Time Magazine’s 2025 list of the world’s 100 most influential people includes US President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. Notably, no Indian citizen featured on the list this year, breaking a recent trend of Indian representation. Indian-origin biotech CEO Reshma Kewalramani was included, recognized for her role at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Other global figures on the list include UK PM Keir Starmer, US Vice President JD Vance, and WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom. The list spans leaders, icons, and titans from politics, science, business, and entertainment. Time released five international covers for the 2025 edition. (PC: India Today)

Top US officials, including Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and diplomat Marco Rubio, are meeting European leaders in Paris to discuss the Ukraine war. The talks, attended by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and French President Emmanuel Macron, mark the highest-level transatlantic engagement since February. The US delegation will brief allies on Witkoff’s recent meeting with Russian President Putin. European leaders are expected to urge Washington to exert more pressure on Russia for an unconditional ceasefire. Meanwhile, Trump stirred controversy by blaming Ukrainian President Zelensky for prolonging the war, a move likely to spark diplomatic tension. (PC: AFP)

China has strongly responded to Donald Trump’s announcement of up to 245% tariffs on Chinese imports, warning, “If the US continues to play the tariff numbers game, we will pay no attention to it.” The sharp retaliation came after the White House cited China’s export bans on key high-tech materials, including gallium and rare earth metals, as a threat to global supply chains. Beijing slammed the move as damaging to global trade and the multilateral system. This escalation deepens the ongoing US-China trade war, with both nations imposing steep tariffs amid rising economic and geopolitical tensions.

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the legal definition of "woman" under the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex, not gender identity. This landmark decision followed a case brought by campaign group For Women Scotland against the Scottish Government. The ruling clarified that single-sex spaces and services can lawfully exclude trans women, even those with Gender Recognition Certificates (GRCs), if they are born male. The court emphasized that transgender individuals remain protected under the law, but public institutions may now need to revisit policies on spaces, services, and sports eligibility. (PC: Getty Images)

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli troops will remain in designated "security zones" within Gaza even after the war ends, aiming to protect nearby Israeli communities. Katz also confirmed the continuation of the aid blockade, pressing Hamas to release hostages. The UN and humanitarian groups, including Médecins Sans Frontières, warned of catastrophic conditions in Gaza, describing the territory as a "mass grave." Over 1,650 Palestinians have died since hostilities resumed in March. Hamas rejected an Israeli ceasefire proposal demanding disarmament. Israel’s strategy is drawing criticism from hostage families and international observers calling for humanitarian relief and a ceasefire. (PC: AFP)

LGBT+ organisations across the UK have expressed deep concern following a Supreme Court ruling that defines "woman" in UK law as based on biological sex. The Consortium, representing over 700 groups, warned of "widespread, harmful implications" for trans, intersex, and non-binary individuals. The decision arose from a legal battle between the Scottish government and a women’s campaign group. LGBT+ advocates say the ruling could impact healthcare, legal protections, and equality. The Consortium pledged to work with allies to clarify the ruling’s practical consequences and ensure affected communities receive support and information in the coming weeks. (PC: Sky News)

Pope Francis, 88, expressed gratitude to the medical team that treated him for double pneumonia during a five-week hospital stay at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Speaking in a soft, raspy voice without oxygen assistance, the pontiff thanked around 70 doctors and staff during a meeting at the Vatican on Wednesday. Though advised to rest for two months, Pope Francis has made several brief public appearances, signaling gradual recovery from his most serious health crisis in 12 years. With the Vatican preparing for its busiest religious season, including Easter, senior cardinals will lead major services as the Pope limits his participation. (PC: AP)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed serious concerns over the removal of the 'waqf by user' provision from the Waqf (Amendment) Act, stating it could have “huge consequences.” A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Sanjeev Khanna heard 73 petitions challenging the new law, which excludes properties used for Islamic religious purposes from automatic waqf classification without formal documentation. The court questioned how centuries-old mosques could provide sale deeds and criticized the inclusion of non-Muslims on waqf boards. The Centre has been asked to clarify. No interim orders were passed; hearings will resume Thursday. (PC: India Today)

A U.S. federal judge has warned he may hold the Trump administration in contempt of court for defying an order to halt deportation flights to El Salvador. Judge James Boasberg said the government showed “willful disregard” of his ruling, calling their responses unsatisfactory. The deportations were carried out under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, which the Supreme Court later upheld—but Boasberg emphasized that this did not excuse the initial violation. The administration has until April 23 to comply or explain its actions. Failure to do so may result in prosecutions of individuals who ignored the court’s order. (PC: BBC)

Delhi Capitals posted 188/5 against Rajasthan Royals in their IPL 2025 clash at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Abhishek Porel anchored the innings with a 37-ball 49, while KL Rahul contributed a cautious 38. Late fireworks from Axar Patel (34 off 14) and Tristan Stubbs (34* off 18) boosted DC’s total. RR pacer Sandeep Sharma conceded 23 runs in the final over, scripting an unwanted record. Despite an aggressive start, DC faltered in the middle after Jake Fraser-McGurk’s dismissal and Karun Nair’s run-out for a duck. A powerplay total of just 46 hinted at early struggles, but the hosts recovered well. (PC: BCCI)