Mandalay, Myanmar, has been devastated by a 7.7-magnitude earthquake, killing over 2,700 people and injuring 4,521. The true toll may exceed 10,000, with bodies being cremated in stacks. Survivors face severe shortages of food, water, and shelter, while aftershocks continue. The military junta has been criticized for restricting aid access. Russia and China have sent relief teams, but local rescue efforts remain overwhelmed. Residents recount sleepless nights, trauma, and despair as the city, once known for its golden pagodas, now reeks of death. Calls for unrestricted humanitarian aid grow as Myanmar struggles to recover. (PC: BBC)

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)

Iceland evacuated the fishing village of Grindavik after a volcanic eruption on the Sundhnuksgigar Crater Row spewed lava. The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) confirmed the eruption following earthquake swarms and magma intrusions. Authorities had previously evacuated most of Grindavik’s 4,000 residents in 2023 after a series of eruptions. Live footage showed lava emerging from a fissure, prompting further evacuations. Experts warn the Reykjanes Peninsula has entered a new era of volcanic activity, with Iceland’s 33 active volcanic systems posing ongoing risks. Officials continue to monitor seismic activity near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. (PC: Reuters)

Virat Kohli hosted the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad at his Bengaluru restaurant after their strong IPL 2025 start. During the party, Kohli was surprised to spot a fan wearing a Chennai Super Kings jersey. A viral video shows Kohli reacting playfully to the fan, who sheepishly smiled back. RCB, under new captain Rajat Patidar, has won two consecutive matches, including a historic victory over CSK. They now prepare to face Gujarat Titans at home. Head coach Andy Flower praised Patidar’s leadership, emphasizing the team’s strong momentum in the tournament. (PC: Screengrab from X)

On the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a "dragon-elephant tango" to enhance India-China relations. Xi emphasized peaceful coexistence, mutual trust, and cooperation. In a message to President Droupadi Murmu, he urged strengthening bilateral ties and promoting global stability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang also exchanged greetings. Meanwhile, border de-escalation in eastern Ladakh continues as per schedule. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently discussed security and geopolitical concerns. Both nations seek to reset ties after the 2020 standoff. (PC: India Today)

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)

The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has refuted allegations from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) that HCA officials, led by President Jagan Mohan Rao, employed coercive tactics to secure complimentary IPL tickets. In response to SRH's claims and their threat to relocate, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has initiated a vigilance inquiry into the matter, directing Vigilance Director General Kothakota Srinivas Reddy to conduct a detailed investigation. The HCA maintains that no intimidation occurred and urges SRH to engage in open dialogue to resolve the dispute. (PC: Pinterest)

The Supreme Court has criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for unlawfully demolishing homes without due process, labeling the actions as "high-handed" and indicative of a "total lack of sensitivity." The court ordered the state to pay ₹10 lakh in compensation to affected families and mandated an inquiry into the officials responsible. Emphasizing the necessity of following legal procedures, the court highlighted that demolitions without prior notice disturb everyone and cannot be tolerated. This ruling underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding citizens' rights and ensuring governmental accountability. (PC: NDTV)

During her nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams shared captivating observations of India from space. She highlighted the breathtaking view of the Himalayas, describing them as a "ripple" formed by tectonic activity, displaying a spectrum of colors. Williams also noted the luminous fishing fleets off the coasts of Mumbai and Gujarat, serving as beacons against the dark ocean. At night, she observed India's landscape illuminated by a vast network of lights, with major cities connected by glowing threads. Expressing a deep connection to her heritage, Williams, whose ancestral roots lie in Gujarat, expressed enthusiasm about visiting her familial homeland upon returning to Earth.

On April 1, 2025, Indian stock markets experienced significant declines due to investor apprehension surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump's impending reciprocal tariffs. The BSE Sensex dropped 1.69%, or 1,313 points, closing at 76,105.82, while the NSE Nifty fell 1.41%, or 332.15 points, ending at 23,187.2. Investors are exercising caution ahead of the April 2 implementation of these tariffs, which are expected to impact various sectors. Analysts suggest that market trends will hinge on the specifics of the tariff announcements and their sectoral implications. Additionally, concerns over Trump's recent statements regarding Russia and Iran have further contributed to market volatility. (PC: The Indian Express & India Today)