India imposes substantial tariffs on American goods, including 150% on alcohol and 100% on agricultural products. The White House has criticized these rates as "egregious," advocating for fair and reciprocal trade practices. President Donald Trump has signaled potential reciprocal tariffs starting April 2, aiming to address these imbalances. In response, India has proposed reducing tariffs on U.S. farm products like almonds, cranberries, and bourbon whiskey, seeking to prevent impending U.S. duties and strengthen bilateral trade relations. Negotiations between Indian officials and U.S. trade representatives are ongoing, with both sides aiming for a mutually beneficial agreement. (PC: Your Story)

During her nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams shared captivating observations of India from space. She highlighted the breathtaking view of the Himalayas, describing them as a "ripple" formed by tectonic activity, displaying a spectrum of colors. Williams also noted the luminous fishing fleets off the coasts of Mumbai and Gujarat, serving as beacons against the dark ocean. At night, she observed India's landscape illuminated by a vast network of lights, with major cities connected by glowing threads. Expressing a deep connection to her heritage, Williams, whose ancestral roots lie in Gujarat, expressed enthusiasm about visiting her familial homeland upon returning to Earth. (PC: Wikipedia)

SpaceX's Fram2 mission successfully launched four astronauts into a polar orbit for the first time. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7:16 am IST, carrying the Crew Dragon capsule, Resilience. This mission is notable for its unique trajectory over Earth's poles, enabling comprehensive global coverage. The crew will conduct 22 scientific experiments, including studies on atmospheric phenomena and the effects of space travel on the human body. Additionally, they will perform the first X-ray imaging in space, aiming to enhance our understanding of cosmic X-ray sources. This pioneering mission represents a significant milestone in human spaceflight and scientific research. (PC: CNN & Hindustan Times)

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, after completing a 278-day mission aboard the International Space Station, expressed admiration for India's landscapes, particularly the Himalayas, which she observed from space. Williams, who has Indian roots, plans to visit India to experience its natural beauty firsthand. She also addressed misconceptions about being stranded in space, clarifying that her extended mission was due to unforeseen technical challenges. Williams emphasized the importance of international collaboration in space exploration and expressed gratitude for the support received during her mission. (PC: Science Photo Library & BBC)

Netflix's drama "Adolescence," depicting a 13-year-old boy's involvement in a fatal stabbing and the detrimental effects of social media, will be screened in UK secondary schools to foster discussions on online harm. With 66.3 million global views, the series has sparked significant debate in the UK. Prime Minister Keir Starmer supports this initiative, aiming to educate students on misogyny, online radicalization, and healthy relationships. The charity Everyone’s Invited highlights the rise in child-on-child sexual abuse, advocating for education over social media bans to address misogynistic attitudes early. This effort underscores the collective responsibility to mitigate the negative influence of smartphones and harmful online content on children. (PC: AP photo & The Economic Times)

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, along with Butch Wilmore, shared insights on their extended 286-day mission aboard the ISS. Initially planned for eight days, their stay was prolonged due to Boeing Starliner issues. They completed 4,576 orbits, traveled 121 million miles, and conducted 150+ experiments. Williams, now holding the record for most time in space by a female astronaut (608 days), also completed two spacewalks. “Feeling good,” she said in her first address since returning to Earth. Their research will aid NASA’s future Moon and Mars missions. (PC: India Today)

The death toll from Myanmar’s devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake has reached 2,056, with more than 3,900 injured, according to the military junta. Over 270 people remain missing. Mandalay, one of the worst-hit cities, saw thousands camping in streets due to collapsed homes and aftershocks. The junta has declared a week of mourning until April 6. International reports confirm casualties in neighboring Thailand, where a 30-story building collapsed. "The situation is dire," said a local official. With damaged infrastructure and poor communications, the true extent of the disaster is still unfolding. Rescue operations continue. (PC: Reuters)

Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew of sexual abuse, says she has four days to live after a car crash. In an Instagram post, she revealed she suffered kidney failure following the accident, where her car was hit by a school bus at high speed. "I'm ready to go, just not until I see my babies one last time," she wrote. A spokesperson confirmed she is receiving medical care. Giuffre previously sued Prince Andrew in 2021, alleging abuse when she was 17. The Duke has denied all claims and has not faced criminal charges. (PC: Instagram/@virginiarobertsrising11)

HAL-Russia Links 'Misleading And Factually Incorrect'   India has strongly refuted The New York Times’ report alleging Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) supplied sensitive technology to a Russian arms agency. Government sources called the claims “factually incorrect and misleading,” asserting that HAL strictly follows strategic trade controls and end-user commitments. The report claimed an Indian firm received equipment from British manufacturer H.R. Smith Group and sent parts to Russia with identical product codes. India criticized the NYT for "overlooking basic due diligence" and reaffirmed its commitment to international regulations. The UK previously warned companies about potential re-exports to Russia. (PC: News18.com)

Starting April 1, 2025, several financial rule changes will impact Indian taxpayers and consumers. The new income tax structure exempts earnings up to ₹12 lakh, with a ₹75,000 standard deduction. The Unified Pension Scheme replaces the old system, benefiting 23 lakh central employees. UPI-linked inactive numbers will be deactivated, and banks like SBI and PNB will revise minimum balance requirements. Credit card reward structures will change, and GST updates will introduce mandatory multi-factor authentication. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) aims to enhance security with these changes, urging users to update details to avoid disruptions. (PC: NDTV)