A court in Shenzhen, China, has failed for the third time to auction off 100 tons of live Siamese crocodiles—roughly 200 to 500 reptiles—acquired from the bankrupt Guangdong Hongyi Crocodile Industry Company. Despite dropping the starting bid to 4 million yuan ($550,000), no buyers registered. The auction requires bidders to cover collection, transport, and hold a legal breeding license. Used in products from makeup to wine, crocodiles are a top commodity in China, but the logistical and legal hurdles continue to deter buyers. Two previous auctions held in January and February also ended without any bids.

US President Donald Trump has raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, intensifying the ongoing US-China trade war. The move follows China’s retaliatory duties of 84% on US goods. The White House stated that the latest hike builds on a prior 20% tariff linked to China’s role in fentanyl trafficking. A day earlier, Trump imposed a 125% charge to reduce America’s trade deficit. Trump had also threatened an additional 50% if China didn’t withdraw its new tariffs by April 8. Current US duties now include 25% on Canadian and Mexican items outside USMCA and 10% on other imports globally. (PC: Reuters)

Russia’s FSB announced the release of Arthur Petrov, a Russian-German national jailed in the US, in a prisoner swap for Ksenia Karelina, a US-Russian citizen jailed in Russia for treason. The exchange took place at Abu Dhabi airport, with video footage released showing the swap. Petrov, 33, was extradited to the US from Cyprus in 2023 for attempting to illegally export American electronics to Russia. Karelina had been sentenced to 12 years. This is the second swap since Donald Trump resumed the presidency in January, amid his efforts to improve US-Russia ties. The Kremlin refused to comment on the exchange. (PC: Linked in)

Tesla has officially launched its electric vehicle sales in Saudi Arabia, marking its entry into the Gulf’s largest economy. The move comes as Saudi Arabia targets 30% EV adoption by 2030, backed by a $39 billion investment in the sector. However, Tesla faces challenges such as limited charging infrastructure—only 101 stations nationwide—and extreme summer temperatures that could affect battery performance. Chinese rival BYD, already active in the region, offers stiff competition. Tesla’s launch also signals renewed ties between CEO Elon Musk and the Saudi government after past tensions, aligning with broader geopolitical and economic engagement. (PC: Tesla)

The European Union suspended €20 billion ($21.8 billion) in retaliatory tariffs for 90 days after US President Donald Trump paused steep hikes on global imports—except from China. The move, hailed as a step toward stabilizing the global economy, follows Trump's decision to maintain a 10% universal levy and impose a 125% duty on Chinese goods. China retaliated with 84% tariffs and limited Hollywood imports. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen warned talks must be productive or countermeasures will resume. Canada, Vietnam, and Pakistan have signaled willingness to negotiate. Markets rallied globally on hopes of easing trade tensions. (PC: NDTV)

Indian-American Anurag Bajpayee, CEO of clean water startup Gradiant, has been arrested in the US in connection with a Boston luxury brothel scandal. According to court documents, Bajpayee was among dozens— including doctors, lawyers, and officials—accused of paying up to $600 (₹50,000) an hour for sex, mainly with Asian women. The MIT PhD holder faces growing internal pressure at Gradiant, though the company has expressed confidence in the justice system and pledged to continue its mission. The scandal has sparked widespread outrage across the Indian-American diaspora and corporate circles. Authorities say more high-profile arrests could follow. (PC: X)

US stock markets opened lower on April 10, a day after Donald Trump paused planned tariff hikes. The S&P 500 dropped 2.1%, Dow Jones fell 1.6%, and the Nasdaq slipped 2.8%. This follows a brief rally after Trump’s announcement of a 90-day pause on new tariffs—excluding China. His 10% universal tariff remains, along with a 25% levy on steel, aluminium, and cars. Meanwhile, tensions with Beijing escalated as Trump imposed 125% tariffs on Chinese goods. In retaliation, China announced 84% tariffs. The EU has temporarily paused its retaliatory measures. Analysts warn of growing volatility in global markets. (PC: Getty Images)

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel won the toss and chose to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Match 24 of IPL 2025. The unbeaten Delhi Capitals, led by KL Rahul, are eyeing their fourth consecutive win. Meanwhile, RCB, with three wins out of four, are determined to bounce back after their only defeat, which came at home. The match features intriguing battles, including hometown boy Rahul taking on Delhi-born Virat Kohli, and a fiery Aussie duel between Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Fans are expecting a thrilling mid-week clash between the two in-form sides. (PC: X/@IPL)

An AI-generated TikTok video showing exhausted, overweight U.S. sweatshop workers sewing clothes has gone viral in China, mocking Donald Trump’s 125% tariffs on Chinese imports. The 32-second clip ends with the slogan “Make America Great Again” and traditional Chinese music. Following Trump’s move, China raised retaliatory tariffs to 84%. The Chinese foreign ministry slammed the U.S. for “economic bullying,” vowing to “fight till the end.” Critics online say the tariffs won’t revive low-skilled U.S. jobs. Trump’s commerce secretary Howard Lutnick promised automated factories will bring investments, though they won’t ease short-term inflation or create union jobs. (PC: Screengrab)

Defence ministers from 30 European nations met in Brussels on Thursday to discuss forming a reassurance force for Ukraine, again without US involvement. Convened by France and the UK, the "Coalition of the Willing" aims to deter future Russian aggression and support Ukraine post-conflict. Despite strong commitments from France and Britain, several countries, including Poland, Greece, and Italy, have hesitated over troop deployment, citing regional threats and lack of US backing. President Emmanuel Macron and PM Keir Starmer remain in contact with President Trump, who has yet to endorse the coalition. The US also skipped the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting. (PC: AP)