Democratic U.S. Senator Cory Booker set a new record for the longest continuous speech in Senate history, speaking for 25 hours and 5 minutes. His speech, aimed at criticizing President Donald Trump’s administration, focused on what Booker described as reckless attacks on U.S. democratic institutions. Booker's address surpassed the 67-year-old record set by Senator Strom Thurmond. He condemned Trump’s government policies, including cuts to federal agencies and the challenge to the judicial system. The marathon speech reflects growing Democratic discontent with Trump’s actions and the Republican-controlled Congress.(PC: Reuters)

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is set to be discussed in the Lok Sabha, expected to trigger heated debates and protests. Opposition parties have raised concerns, claiming that the bill could undermine religious freedoms and negatively impact the management of Waqf properties. The bill aims to introduce reforms, including greater central oversight and transparency, but has faced criticism for potentially infringing on minority rights. The session is likely to see intense disruptions, as parties from across the spectrum voice their opposition to the proposed changes, creating a tense atmosphere in Parliament.(PC: India TV)  

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)

Over 10,000 Indian nationals are imprisoned abroad, with the highest number in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed. Despite transfer treaties with multiple countries, only 8 Indian prisoners have been repatriated in the last 3 years. Gulf nations account for a significant portion of these detentions, mainly due to labor disputes, visa violations, and criminal charges. MEA officials stated that diplomatic efforts continue for early release and repatriation. Families of detainees have urged the Indian government to expedite negotiations for their return. (PC: The Indian Express)

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)

Lucknow Super Giants' Rishabh Pant faced social media backlash after another poor performance in IPL 2025, scoring just 2 runs off 5 balls against Punjab Kings. Bought for a record ₹27 crore, Pant has managed only 17 runs in three matches, increasing pressure on him. Fans dug up his pre-auction remark about Punjab Kings, mocking his struggles. "Expensive fraud," one fan tweeted. Pant’s dismissal to Glenn Maxwell added to his woes as LSG lost momentum. With his form under scrutiny, Pant needs a turnaround soon to justify his massive price tag. (PC: X/Mufaddal_vohra)

India's Meteorological Department has warned of an intense heatwave this summer, with above-normal temperatures expected across most states. Chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said states like Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha could see up to 11 heatwave days. In 2024, India recorded its hottest day at 50.5°C in Rajasthan’s Churu, with 733 heat-related deaths reported. Experts warn of undercounting and worsening conditions due to climate change. Mohapatra stressed that human activities, industrialization, and carbon emissions are accelerating extreme weather patterns, urging immediate action to mitigate rising temperatures. The health and agriculture sectors face significant risks. (PC: Getty Images)

Opposition parties, including Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and CPI(M), have vowed to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it "divisive" and unconstitutional. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said they would fight it "tooth and nail" in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The BJP-led government, with a strong majority, has allocated eight hours for debate. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi labeled it a "Waqf barbaad bill," accusing the government of targeting Muslim religious freedom. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed opposition claims as misleading. Congress and BJP have issued whips to ensure attendance as tensions rise in Parliament. (PC: 

Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured their second consecutive win in IPL 2025, defeating Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 8 wickets. Chasing 172, PBKS cruised to victory in just 16.2 overs, thanks to Prabhsimran Singh’s explosive 69 and captain Shreyas Iyer’s half-century. LSG, led by Rishabh Pant, struggled early, reduced to 35/3 in the powerplay. Nicholas Pooran (44) and Ayush Badoni (41) helped LSG post 171/6. PBKS dominated with aggressive batting, cementing their strong form in the tournament. (PC: BCCI)