China has called on the United States to “meet halfway” after Donald Trump raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, up from 104%. China hit back with 84% retaliatory tariffs but kept its door open to talks. Trump's 90-day tariff pause for other countries calmed global markets, with Asian, European, and US stocks surging. China's Commerce Ministry warned the move could “severely” hurt the global economy. Trump insisted, “A deal's going to be made with China,” while China's leadership considers new stimulus. Japan and ASEAN nations welcomed the pause but urged Washington to review tariffs on their exports. (PC: NDTV)

Freed Israeli hostages are urging a new ceasefire to rescue 59 people still held in Gaza by Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Survivors like soldier Liri Albag and Eli Sharabi have spoken out at rallies and in global forums, despite personal trauma. “Part of us is still in Gaza,” said Omer Wenkert, reflecting collective grief. The initial truce in January freed 25 Israelis in exchange for 1,800 Palestinians but broke down in March as Israel resumed strikes. Hamas seeks to restore the original framework, while Israel wants phased exchanges. Ex-hostage Keith Siegel credited Donald Trump for past breakthroughs and urged urgent diplomacy. (PC: Reuters)

The Indian government has appointed advocate Narender Mann as the special public prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case against Tahawwur Hussain Rana. Mann, known for handling high-profile CBI cases, will serve a 3-year term representing the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Delhi's special courts. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, was extradited from the US and will be lodged in Tihar Jail’s high-security ward. He is accused of aiding terrorist David Headley in planning the 2008 attacks that killed 166 people. The extradition followed a US Supreme Court decision denying Rana's final plea to halt proceedings. (PC: ANI)

US President Donald Trump has escalated the trade war by raising tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%, citing China's "lack of respect." In response, Beijing imposed 84% tariffs on US goods and lodged a WTO complaint, calling US actions "bullying." China hinted at restricting rare earth mineral exports and possibly banning American films or targeting Apple and Tesla. The Communist Party’s People’s Daily called the tariffs a “strategic opportunity” to boost domestic consumption. Beijing warned that if the US continues its aggressive trade stance, China will “fight to the end,” shifting from dialogue to direct confrontation. (PC: Reuters)

India became the world’s third-largest generator of wind and solar power in 2024, surpassing Germany, according to Ember’s Global Electricity Review. Solar alone contributed 7% of India’s electricity, with a 24 GW capacity addition—over double that of 2023. Wind and solar accounted for 10% of India’s power, while clean sources overall contributed 22%. Globally, renewables added a record 858 TWh, with solar the fastest-growing power source for the 20th year. Ember analysts called India a “solar superpower” but warned that funding must rise by 20% annually for India to meet its 500 GW renewable target by 2030. (PC: AFP)

Global financial markets rebounded after US President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on new tariffs for countries other than China. The decision helped indices in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea recover losses, following Wall Street's rally. However, Trump’s 125% tariff hike on Chinese goods took effect, intensifying the trade war. Trump accused Beijing of showing “a lack of respect.” In retaliation, China imposed 84% tariffs on all US imports and vowed not to back down. Trump's universal 10% tariff on other countries remains. Analysts now question how long China can endure such economic pressure amid rising global uncertainty. (PC: Getty Images)

Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, will arrive in Delhi from the US under tight security on April 10. The Canadian national of Pakistani origin will be taken to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) headquarters in a bulletproof vehicle, escorted by armoured cars and SWAT commandos. Delhi Police Special Cell is on high alert, and a “marksman” vehicle is on standby. Extradited nearly 16 years after his arrest, Rana will be produced virtually in court and lodged in Tihar Jail’s high-security ward. NIA will interrogate him on his links to Pakistani state actors and David Headley's reconnaissance. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court will hear 10 petitions on April 16 challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, includes Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan. The lead petition was filed by AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi. Other petitioners include AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, DMK leader A Raja, AIMPLB, and Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama. They argue the Act violates Muslim fundamental rights, the Shariat Act, and traditional waqf management. The DMK alleged the law was passed without considering JPC objections and affects over 20 crore Muslims across India, including 50 lakh in Tamil Nadu. (PC: Bar and Bench)

On April 9, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries, sparking a massive rally on Wall Street. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged by 2,000 points, or 5%, while the S&P 500 rose 5.7% and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 6.8%. This move eased investor fears of a global economic slowdown. However, Trump maintained a 125% tariff on Chinese imports, intensifying trade tensions with Beijing. While markets celebrated the broader tariff relief, uncertainty remains over the long-term impact of the U.S.-China trade standoff. (PC: ET Now)  

On April 10, 2025, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted rainfall over Delhi-NCR, offering brief respite from ongoing scorching heat. Temperatures have hovered around 37°C to 39°C in recent days, but cloud cover and possible showers are expected to cool the region temporarily. However, the IMD issued a fresh alert warning of an intense heatwave beginning April 15, with temperatures forecasted to soar up to 44°C. Northern states like Punjab and Haryana are also likely to be affected. Citizens are advised to stay hydrated and prepare for rising temperatures after this short relief. (PC: Hindustan Times)