Afghanistan defeated England by 8 runs in Lahore to stay in the Champions Trophy semi-final race. Ibrahim Zadran smashed 177 off 146 balls, setting a record for the highest individual score in the tournament. Azmatullah Omarzai's five-wicket haul sealed England’s fate, despite Joe Root’s 120-run effort. Afghanistan posted 325/7, recovering from 37/3 after Jofra Archer’s early strikes. Mohammad Nabi's 40 off 24 added to the late flourish. Omarzai’s final wicket dismissed Adil Rashid, bowling England out for 317. Afghanistan now aim for a historic semi-final spot.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman warned that the country's sovereignty is at risk due to political turmoil and societal infighting. Speaking at a military event, he said the anarchy is “of our own making” and criticized the inefficiency of law enforcement. He urged national unity to prevent further instability. The crisis follows the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government last August. Meanwhile, student leader Nahid Islam resigned from the interim government ahead of his expected party launch. Bangladesh’s general elections are scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026.

AAP has dismissed speculation that Arvind Kejriwal will enter Rajya Sabha from Punjab. Senior leader Somnath Bharti stated that Kejriwal has a "big responsibility" for AAP's national expansion. Speculation arose after AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora was fielded for the Ludhiana West bypoll. Party spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar also denied the claims, saying media reports were incorrect. BJP’s Amit Malviya suggested Arora’s nomination was meant to clear Kejriwal’s path. Kejriwal recently lost his New Delhi seat to BJP’s Parvesh Verma in the Delhi elections.

A report by Blume Ventures reveals that 1 billion Indians lack discretionary spending power, with the country's consumer class limited to 130-140 million people. The growing wealth disparity has driven "premiumisation," benefiting luxury brands while affordable goods struggle. India's top 10% now hold 57.7% of national income, up from 34% in 1990, while the bottom 50% have seen their share shrink. The middle class faces stagnating wages and declining financial savings. Experts warn that AI-driven job losses and reduced household spending could impact India's economic trajectory, despite temporary boosts from rural demand and tax incentives.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has supported Donald Trump’s proposal for the US, Russia, and China to cut their defense budgets by 50%. Calling it a “good idea,” Putin stated Moscow is open to discussions with Washington. However, China’s President Xi Jinping rejected the proposal, citing national security concerns and the need for military expansion. Trump emphasized that reducing military spending could fund other priorities. Moscow’s stance hints at a possible truce in Ukraine, while Beijing remains committed to increasing its defense budget. China currently has the world’s second-largest military budget after the US.

Pakistan’s Punjab Police dismissed over 100 officers for refusing security duties during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The officers, assigned to safeguard teams between Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and hotels, either remained absent or refused duties, citing long working hours. Punjab IGP Usman Anwar ordered strict action, stating there’s “no room for negligence” in international event security. The sackings follow a high alert on threats against foreign nationals. Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar dismissed reports of security concerns, claiming Pakistan is hosting the event “peacefully.” Pakistan’s team has already exited the tournament after defeats to India and New Zealand.

On Wednesday, President Trump shared an AI-generated video on Truth Social depicting Gaza as a luxury resort with the name "Trump Gaza." The video features a reimagined, beachfront Gaza with Trump-branded hotels, Tesla-filled streets, a golden Trump statue, and an AI version of Elon Musk. It ends with Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu relaxing by a pool. This follows Trump's earlier claim to "take over" Gaza, which he suggested would become the “Riviera of the Middle East.” The White House clarified that the U.S. has no military plan to intervene, amidst ongoing conflict that has claimed over 48,000 lives.

Donald Trump, during a media event, got teary-eyed over a map featuring the newly renamed "Gulf of America," which he had declared through an executive order. Despite controversy, tech giants like Apple and Microsoft updated their maps to reflect the change. The Associated Press (AP) continued using the original "Gulf of Mexico," leading to a legal battle between the White House and the AP. Trump criticized the AP for its stance, while Elon Musk mocked them on social media. Legal proceedings continue, with Trump adamant about enforcing the name change.

Energy bills for UK households are set to rise to £1,849 annually starting April, marking a £159 increase from last year. This rise, driven by increased wholesale gas prices, is the third consecutive hike by the energy regulator, Ofgem. Only households on fixed-rate tariffs will remain unaffected for now, with over four million people having secured fixed rates since November. The increase comes amid higher demand for gas in Europe, exacerbated by colder weather. While a slight reduction in bills is anticipated in July, forecasts remain volatile due to the ongoing energy crisis. Other costs, including council tax and water bills, are also rising in April.

Republicans in the US House of Representatives narrowly passed a multi-trillion dollar government spending bill on a 217-215 vote, advancing President Trump's 2025 agenda. The bill, which includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and increased military and immigration enforcement spending, was a key test for Speaker Mike Johnson, who managed to secure support after delays. Despite opposition from some Republicans, like Thomas Massie, the bill passed along party lines. Democrats criticized it as a tax cut for the wealthy, jeopardizing Medicaid for low-income families. The bill now heads to the Senate for reconciliation, with Trump’s endorsement intensifying pressure on lawmakers.