A Dhaka court on Sunday issued arrest warrants against ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, British MP Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, and 50 others over illegal land acquisition charges. The Anti-Corruption Commission filed three chargesheets accusing them of misusing political power to secure Purbachal plots. Arrest warrants were issued as all 53 accused were absent. Earlier, a separate warrant targeted Hasina’s daughter Saima Wazed Putul. Hasina, accused of corruption, mass murders, and crimes against humanity, has lived in India since her government was overthrown by a student-led uprising on August 5, 2024. Court review is set for April 27. (PC: AFP)

Virat Kohli created history on Sunday by becoming the first Indian and second overall to score 100 fifties in T20 cricket. The 36-year-old smashed an unbeaten 62 off 45 balls for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025. His knock, supported by Phil Salt’s explosive 65 and Devdutt Padikkal’s 40*, guided RCB to a 9-wicket win. Kohli reached his 100th fifty in 39 balls, showing class against Rajasthan’s spinners. With this fourth straight away win, RCB climbed to 3rd on the table with 8 points. Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, slipped to 7th, suffering their fourth loss in six matches. (X/IPL)

India has successfully tested a powerful 30-kilowatt indigenous Directed Energy Weapon (DEW), capable of shooting down fixed-wing aircraft, missiles, and swarm drones. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the high-power laser weapon represents a major leap in India's advanced defense systems. The demonstration marks India’s entry into an elite group of nations—including the US, China, and Russia—with operational laser-based weaponry. This cutting-edge technology is expected to be deployed on various military platforms, significantly enhancing India’s ability to counter emerging aerial threats with speed, precision, and stealth. (PC: ANI)

On April 12, 2025, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched 21 Starlink satellites from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Thirteen of these satellites feature advanced Direct-to-Cell technology, enabling direct communication between satellites and mobile phones, aimed at removing cellular dead zones globally. The Falcon 9’s reusable first-stage booster completed its 10th mission and safely landed on the drone ship “A Shortfall of Gravitas” in the Atlantic Ocean. This marks another milestone in SpaceX's plan to provide global high-speed internet, with over 7,000 satellites now part of the Starlink constellation. (PC: Republic World)  

China on Sunday urged the US to “completely cancel” its 145% reciprocal tariffs after Washington announced limited exemptions for smartphones, laptops, and chipmaking tools. Beijing’s demand followed the enforcement of its own 125% retaliatory tariffs on US goods, escalating trade tensions. China’s commerce ministry called the US move a “small step” and urged a return to “mutual respect.” Tech giants like Apple, Nvidia, and Dell are expected to benefit from US exemptions. Most Chinese goods, however, remain under steep levies after being excluded from a 90-day reprieve. The trade standoff shows no signs of easing as both nations hold firm.

Violence over the Waqf Act in West Bengal’s Murshidabad has left 3 dead and 150 arrested, prompting paramilitary deployment after Calcutta High Court's intervention. Protesters reportedly attacked BSF troops with petrol bombs. Visuals showed Hindus fleeing by boat to Malda. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accused Mamata Banerjee’s government of appeasement, claiming 400 Hindus fled the district. Internet remains suspended, and Section 163 is in force. A father-son duo and a 17-year-old Muslim boy were among the dead. BJP seeks AFSPA and plans to mark 'Shaheed Diwas'. Police are investigating, with more arrests likely. Situation remains tense but under control. (PC: India Today)

An Israeli air strike hit Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, destroying the intensive care and surgery units. It was the last fully working hospital in the area. Videos showed people, including patients in beds, running to escape. Israel said Hamas was using the hospital as a command center. No deaths were reported, but one injured child died during the evacuation. Gaza's health ministry said the building was completely destroyed. Israel said it warned staff before the strike. The hospital had sheltered many displaced families. This attack follows months of war after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. (PC: EPA)

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi created a political stir during his speech at Thiagarajar Engineering College in Madurai by leading students in chanting “Jai Shri Ram.” Referring to poet Kambar and the Kamba Ramayanam, Ravi encouraged the audience to echo the chant, which quickly went viral online. Opposition parties, including the DMK and Congress, criticized the act as an imposition of Hindutva ideology and a breach of secular conduct expected from a constitutional authority. The incident adds to existing tensions between the Governor and the Tamil Nadu government. (PC: India Today)

A Russian missile strike on Sumy, a city in northeast Ukraine, killed 31 people, including two children, and injured 84 others on Palm Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for a “strong response” from Europe and the US. “Only bastards can do this,” he said. The strike hit a busy street, damaging homes, cars, and a trolleybus. The attack came just two days after a US envoy met Russian President Putin to discuss peace. Russia has continued attacks despite ceasefire talks. Local rescue teams found bodies in streets, cars, and homes. The war has now lasted over three years. (PC: AFP)

The US government has warned all foreigners living in the country for more than 30 days to register or face serious action. “Leave now and self-deport,” the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a strong message. Those who don’t follow the rule may face fines up to $5,000, jail time, and a ban on returning to the US. DHS added, “Failure to comply is a crime.” The Trump administration has already deported 332 Indians. Officials said self-deporting allows people to leave on their own terms and may help them return legally in the future. (PS: Reuters)