Author JK Rowling has praised the UK Supreme Court’s decision that defines "woman" under the Equality Act 2010 as a biological female, excluding transgender women with gender recognition certificates. Reacting to the ruling, Rowling wrote on X: “They’ve protected the rights of women and girls across the UK.” She added, “It took three extraordinary, tenacious Scottish women with an army behind them to get this case heard.” Rowling has reportedly donated thousands to support For Women Scotland, the group that challenged the Scottish government’s definition. While women's rights groups celebrated, LGBTQ+ advocates expressed concern over the ruling's implications for trans rights. (PC: AP)

US mortgage giant Fannie Mae has terminated 200 employees, mostly of Telugu origin, for allegedly misusing the company’s matching gift programme. The employees reportedly collaborated with Telugu associations to falsify donations and divert funds. The layoffs were part of a larger restructuring effort that affected 700 staffers. Indian-American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has demanded a full explanation, citing concerns over due process. This incident follows a similar case at Apple earlier this year, involving donation fraud linked to Telugu nonprofits. Investigations are ongoing, and associations like TANA and ATA are reportedly under scrutiny for potential involvement in the scheme. (PC: HousingWire)

US Vice President JD Vance will visit India from April 18 to 24 as part of a diplomatic tour that also includes Italy. Accompanied by the Second Family, Vance will travel to New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and engage in cultural activities. The visit, described as partly private with official elements, will include discussions on shared economic and geopolitical priorities. His children—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel—will also join the trip. Prior to India, Vance will meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Vatican officials in Rome ahead of Easter celebrations. (PC: PMO)

Former President Donald Trump has announced a controversial new initiative aimed at reducing the number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. by encouraging voluntary departures. Under the proposed plan, migrants who choose to self-deport would receive financial support, including stipends and free plane tickets to their home countries. The policy, which Trump claims is more cost-effective and humane than forced deportation, has sparked widespread debate. Critics argue it may incentivize exploitation or create further instability, while supporters view it as a practical solution to immigration challenges. Further details on implementation remain pending. ( PC: NDTV)  

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has warned that Donald Trump’s new tariffs could harm the global economy. It now expects world trade to shrink by 0.2% this year, instead of growing. The US has put high taxes on imports, especially from China. Trade between the two countries may drop by 81%. The WTO says this “decoupling” is worrying. It could lower global GDP growth to 2.2% or even 1.5% in the worst case. Other regions may still grow, as China looks for new trade partners. The WTO also said that market uncertainty is adding to the risks of a slowdown. (PC: EPA)

On April 16, 2025, Israeli forces intensified operations in Gaza, methodically destroying residential buildings and expanding “security zones” for indefinite military presence. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed troops will not withdraw from strategic areas, effectively establishing prolonged occupation. The offensive has displaced over 400,000 Palestinians, with many neighborhoods rendered uninhabitable. Since mid-March, airstrikes have killed at least 1,630 Palestinians, mostly women and children. Humanitarian access remains severely restricted, drawing international condemnation over potential violations of international law and worsening conditions for civilians in the besieged enclave. The crisis continues to escalate with no clear resolution in sight. (PC: Al Jazeera)

UK inflation dropped more than expected to 2.6% in March, down from 2.8% in February, largely due to falling petrol prices. While the dip brings temporary relief to consumers, analysts warn the decline may be short-lived, with inflation projected to rise again from April amid increasing household bills and business costs. Chancellor Rachel Reeves welcomed the figures as "encouraging," but acknowledged ongoing economic challenges. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride criticised Reeves’s policies for prolonging inflation. The Bank of England predicts inflation will reach 3.7% later this year, remaining above the 2% target until at least 2027, complicating rate-cut expectations. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump lashed out at Harvard University, calling it a "joke" and accusing it of hiring "all-woke" staff and promoting campus activism. His administration froze $2.3 billion in federal funding after Harvard refused to comply with White House demands, including scaling back DEI initiatives. Trump criticized former mayors Bill de Blasio and Lori Lightfoot for joining Harvard's faculty, calling them "radical Left fools." He also threatened to strip the university of its tax-exempt status. In response, Harvard President Alan Garber defended academic freedom and rejected what he termed government overreach and unconstitutional interference in university affairs. (PC: Reuters)

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the term "woman" in the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex, not gender identity. This judgment concludes a legal battle initiated by For Women Scotland, challenging the Scottish government’s stance on sex-based rights for transgender individuals with gender recognition certificates. While the ruling supports biological women’s sex-based protections, Judge Lord Hodge emphasized that it should not be seen as a victory over transgender rights. The Act continues to protect transgender people against discrimination based on gender reassignment and other forms of harassment. (PC: BBC News)  

On April 13, 2025, a Russian missile strike on Sumy, Ukraine, killed 35 civilians and injured 129, including children. The first missile hit a public bus, killing elderly churchgoers, while a second struck Sumy State University's cultural center during a conference, claiming more lives including university staff and students. Ukrainian officials condemned it as "sheer terrorism." NATO and EU leaders expressed outrage, pledging continued support. U.S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy by calling the attack a “mistake,” prompting criticism over his stance on Russia and U.S. support for Ukraine amid ongoing war. (PC: The Guardian)