US President Donald Trump will announce new reciprocal tariffs today, effective immediately, with auto tariffs set for April 3. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is "perfecting" the strategy to ensure a "perfect deal" for American workers. The tariffs target imports from Canada, Mexico, and key sectors like metals and automobiles. Trump is open to negotiations but insists on correcting "wrongs of the past." The announcement will be made at 4 PM (local time) in the White House Rose Garden. Some global leaders have already contacted the administration, signaling potential trade tensions. (PC: India Today)

The Lok Sabha will debate the Waqf (Amendment) Bill today, with the BJP issuing a whip to ensure its passage. The INDIA bloc held a strategy meeting and vowed to oppose the bill, calling it “unconstitutional.” Congress demanded more debate time and raised concerns about other issues, including Manipur. The bill proposes 40 amendments, including Muslim women’s representation in Waqf boards. JD(U) announced support for the NDA government. Delhi Police increased security in sensitive areas. Opposition leaders urged secular parties to vote against the bill. (PC: X/INCIndia)

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) is set to fire over 10,000 local and American employees and shut all overseas offices by September, sources confirmed. Elon Musk's cost-cutting team, following Donald Trump’s directive, is finalizing the agency’s dissolution, with functions being absorbed into the State Department. USAID, which operated in over 60 countries, played a key role in humanitarian aid, including in Ukraine, Jordan, and Gaza. Critics warn of severe global aid disruptions. “Every position eliminated,” an internal memo read. Layoff notices were issued Friday, marking the agency’s final closure after 60 years. (PC: Reuters)

A burst gas pipeline in Putra Heights, Malaysia, ignited a massive fire on Tuesday, injuring 112 people and damaging 49 houses. The inferno, visible for miles, erupted near a gas station during Eid celebrations. National oil company Petronas confirmed the fire started at 8:10 a.m., with emergency teams isolating the pipeline. Selangor authorities evacuated residents, relocating them to mosques. Some victims suffered burns and breathing difficulties, with 63 hospitalized. Eyewitnesses described tremors and collapsing structures. Viral videos captured flames reaching 20 stories high. Investigations continue as Petronas shuts three gas stations as a precaution. (PC: AP)

Russia dismissed US President Donald Trump’s Ukraine peace proposal, stating it fails to address the “root causes” of the conflict. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow takes Washington’s proposals seriously but cannot accept them in their current form. Trump, who promised to end the war swiftly, has expressed frustration with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, Kyiv reported fresh Russian strikes on power facilities. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged ongoing US-Russia talks but stressed the complexity of the negotiations. Western allies remain wary of Trump’s evolving stance on Russia. (PC: AFP)

From April 1, UK households face significant bill increases: energy costs will rise by 6.4%, adding £111 annually; water bills will surge by 26%; council tax may increase up to 9.99%; car tax and TV licences will each go up by £5; and broadband and mobile phone bills are set to rise by £21.99 to £42 annually for many customers. These hikes, dubbed "awful April," will intensify financial strains, especially for low- and middle-income families. Consumer groups recommend exploring cost-cutting measures, while political figures urge governmental intervention to alleviate the burden on affected households. (PC: Evening Standard)

A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar last Friday, resulting in over 2,000 fatalities and leaving survivors in dire need of food, water, and shelter. Aid groups report that many are sleeping outdoors due to fear of aftershocks, highlighting an urgent need for tents and medical care. Ongoing civil conflict and damaged infrastructure are severely hindering rescue and relief efforts. In Bangkok, search operations continue in the rubble of a collapsed skyscraper, with 13 confirmed deaths and 74 individuals still missing. Initial investigations suggest substandard steel may have contributed to the building's collapse. (PC: Reuters)

A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, resulting in over 2,000 fatalities and more than 3,900 injuries. The quake's epicenter near Mandalay led to widespread destruction, collapsing buildings, including hospitals and schools, and leaving approximately 270 individuals missing. Rescue operations face significant challenges due to ongoing civil conflict, damaged infrastructure, and communication breakdowns. The United Nations has called for unrestricted humanitarian access, but political complexities hinder aid delivery, especially in rebel-held territories. International assistance is mobilizing, with countries like China, India, and the UN deploying rescue teams. The disaster exacerbates Myanmar's existing humanitarian crisis, with 20 million people already in need of aid. (PC: The Economic Times)

Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew of sexual abuse, says she has four days to live after a car crash. In an Instagram post, she revealed she suffered kidney failure following the accident, where her car was hit by a school bus at high speed. "I'm ready to go, just not until I see my babies one last time," she wrote. A spokesperson confirmed she is receiving medical care. Giuffre previously sued Prince Andrew in 2021, alleging abuse when she was 17. The Duke has denied all claims and has not faced criminal charges. (PC: Instagram/@virginiarobertsrising11)

HAL-Russia Links 'Misleading And Factually Incorrect'   India has strongly refuted The New York Times’ report alleging Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) supplied sensitive technology to a Russian arms agency. Government sources called the claims “factually incorrect and misleading,” asserting that HAL strictly follows strategic trade controls and end-user commitments. The report claimed an Indian firm received equipment from British manufacturer H.R. Smith Group and sent parts to Russia with identical product codes. India criticized the NYT for "overlooking basic due diligence" and reaffirmed its commitment to international regulations. The UK previously warned companies about potential re-exports to Russia. (PC: News18.com)