government's actions, accusing it of environmental harm. The university administration has expressed concerns over the ecological impact and disputes the government's claims. ( PC: X/Revathitweets)