Priyansh Arya, 24, stunned IPL fans with a blistering 103 off 42 balls for Punjab Kings against Chennai Super Kings, hitting 7 fours and 9 sixes at a strike rate of 245.24. It was the fastest century by an uncapped Indian and the fifth-fastest in IPL history. Coach Sanjay Bharadwaj revealed Arya called him at 7:30 AM, saying, “I didn’t do anything, sir. It was God.” Arya credited support from Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting for backing his instincts. From Ashok Vihar, Delhi, Arya’s cricketing journey began at 10 and gained national fame with six sixes in a Delhi league match. (PC: PunjabKingsIPL)

India is among nearly 50 nations willing to reduce tariffs on US goods, according to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Speaking to the Senate Finance Committee, Greer cited India’s 39% average tariff on agricultural products, compared to the US average of 5%. The move follows President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 26% tariff on Indian imports effective April 2. Countries including India, Israel, Vietnam, and Argentina have expressed intent to lower trade barriers. As per an agreement during PM Modi’s February visit to Washington DC, India and the US will negotiate a bilateral trade deal by Fall 2025. (PC: Reuters)

India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has sparked a heated debate after suggesting Indian start-ups focus too much on lifestyle products like ice creams instead of tech innovations like AI chips. Speaking at Startup Mahakumbh, he contrasted India’s consumer apps with China’s deep-tech strides. While some entrepreneurs criticized his remarks as dismissive, others saw it as a call for bolder innovation. Investors like Mohandas Pai highlighted the lack of long-term funding for deep tech. A Nasscom report noted deep-tech start-ups in India raised $1.6bn in 2024, but more support is needed to compete globally in AI, semiconductors, and clean energy. (PC: Getty Images)

A tragic roof collapse at Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, killed at least 79 people and injured 155. The disaster struck just after midnight during a performance by renowned singer Rubby Perez, who was injured and trapped. Among the dead were Monte Cristi governor Nelsy Cruz and former MLB stars Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. Over 370 rescuers continue to search the debris. President Luis Abinader declared three days of mourning. The club, with over 50 years of history, was packed with 500–1,000 guests. Authorities are investigating structural failures behind the collapse that shocked the nation. (PC: India Today)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lowered its GDP growth forecast for 2025-26 to 6.5% from 6.7%, citing global trade risks and policy uncertainty. Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced the revised outlook after the Monetary Policy Committee meeting, also revealing a 25 basis point cut in the repo rate to 6%. Inflation is projected at 4% for the year, with a stable food price outlook and easing household expectations. The RBI noted strong services exports and remittances, a manageable trade deficit, and robust forex reserves. The central bank expects the monsoon to be normal, supporting agriculture and food price stability. (PC: India Today)

On April 8, 2025, a mass shooting at a townhouse complex in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, left three people dead and three others injured. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. and has shaken the local community. The wounded victims were rushed to nearby hospitals; their current conditions remain undisclosed. Law enforcement believes multiple suspects may be involved, but no arrests have been made and the motive is still under investigation. Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors. In response, Fredericksburg City Public Schools announced a two-hour delay to support students affected by the tragedy. The investigation continues. (PC: Financial Express)  

Asian stock markets plunged after the U.S. imposed a sweeping 104% tariff on Chinese imports, intensifying fears of a global trade war. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell nearly 4%, while markets in South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand also saw sharp losses. China’s blue-chip stocks dropped 1.2%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index lost 3.1%. The U.S. S&P 500 reversed dramatically, erasing $5.8 trillion in four days. Oil prices hit four-year lows and the offshore yuan slumped to a record low, signaling broader economic turbulence and heightened recession fears across global financial systems. (PC: AP Photo)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that two Chinese nationals have been captured by Ukrainian forces while allegedly fighting alongside Russian troops in the Donetsk region. The individuals were found with Chinese identification documents, bank cards, and personal data confirming their identities. Zelensky expressed concerns over possible involvement of more Chinese citizens and has directed Ukraine’s Foreign Minister to demand an official explanation from the Chinese government. The incident adds a new layer of complexity to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, raising serious diplomatic questions about the presence of foreign nationals in the ongoing war. (PC: CNN)

An anthrax outbreak has killed approximately 50 hippos in Virunga National Park, a major conservation area in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Believed to stem from naturally occurring spores, the outbreak is raising serious concerns over wildlife health, ecosystem disruption, and potential zoonotic transmission to humans and livestock. Park authorities have issued warnings to locals and tourists to avoid contact with contaminated areas. As one of Africa’s most biodiverse protected zones, Virunga’s ecological balance is at risk. Officials are now coordinating response efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of animal life. (PC: Reuters)  

TMC leader Mahua Moitra alleged that BJP members threatened Bengali fish and meat shop owners in Chittaranjan Park, Delhi, accusing them of operating near a temple. She shared a video claiming BJP supporters were trying to forcibly shut shops, targeting Bengali culture. Moitra condemned the act as intimidation and communal provocation. The BJP denied the allegations, calling the video misleading and accusing her of spreading falsehoods to polarize voters. Delhi Police have not received a formal complaint but have begun an enquiry. The issue has sparked a political clash ahead of the general elections, drawing sharp public reactions.(PC: India Today)