Donald Trump imposed tariffs up to 50% on multiple countries, including 10% on the UK and 20% on the EU. Even Heard and McDonald Islands—home only to penguins—were bizarrely included. Lesotho, one of the world’s poorest nations, faces the highest duty at 50%. Russia was left off the list despite tensions. Trump defended US beef while mocking EU imports and dismissed calls for plastic Easter eggs. Irish officials warned of economic disruptions due to differing UK and EU tariffs. The White House cited existing sanctions as the reason for Russia’s exclusion.

Israel has escalated its military operations in Gaza, seizing more land and creating new security zones. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a new corridor to divide southern Gaza, aiming to pressure Hamas to release Israeli hostages. Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that captured areas will be added to existing security zones. Airstrikes in Khan Younis and Rafah killed at least 21 people, including children. Gaza’s health ministry reports nearly 1,000 deaths since Israel resumed attacks. Ceasefire talks remain stalled as Hamas rejects disarmament. Protests in Israel are growing, with hostage families demanding an end to the war. (PC: AP)

Donald Trump’s new tariffs have drawn sharp reactions worldwide. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen warned of “dire” consequences, saying there is “no clear path through the complexity and chaos.” French President Emmanuel Macron called an emergency meeting, while Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni said the tariffs were “wrong” but sought a deal. China’s Xi Jinping framed the move as proof that the U.S. promotes “chaos” while Beijing stands for “stability.” Indian economist Priyanka Kishore cautioned that tariffs would have a “knock-on impact on domestic demand and GDP.” South Africa’s presidency condemned them as “punitive.” (PC: Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to draft 150,000 citizens aged 18-30 between April 1 and July 15 under the 2025 spring conscription. This move is part of Russia’s broader military expansion plan to increase troop numbers to 1.5 million by 2026. Although the Kremlin claims the draft is unrelated to the Ukraine war, critics argue conscripts may be sent to the front lines. Russia has also introduced mandatory patriotic education in schools, reinforcing nationalist narratives. The conscription underscores Moscow’s strategic shift toward long-term military preparedness amid escalating global tensions. (PC: CNN)  

Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing will attend a Bangkok summit as his country faces devastation from a deadly earthquake. The 6.8-magnitude quake in central Myanmar killed 3,085 people and injured 4,715, with hundreds missing. The military announced a temporary ceasefire to expedite aid but continued attacks in rebel-held areas. Host Thailand, where 21 also died, seeks a joint disaster statement. Global aid efforts struggle amid Myanmar’s civil war. The UN has urged more international aid before monsoon season worsens conditions. Myanmar’s economy and humanitarian crisis remain dire. (PC: Reuters)

The Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court's decision canceling 25,753 teacher and non-teaching staff appointments made by the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) in 2016, calling the process “tainted beyond repair.” The court directed the Bengal government to start a fresh selection process within 3 months, allowing relaxation for untainted candidates. The SC also scheduled a hearing on Bengal’s challenge to the CBI probe. Justice Sanjiv Khanna stated that salaries paid so far need not be returned. Bengal argued the HC order disregards the academic impact. (PC: The Print)

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed to protect Britain’s economy after former US President Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff on UK imports and a 25% tariff on cars. “Last night the president of the United States acted for his country, and that is his mandate. Today, I will act in Britain’s interests with mine,” Starmer told business leaders. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said negotiations would continue to "mitigate the impact." While Westminster views the tariff as a lighter blow than those on China (54%) and the EU (20%), analysts warn of economic consequences. Further talks are expected. (PC: Reuters)

Former US President Donald Trump unveiled new tariffs—10% on UK imports and 20% on EU imports—claiming "reciprocal tariffs" were necessary. Holding a chart comparing tariffs, he said, "They charge us, we charge them." He accused China, the EU, and India of exploiting the US. Trump also called the trade deficit a "national emergency," warning of risks to national security and industry. He cited concerns over US dependency on foreign electronics and shipbuilding. "Starting tomorrow, the US will implement reciprocal tariffs," he declared, sparking concerns of renewed trade tensions with allies and major global economies. (PC: Reuters)

A senior Indian commerce ministry official termed Donald Trump's 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian exports a “mixed bag, not a setback.” The US will impose a universal 10% tariff from April 5, with the remaining 16% applied from April 10. Trump accused India of unfair trade practices, stating, “India charges us 52%, we will charge them half—26%.” The White House indicated tariff reductions could follow if trade concerns are addressed. India is currently negotiating a bilateral trade agreement with the US, aiming for completion by fall 2025. Officials are assessing the impact on India’s trade. (PC: Getty Images)

US President Donald Trump announced a 26% reciprocal tariff on India, lower than the 34% on China and 46% on Vietnam. He justified the move, stating, “You’re a friend, but you’re not treating us right.” The White House said the tariffs, starting April 9, target nations with high trade deficits with the US. India’s tariffs remain lower than Thailand (36%) and Indonesia (32%) but higher than Japan (24%) and the EU (20%). The US Trade Representative report criticized India's high tariffs on key imports. Trump warned tariffs would stay until the trade deficit issue is resolved. (PC: Reuters)