As of April 5, 2025, the death toll from Myanmar's powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake has risen to over 3,354, with 4,500+ injured and 220 missing. The quake struck central Myanmar on March 28, causing massive destruction, especially in Mandalay, where hospitals, homes, and infrastructure were severely damaged. The UN has called the scale of devastation “staggering” and is urging the international community to provide urgent humanitarian aid. Aid delivery is being hampered by ongoing conflict and restrictions from Myanmar’s military government, especially in opposition-held areas, raising fears of a worsening crisis amid blocked relief access and growing displacement. (PC: AFP)

An Indian national was tragically stabbed to death on April 4, 2025, near Lalonde Street in Rockland, about 40 km east of Ottawa, Canada. The Ontario Provincial Police responded to the incident around 3 p.m. and have since taken a suspect into custody. However, details about the victim and suspect have not been officially released. The Indian Embassy in Canada expressed deep grief and is working closely with local authorities and community organizations to support the victim’s family. The investigation is ongoing as officials determine the motive and nature of the fatal attack. (PC: The Daily Guardian)

A Russian Iskander-M missile armed with a cluster warhead struck Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown, on April 4, killing 14 civilians, including six children, and injuring over 50. The attack destroyed residential buildings and heightened international condemnation. President Zelensky called the strike a brutal reminder of Russia’s disregard for peace, amid ongoing ceasefire discussions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Washington will not tolerate any stalling tactics by Moscow in ceasefire talks, urging concrete steps from Russia toward a genuine resolution. The incident underscores rising tensions and humanitarian concerns in the ongoing war. (PC: CNN)

A young Indian national was stabbed to death in Clarence-Rockland, Ontario, east of Ottawa. The Ontario Provincial Police responded to the incident near Lalonde Street, where they arrested a suspect. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack. The Indian High Commission in Canada has extended condolences and is coordinating with local community groups to support the deceased's family. The case has raised concerns among the Indian diaspora in the region. (PC: Pixabay)

On April 5, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his pro-tariff stance despite a massive $5 trillion drop in global market value over two days. Markets reacted sharply to China’s 34% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, set to take effect April 10. Trump dismissed investor concerns on Truth Social, claiming big businesses aren’t worried and a “BIG, BEAUTIFUL DEAL” will boost the economy. The S&P 500 fell 6%, Nasdaq 5.8%, and Dow Jones 5.5%. Meanwhile, Fed Chair Jerome Powell warned of inflation risks and economic slowdown, but Trump demanded interest rate cuts, insisting, “ONLY THE WEAK WILL FAIL!” (PC: CNN)    

Global markets plunged for the second consecutive day as US President Donald Trump's new tariffs sent shockwaves through the financial world. The FTSE 100 dropped 4.9%, its worst fall since March 2020. U.S. indices also suffered: Nasdaq fell 5.7%, S&P 500 down 5.71%, and Dow Jones dropped 4.98%. China announced a 34% retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods, escalating tensions. Investment analysts warn the $4.9 trillion market loss since Trump’s “Liberation Day” speech reflects massive uncertainty. Firms like Apple and Nike were hit first, but the selloff has spread across sectors. “People are just selling straight to cash,” said Horizon Investments' Mike Dickson. (PC: BBC)

India stands to gain from U.S. tariffs imposed under Donald Trump’s administration, as key Indian exports—including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and metals—are exempt from reciprocal duties. With China facing a 34% tariff on pharmaceuticals, India could emerge as a crucial supplier of affordable medicines. Government officials believe the tariff structure indirectly favors India, allowing it to expand trade into high-tariff markets like Mexico, Canada, and Vietnam. A committee is set to strategize India’s trade response in the coming months. “When it’s dark and gloomy, there is sunshine on the other side,” a senior official remarked on India’s economic prospects. (PC : Reuters)

Former President Barack Obama and ex-Vice President Kamala Harris issued strong criticisms of Donald Trump’s second term on Thursday. “Imagine if I had done any of this,” Obama said at Hamilton College, calling Trump’s actions “unimaginable” and warning of threats to free speech and legal independence. He condemned efforts to pressure law firms and universities. Harris, speaking at the Leading Women Defined Summit, said Trump’s presidency had created “a great sense of fear,” adding, “I’m not here to say I told you so.” She closed with hope: “Courage is also contagious,” urging resistance to growing political intimidation. (PC: Getty Images)

Birmingham is facing a severe rat infestation as bin workers continue their strike, now entering its third week. In Small Heath, residents report rats scurrying from 20m-long rubbish piles, with some clean-up crews frightened off by rodents. Footage shows rats leaping from bins as agency workers try to clear mounting garbage. Pest control services have seen a 60% surge in calls. A local rat catcher warns that even if trash is cleared, rats will remain due to lingering food sources. Birmingham City Council has declared a major incident over public health concerns. The UK government has yet to intervene decisively. (PC: Sky News)

U.S. hiring surged in March, adding 228,000 jobs, defying recession fears and beating expectations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This marked a strong rise from February’s 151,000 jobs. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.2% but remains historically low. Job growth was led by the health care, transportation, and warehousing sectors. Meanwhile, federal government employment declined by 4,000 jobs amid budget cuts. Despite market selloffs driven by new Trump-imposed tariffs, the labor market showed resilience. Average hourly wages rose 3.8% year-over-year, outpacing inflation and reflecting stronger consumer purchasing power. (PC: abc News)