Mumbai Indians' captain Hardik Pandya lauded debutant pacer Ashwani Kumar for his stellar performance against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025. Ashwani's impressive figures of 4-24 in three overs were instrumental in dismissing KKR for 116, paving the way for Mumbai's eight-wicket victory. Pandya commended the team's scouting department for discovering Ashwani, highlighting his pace, swing, and unique left-arm action. Batsman Ryan Rickelton also praised Ashwani's deceptive speed and swing, emphasizing his potential value to the squad. In recognition, Pandya presented Ashwani with the 'Dressing Room Best Bowler Award,' acknowledging his embodiment of the team's intensity and ruthlessness. (PC: Sportskeeda)

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed concern over recent developments in Bangladesh, particularly regarding the safety of Hindus and the potential resurgence of Northeast insurgent groups finding refuge there. He highlighted that during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, insurgent groups were expelled from Bangladesh, contributing to regional stability. Sarma emphasized the need for continued vigilance to prevent Bangladesh from becoming a safe haven for insurgents again. He also noted that certain districts in Assam have experienced demographic shifts, with some areas resembling "mini Bangladesh," underscoring the importance of maintaining security and communal harmony in the region. (PC: News 18 & X)

A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar last Friday, resulting in over 2,000 fatalities and leaving survivors in dire need of food, water, and shelter. Aid groups report that many are sleeping outdoors due to fear of aftershocks, highlighting an urgent need for tents and medical care. Ongoing civil conflict and damaged infrastructure are severely hindering rescue and relief efforts. In Bangkok, search operations continue in the rubble of a collapsed skyscraper, with 13 confirmed deaths and 74 individuals still missing. Initial investigations suggest substandard steel may have contributed to the building's collapse. (PC: Reuters)

State-run oil marketing companies have reduced the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders by ₹41. In Delhi, the price has decreased from ₹1,785.50 to ₹1,744.50. Similarly, in Kolkata, the price has been reduced from ₹1,895.50 to ₹1,854.50. Mumbai sees a reduction from ₹1,739 to ₹1,698, and Chennai's price drops from ₹1,951 to ₹1,910. However, the price of 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinders remains unchanged. This price adjustment is effective immediately and is expected to benefit businesses relying on commercial LPG. (PC: iStock)

Security forces have launched a search and destroy operation in Kathua's Panjtirthi area following intelligence on terrorist movements. The Indian Army's Rising Star Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF are collaborating in this effort. Suspicious activity near the Panjtirthi temple led to an exchange of fire on Monday night, prompting intensified operations on Tuesday morning. Officials suspect three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists are trapped in the vicinity. This development follows a recent encounter in Kathua where two terrorists and four policemen were killed. Deputy Inspector General Shiv Kumar Sharma emphasized the commitment to neutralize all remaining threats and urged locals to report any suspicious activities. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, during his recent visit to China, appealed to Beijing to invest in Bangladesh, highlighting the strategic position of India's landlocked northeastern states. He emphasized that these "seven sister states" lack direct access to the ocean, positioning Bangladesh as their "only guardian of the ocean." Yunus suggested that this scenario offers China a "huge possibility" to extend its economic influence by establishing a base in Bangladesh, facilitating manufacturing and export activities. This statement has raised concerns in India, with officials questioning the implications of such collaborations on regional dynamics. (PC: Posted on X by Mao Ning)

A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, resulting in over 2,000 fatalities and more than 3,900 injuries. The quake's epicenter near Mandalay led to widespread destruction, collapsing buildings, including hospitals and schools, and leaving approximately 270 individuals missing. Rescue operations face significant challenges due to ongoing civil conflict, damaged infrastructure, and communication breakdowns. The United Nations has called for unrestricted humanitarian access, but political complexities hinder aid delivery, especially in rebel-held territories. International assistance is mobilizing, with countries like China, India, and the UN deploying rescue teams. The disaster exacerbates Myanmar's existing humanitarian crisis, with 20 million people already in need of aid. (PC: The Economic Times)

India imposes substantial tariffs on American goods, including 150% on alcohol and 100% on agricultural products. The White House has criticized these rates as "egregious," advocating for fair and reciprocal trade practices. President Donald Trump has signaled potential reciprocal tariffs starting April 2, aiming to address these imbalances. In response, India has proposed reducing tariffs on U.S. farm products like almonds, cranberries, and bourbon whiskey, seeking to prevent impending U.S. duties and strengthen bilateral trade relations. Negotiations between Indian officials and U.S. trade representatives are ongoing, with both sides aiming for a mutually beneficial agreement. (PC: Your Story)

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. (PC: Wikipedia)

SpaceX's Fram2 mission successfully launched four astronauts into a polar orbit for the first time. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7:16 am IST, carrying the Crew Dragon capsule, Resilience. This mission is notable for its unique trajectory over Earth's poles, enabling comprehensive global coverage. The crew will conduct 22 scientific experiments, including studies on atmospheric phenomena and the effects of space travel on the human body. Additionally, they will perform the first X-ray imaging in space, aiming to enhance our understanding of cosmic X-ray sources. This pioneering mission represents a significant milestone in human spaceflight and scientific research. (PC: CNN & Hindustan Times)