An American travel influencer, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, 24, was arrested in India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands for illegally landing on the restricted North Sentinel Island. He reportedly left a Diet Coke and a coconut as offerings for the reclusive Sentinelese tribe. Authorities revealed this was his third attempt, with previous visits in October and January. Police found his GoPro footage documenting the trip. Polyakov, known for vlogging in dangerous regions, had also filmed in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. His arrest has raised concerns over the tribe’s safety from outside diseases. (PC: Daily Mail)

At an official dinner hosted by Thailand’s PM ahead of the BIMSTEC summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus were seen seated side by side, sparking speculation about bilateral talks. The dinner, attended by leaders from Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bhutan, comes at a time of renewed regional engagement. This seating arrangement has fueled discussions about potential diplomatic dialogues between India and Bangladesh following recent tensions over regional security and economic issues. Yunus recently made remarks on the northeastern region that drew strong responses from India. Diplomats remain closely watching. (PC: India Today)

On April 3, 2025, U.S. stock markets suffered a sharp decline following former President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping new tariffs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged by 1,100 points (2.6%), the S&P 500 dropped 3.3%, and the Nasdaq plummeted 4.3%. Major corporations with global supply chains, such as Apple and Nike, saw their shares fall by nearly 8% and 11%, respectively. The tariffs impose a minimum 10% levy on all imports, with harsher penalties for China, reaching up to 54%. Investors fear these aggressive trade policies could trigger a global economic slowdown and intensify trade tensions. (PC: WSJ)  

Donald Trump imposed tariffs up to 50% on multiple countries, including 10% on the UK and 20% on the EU. Even Heard and McDonald Islands—home only to penguins—were bizarrely included. Lesotho, one of the world’s poorest nations, faces the highest duty at 50%. Russia was left off the list despite tensions. Trump defended US beef while mocking EU imports and dismissed calls for plastic Easter eggs. Irish officials warned of economic disruptions due to differing UK and EU tariffs. The White House cited existing sanctions as the reason for Russia’s exclusion.

Israel has escalated its military operations in Gaza, seizing more land and creating new security zones. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a new corridor to divide southern Gaza, aiming to pressure Hamas to release Israeli hostages. Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that captured areas will be added to existing security zones. Airstrikes in Khan Younis and Rafah killed at least 21 people, including children. Gaza’s health ministry reports nearly 1,000 deaths since Israel resumed attacks. Ceasefire talks remain stalled as Hamas rejects disarmament. Protests in Israel are growing, with hostage families demanding an end to the war. (PC: AP)

Donald Trump’s new tariffs have drawn sharp reactions worldwide. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen warned of “dire” consequences, saying there is “no clear path through the complexity and chaos.” French President Emmanuel Macron called an emergency meeting, while Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni said the tariffs were “wrong” but sought a deal. China’s Xi Jinping framed the move as proof that the U.S. promotes “chaos” while Beijing stands for “stability.” Indian economist Priyanka Kishore cautioned that tariffs would have a “knock-on impact on domestic demand and GDP.” South Africa’s presidency condemned them as “punitive.” (PC: Reuters)

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)  

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)

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed to protect Britain’s economy after former US President Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff on UK imports and a 25% tariff on cars. “Last night the president of the United States acted for his country, and that is his mandate. Today, I will act in Britain’s interests with mine,” Starmer told business leaders. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said negotiations would continue to "mitigate the impact." While Westminster views the tariff as a lighter blow than those on China (54%) and the EU (20%), analysts warn of economic consequences. Further talks are expected. (PC: Reuters)