The UK will host Europe’s first Universal theme park, set to open by 2031 near Bedford on a 476-acre former brickworks site. Universal estimates the project will generate 28,000 jobs and attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed it as a transformative investment, while Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy called it a showcase for British creations. The park will include rides, a hotel, and retail zones. Universal also plans to upgrade transport links, including new rail stations. Local feedback has been mostly positive, though concerns over traffic and infrastructure remain. Construction is expected to begin in 2026. (PC: Universal Destinations & Experiences/Comcas)

China announced an 84% retaliatory tariff on all US goods starting April 10, sharply escalating trade tensions with the United States. The move follows Donald Trump's sweeping 104% tariff on Chinese imports announced Tuesday. Beijing also blacklisted 12 US firms and added six to its "unreliable entity" list. The Chinese commerce ministry warned of further countermeasures if the US continues its economic aggression, stating it has "abundant means" to respond. Premier Li Qiang affirmed China’s economic resilience, expressing confidence in offsetting external shocks. US stock futures dropped after the news, deepening concerns over the global economic fallout from the trade war. (PC: AFP)

During a Republican donor dinner on April 9, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that foreign leaders are desperately seeking trade deals to escape new U.S. tariffs. Trump said, “These countries are calling us up, kissing my a**,” and mocked their appeals with, “Please, sir, make a deal. I’ll do anything.” He ridiculed the idea of letting Congress handle trade, boasting about his own negotiating prowess. The remarks underscore Trump’s combative stance on international trade and his continued influence over U.S. foreign economic policy. (PC: India Today)

The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump’s new 104% tariff on Chinese goods is effective from today, intensifying the US-China trade war. The move follows China’s refusal to withdraw a 34% retaliatory tariff on American products. Citing a national emergency caused by trade deficits, the US sharply raised tariffs from 10% to 104% in under a week. China responded, calling the action “blackmail” and vowed to “fight to the end.” Trump stated China “wants to make a deal” but hasn’t acted. Global markets have plummeted, marking the biggest drop since the COVID-19 pandemic due to this escalation. (PC: Reuters)

Priyansh Arya, 24, stunned IPL fans with a blistering 103 off 42 balls for Punjab Kings against Chennai Super Kings, hitting 7 fours and 9 sixes at a strike rate of 245.24. It was the fastest century by an uncapped Indian and the fifth-fastest in IPL history. Coach Sanjay Bharadwaj revealed Arya called him at 7:30 AM, saying, “I didn’t do anything, sir. It was God.” Arya credited support from Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting for backing his instincts. From Ashok Vihar, Delhi, Arya’s cricketing journey began at 10 and gained national fame with six sixes in a Delhi league match. (PC: PunjabKingsIPL)

A tragic roof collapse at Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, killed at least 79 people and injured 155. The disaster struck just after midnight during a performance by renowned singer Rubby Perez, who was injured and trapped. Among the dead were Monte Cristi governor Nelsy Cruz and former MLB stars Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. Over 370 rescuers continue to search the debris. President Luis Abinader declared three days of mourning. The club, with over 50 years of history, was packed with 500–1,000 guests. Authorities are investigating structural failures behind the collapse that shocked the nation. (PC: India Today)

On April 8, 2025, a mass shooting at a townhouse complex in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, left three people dead and three others injured. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. and has shaken the local community. The wounded victims were rushed to nearby hospitals; their current conditions remain undisclosed. Law enforcement believes multiple suspects may be involved, but no arrests have been made and the motive is still under investigation. Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors. In response, Fredericksburg City Public Schools announced a two-hour delay to support students affected by the tragedy. The investigation continues. (PC: Financial Express)  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that two Chinese nationals have been captured by Ukrainian forces while allegedly fighting alongside Russian troops in the Donetsk region. The individuals were found with Chinese identification documents, bank cards, and personal data confirming their identities. Zelensky expressed concerns over possible involvement of more Chinese citizens and has directed Ukraine’s Foreign Minister to demand an official explanation from the Chinese government. The incident adds a new layer of complexity to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, raising serious diplomatic questions about the presence of foreign nationals in the ongoing war. (PC: CNN)

An anthrax outbreak has killed approximately 50 hippos in Virunga National Park, a major conservation area in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Believed to stem from naturally occurring spores, the outbreak is raising serious concerns over wildlife health, ecosystem disruption, and potential zoonotic transmission to humans and livestock. Park authorities have issued warnings to locals and tourists to avoid contact with contaminated areas. As one of Africa’s most biodiverse protected zones, Virunga’s ecological balance is at risk. Officials are now coordinating response efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of animal life. (PC: Reuters)  

Game of Thrones creator George RR Martin was moved to tears after meeting cloned dire wolf puppies created by US-based startup Colossal Biosciences. The extinct species, brought back using ancient DNA from fossils dating back up to 72,000 years, includes three puppies named Remus, Romulus, and Khaleesi. Co-founder Ben Lamm revealed Martin met the wolves before the public announcement and called it “one of the greatest things he’s ever seen.” Initially playful, the dire wolves are now displaying more wolf-like behaviors and are under constant observation by a 10-person team. Photos of the puppies on the Iron Throne went viral online.(PC: Hindustan Times)