Germany has vowed to "not give in" as US President Donald Trump imposes a 25% tariff on imported cars and parts from April 2. Economy Minister Robert Habeck urged the European Union to "respond firmly." France called the move "very bad news," while Canada labeled it a "direct attack." China accused the US of violating trade rules, and Japan warned of "significant impact." Stocks of German automakers plunged. Trump defended the tariffs, claiming they protect US manufacturing. Hyundai announced a $21B US investment, which Trump hailed as proof tariffs work. The EU is considering countermeasures against American products. (PC: BCCI)

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis launched ballistic missiles at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport and a military site near Tel Aviv, while also targeting the US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman. Israel intercepted two missiles before they entered its territory. The Houthis claimed the attack was retaliation for US airstrikes. Meanwhile, US strikes on Houthi-controlled areas killed 2 people near Sanaa. Washington continues military action against the Houthis, who threaten Red Sea shipping routes. Houthi media reported 20 strikes in Sanaa and more in Saada. The group vowed further retaliation, escalating tensions in the region. (PC: Getty Images)

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus flew to China on Bangladesh’s Independence Day, signaling a diplomatic shift amid strained India ties. His visit, described by Dhaka as a “message,” includes talks with President Xi Jinping, economic negotiations, and investment discussions. India, which had not responded positively to Yunus’ request for a visit, emphasized “mutual sensitivity” in its greetings. Rising attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and increasing Chinese influence are key Indian concerns. With China deepening its economic and strategic ties with Bangladesh, Yunus’ visit marks a geopolitical shift that India is closely monitoring. (PC: India Today)

South Korea is battling its largest wildfires on record, killing 27 and displacing tens of thousands. The blazes, which began on March 21 in the southeast, have devastated homes and cultural sites, including a 1,300-year-old temple in Uiseong. Strong winds and dry conditions have fueled the infernos, making firefighting efforts difficult. Helicopters face risks, with one crashing during operations. Authorities suspect human activities ignited multiple fires. Eyewitnesses describe "apocalyptic" destruction. Officials warn that more cultural sites remain under threat as emergency teams race to contain the disaster. (PC: Getty Images)

Michael Schumacher, the seven-time F1 champion, "can no longer communicate verbally" and remains fully dependent on caregivers, according to German journalist Felix Gorner. Schumacher, 56, suffered severe brain injuries in a 2013 skiing accident and has been under private care ever since. His family has strictly protected his privacy, allowing only around 20 people access to him. Gorner’s update follows past claims that Schumacher communicates through eye movements. His son, Mick Schumacher, acknowledged in 2021 that their relationship would have been different if his father were healthy. The family continues to shield Schumacher’s condition from the public. (PC: AFP) 

Samsung Electronics co-CEO Han Jong-hee passed away at 63 due to cardiac arrest on Tuesday. Han, who led Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile division, had chaired the company’s shareholder meeting last week. He joined Samsung nearly 40 years ago and became CEO in 2022. His death comes as the company struggles with falling share prices and competition in AI-driven semiconductors. Samsung, which lost its smartphone market lead to Apple, has yet to name Han’s successor. A company spokesperson confirmed he was scheduled to attend a product launch on Wednesday. (PC: boomerang)

At least six people are feared dead and nine others injured after a tourist submarine sank near Hurghada, Egypt, early Thursday. According to local sources, 29 people were rescued, while the injured—four in critical condition—were taken to nearby hospitals. The submarine was carrying around 40 tourists when the incident occurred. Authorities are investigating the cause of the sinking, while rescue operations continue. The Red Sea region is a popular tourist destination, known for its diving and underwater excursions. More details are expected as officials work to determine the circumstances behind the tragic accident. (PC: BBC News)  

Anna Prokofieva, a 35-year-old journalist with Russia’s state-run Channel One, was killed in a landmine explosion in Russia’s Belgorod region near the Ukraine border. Cameraman Dmitry Volkov was seriously injured. Channel One stated they ran over a landmine planted by Ukrainian forces. Prokofieva had been covering the Ukraine war since 2023, often posting pro-Kremlin content. Her last Telegram post depicted her in military fatigues near the border. Russia’s Belgorod region has seen frequent attacks, with nearly 20 journalists killed since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. (PC: X/@russembkenya)

A video of an elephant named "Play Daow Mongkol" showcasing its cooking skills in Thailand has gone viral, leaving the internet amazed. The clip, originally shared by Thenationthailand on X, shows the elephant using its trunk to stir ingredients in a pan and pound a mortar while its keeper cheers. Social media users praised the elephant’s intelligence, with some joking it could be the next "top chef." The video has garnered over 1 lakh likes and thousands of comments, with netizens expressing admiration and curiosity about its training methods. (PC: @thenationthailand/Instagram)

Ukraine has ruled out peace with Russia until thousands of abducted Ukrainian children are returned, presidential adviser Daria Zarivna told The Times. Following U.S.-brokered talks in Saudi Arabia, Zarivna stressed, “The return of all forcibly transferred Ukrainian children is non-negotiable.” Kyiv insists the issue is central to any peace deal, alongside the release of prisoners and deported civilians. Moscow claims to have relocated 700,000 Ukrainian children since 2022, a figure Ukraine disputes. A joint U.S.-Ukraine statement reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to securing the children’s return and prisoner exchanges as part of the diplomatic process. (PC: EPA)