Street performances will be banned in Leicester Square, United Kingdom, from April 17 after a judge described amplified busking as "psychological torture" for office workers. The decision follows complaints from Global Radio, whose UK staff reported extreme noise disruptions. Westminster Council said it had “no choice” but to suspend street entertainment pitches. Performers who defy the ban could face fines and equipment confiscation. While Leicester Square has long been a hub for street performers, officials clarified this is not a borough-wide ban. The move aims to balance cultural tradition with the need to protect UK businesses and residents from noise pollution. (PC: Getty Images)

On April 8, 2025, British Airways Flight 252, en route from Nassau, Bahamas to London Heathrow, experienced two unexpected diversions resulting in a significant delay. Roughly four hours into the flight, a medical emergency forced the Boeing 777 to divert to Gander International Airport in Newfoundland, Canada, to offload the ill passenger. Following this delay, the crew neared their legal working hour limits, prompting a second diversion to Keflavik Airport in Reykjavík, Iceland, for a mandatory crew change. The flight ultimately landed in London nearly 11 hours behind schedule, on April 9 at 10:30 p.m. (PC: AFP)

China has raised tariffs on US goods to 125%, retaliating against President Donald Trump's steep tariff hike on Chinese imports to 145%. Despite the escalation, Beijing announced it will not retaliate further if the US continues imposing duties. The Chinese finance ministry accused Washington of "unilateral bullying" and violating global trade norms. President Xi Jinping called on the European Union to resist Trump's moves, calling them a threat to global trade stability. China also added 18 US firms to control lists and filed a WTO complaint, underscoring growing trade tensions between the world’s top two economies. (PC: India Today)

Col Susannah Meyers, commander of the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, was removed from her position after allegedly distancing herself from Vice President JD Vance’s criticism of Denmark’s role in Greenland’s security. In an internal email, Meyers stated Vance’s comments were “not reflective” of the base’s stance. The Pentagon cited a “loss of confidence” and emphasized that actions undermining leadership or President Trump’s agenda are unacceptable. The firing follows Vance’s controversial remarks during a visit to Greenland, which reignited U.S. interest in the territory. Col Shawn Lee will assume command of the strategically vital Arctic station. (PC: BBC News)

Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Israel may take the lead in launching a military strike on Iran if Tehran does not abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions. Trump stated that Iran’s continued development of nuclear arms poses a major threat and could spark a regional conflict. He also claimed to have previously warned Iran's Supreme Leader through official correspondence. The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with diplomatic efforts underway, including U.S.-Iran talks in Oman. European nations, meanwhile, are pursuing their own negotiations to de-escalate the nuclear standoff. (PC: AP)

The United Kingdom and Norway have jointly committed $585 million in military aid to Ukraine, as reported by Bloomberg. The UK will contribute $455 million, while Norway will provide $130 million through the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine. This package includes funding for the repair and maintenance of previously supplied vehicles and equipment, as well as financing for radar systems, anti-tank mines, and hundreds of thousands of drones. British Defense Minister John Healey is expected to announce the aid officially on April 11 at the Ramstein summit, co-chaired by the UK and Germany, bringing together defense ministers from 50 countries. The UK has previously committed $3.9 billion in military assistance to Ukraine this year. Meanwhile, on April 7, Norway pledged $454 million for the procurement of artillery shells to support Ukraine. (PC: Reuters, NDTV & The New Indian Express)

On April 10, 2025, a sightseeing helicopter operated by New York Helicopters crashed into the Hudson River near Jersey City, New Jersey, killing all six people aboard. The victims included the pilot and a Spanish tourist family: Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three children. Eyewitnesses and video footage reported that the helicopter broke apart in midair, with the tail and main rotor detaching before it plunged upside-down into the river. The flight lasted under 18 minutes and was en route past Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty before the incident. The helicopter, a Bell 206, experienced what experts believe was a catastrophic mechanical failure, possibly involving the main rotors striking the tail boom. (PC: NDTV, Hindustan Times & India Today)

Two American Airlines planes clipped wings at Washington D.C.'s Ronald Reagan National Airport on Thursday, with 143 passengers on board. The FAA confirmed Flight 5490, bound for Charleston, struck stationary Flight 4522, heading to JFK, around 12:45 PM. No injuries were reported, though lawmakers Nick LaLota and Grace Meng were aboard one plane. LaLota described the incident on X as a “bump,” while Meng expressed relief. Both aircraft returned to gates and were removed from service for inspection. The incident follows a January mid-air collision nearby that killed 67. The FAA has launched an investigation into Thursday’s runway incident. (PC: Getty Images)

A court in Shenzhen, China, has failed for the third time to auction off 100 tons of live Siamese crocodiles—roughly 200 to 500 reptiles—acquired from the bankrupt Guangdong Hongyi Crocodile Industry Company. Despite dropping the starting bid to 4 million yuan ($550,000), no buyers registered. The auction requires bidders to cover collection, transport, and hold a legal breeding license. Used in products from makeup to wine, crocodiles are a top commodity in China, but the logistical and legal hurdles continue to deter buyers. Two previous auctions held in January and February also ended without any bids.

US President Donald Trump has raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, intensifying the ongoing US-China trade war. The move follows China’s retaliatory duties of 84% on US goods. The White House stated that the latest hike builds on a prior 20% tariff linked to China’s role in fentanyl trafficking. A day earlier, Trump imposed a 125% charge to reduce America’s trade deficit. Trump had also threatened an additional 50% if China didn’t withdraw its new tariffs by April 8. Current US duties now include 25% on Canadian and Mexican items outside USMCA and 10% on other imports globally. (PC: Reuters)