Month: April 2025

China’s currency slumped to its lowest level against the US dollar in over a year and a half on Tuesday, after the central bank set a weaker-than-expected reference rate amid intensifying trade tensions with Washington, Nikkei Asia reported.

The People’s Bank of China’s (PBOC) latest move signalled a possible shift in its stance on currency stability, raising market expectations of further depreciation.

The onshore yuan fell to 7.34 per US dollar, its weakest point since September 2023. Meanwhile, the more freely traded offshore yuan also declined, touching around 7.352 per dollar. This came after the PBOC fixed the daily reference rate at 7.2038 — down from 7.198 the previous day — setting the stage for the yuan to trade within a weaker band in mainland China.

By adjusting the midpoint rate downward, the PBOC appears to be allowing the tightly managed yuan to fall in order to help offset the economic impact of escalating US tariffs.

US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened a further 50 per cent tariff on Chinese goods unless Beijing rolls back its retaliatory measures, prompting a sharp response from China’s Ministry of Commerce, which called the threat “another mistake” and vowed to “fight to the end,” reported Nikkei Asia.

China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, posted a video of Chairman Mao with a curt message, We are Chinese. We are not afraid of provocations. We don’t back down.”

Meanwhile, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with representatives of EU and Malaysia – the rotating chair of ASEAN – via video, respectively. They had an in-depth and candid exchange of views on strengthening bilateral economic and trade cooperation and responding to the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US.

The Chinese stock market also rallied strongly on Thursday morning. In the A-share market, the Shanghai Composite Index opened 1.29 percent higher, the Shenzhen Component Index opened 2.29 percent up, and the ChiNext Index soared 3.35 percent at the market opening. (ANI)

In the wake of Myanmar’s devastating earthquake, thousands of displaced families now face an escalating health crisis, as the threat of dengue outbreaks rises sharply across makeshift camps, an official press release by the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated.

The WHO, in coordination with local health authorities, has stepped in to launch an urgent prevention and control effort in some of the country’s hardest-hit regions.

“We lost everything in the earthquake–then my daughter got sick with high fever,” said Daw Nandar, cradling her 8-year-old daughter under the plastic sheet they now call home in Mandalay.

“At first, we thought her fever was just from the stress and heat–after all we’d been through. But days passed, and it only got worse. We had no money for treatment, no clinic nearby, nowhere to turn. Luckily, the health workers arrived and tested her right away. Because of them, my daughter received all the care she needed. She is recovering faster now.”

Her voice echoes the experience of many in Sagaing, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw–regions that not only suffered structural damage in the earthquake but are now grappling with fragile shelter conditions, stagnant water, and increased mosquito exposure. These compounding factors create ideal conditions for the rapid spread of dengue, a disease particularly dangerous for children and pregnant women.

To avert a secondary public health emergency, WHO is deploying 4,500 rapid diagnostic test kits to frontline responders and health workers. These will be used in displacement sites and remote villages to ensure dengue cases are detected and treated early.

In addition, 500 tent nets are being distributed to protect children and infants from mosquito bites. A shipment of 6.2 tons of Temephos is also being used for targeted larviciding in areas identified as high-risk mosquito breeding grounds.

“We cannot wait for dengue to become the next disaster,” said Elena Vuolo, Deputy Head of WHO Country Office Myanmar. “This intervention is not just about vector control. It’s about protecting lives, preventing further suffering, and making sure recovery is built on resilience. If we don’t act now, a dengue outbreak will follow soon in these open-air living conditions. The most important part of this initiative is that we are targeting our support to those who would otherwise be left behind.”

This dengue prevention push is a crucial part of WHO’s broader emergency health response, which includes treating earthquake-related injuries and preventing disease outbreaks in overcrowded camps. The challenge is compounded by the oncoming monsoon season, which could drastically increase mosquito populations and disease transmission, the press release stated.

Overcrowded tents, poor waste management, and damaged infrastructure have all contributed to mosquito breeding in affected areas. With water supply systems disrupted, families are being forced to store water in open containers–another major risk factor. Meanwhile, the absence of reliable healthcare access in quake-hit zones makes early diagnosis and treatment of dengue difficult, potentially leading to a surge in severe cases.

“This is what building resilience means,” Vuolo added. “We cannot wait for the next outbreak. We need to prevent it now and protect those most at risk–that’s how we lay the foundation for stronger, healthier communities after everything else has been lost.”

In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, WHO launched a Flash Appeal for USD 8 million to fund life-saving trauma care, prevent infectious disease outbreaks, and restore basic health services across affected regions over the next 30 days.

The agency continues to advocate for donor support, emphasising that each contribution helps sustain operations in the hardest-hit areas, stated the press release.

With temporary camps still overflowing and infrastructure in ruins, WHO’s efforts underline a simple but urgent truth: public health cannot be an afterthought in crisis response. For the families like Daw Nandar’s–living in uncertainty, clinging to recovery–the work of prevention may well be the difference between survival and collapse. (ANI)

Gauahar Khan and Zaid Darbar are expecting their second child. The heartwarming announcement was made on Thursday through a playful and vibrant Instagram reel that instantly captured the attention of fans and fellow celebrities.

Rather than opting for a traditional reveal, Gauahar and Zaid delighted their followers with a dance performance set to Jessie J’s popular track Price Tag.

The video shows the couple sharing cheerful moments, and as the reel draws to a close, Gauahar sweetly reveals her baby bump, confirming the happy news.

Sharing the video, Gauahar captioned the post, “Bismillah!! Need your prayers and love. Make the world dance by spreading love. #GazaBaby2 #allahummabaarikfiihi”.

Dressed in a cozy yet trendy ensemble, the actor looked radiant as she grooved with Zaid.

The post received an outpouring of congratulatory messages from fans and the couple’s celebrity friends.

Gauahar and Zaid got married on December 25, 2020. Reportedly, the two met while shopping for groceries during the lockdown. The two began chatting and friendship soon turned to love.

In May 2023, the duo was blessed with a baby boy and named him Zehaan.

Gauahar shared the news of her baby’s arrival via an Instagram post, announcing, “It’s a Boy! As salaam u alaikum beautiful world,” said our bundle of joy. He arrived on the 10th of May 2023, bringing us true happiness. Our blessed boy thanks everyone for their love and prayers. Grateful and giggling, new parents Zaid and Gauahar.” (ANI)

Pakistan has distanced itself from the 2008 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana and said that it is “very clear” that he is of Canadian nationality.

Rana is being extradited to India, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will take custody of him upon arrival. Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, was convicted in the US for the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives and providing material support to the group responsible for the Mumbai attacks that killed over 174 people.

According to reports in the Pakistani media, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan responded to a question about Rana’s extradition to India,saying, “Tahawwur Rana has not renewed his Pakistani documents for over two decades. His Canadian nationality is very clear.”

Notably, Pakistan does allow its citizens who have migrated to Canada to have dual citizenship.

The US Secretary of State had signed the surrender warrant authorizing Rana’s extradition to Indian authorities on February 11. Rana’s legal counsel subsequently filed an emergency stay motion seeking to challenge that order. On April 7, the U.S. Supreme Court denied Rana’s petition for a stay of his extradition.

The Indian government has been seeking his extradition for years, and the US Supreme Court’s recent decision has paved the way for his transfer to India. According to the NIA, the government registered a case on November 11, 2009, at the NIA Police Station New Delhi as Case RC-04/2009/NIA/DL under various sections.

“As per the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs order No. 11034/10/ 2009-IS.VI dated 11/11/ 2009 National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case on 11/11/2009 at NIA Police Station, New Delhi as Case RC-04/2009/NIA/DLI under sections 121A of IPC, Section 18 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Section 6(2) SAARC Convention (Suppression of Terrorism) Act against 1) David Coleman Headley @ Daood Gilani (US Citizen), 2) Tahawwur Hussain Rana (Canadian citizen) and others,” the NIA stated.

The NIA stated that the accused David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani and Tahawwur Hussain Rana were arrested by law enforcement agencies in the USA in their case.

“NIA sent Extradition Requests to USA for extradition of accused persons David Coleman Headley and Tahawwur Hussain Rana, which are still pending for execution by the authorities of USA. A letter Rogatory (letter of request for assistance in investigation) has been furnished to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and a reply is awaited from them. After completion of investigation, charge sheet has been filed in the Court of Hon’ble Special Judge, NIA, Patiala House, New Delhi on December 24, 2011 against all 9 accused persons uunder sections 120 B, read with 121, 121A, 302, 468 and 471 Indian Penal Code and sections 16,18 & 20 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act,” the NIA stated.

Rana’s extradition marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. (ANI)

Calling the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana a “big day,” Eknath Omble, the brother of Ashok Chakra awardee and 26/11 hero Tukaram Omble, on Thursday urged the central government to hang Tahawwur Rana.

Ashok Chakra Awardee Tukaram Omble, a sub-inspector in Mumbai police, held onto terrorist Ajmal Kasab’s rifle, ensuring his arrest, but unfortunately fell to the bullets during the 26/11 terror attack.

“Many innocent people and policemen were killed. It was a painful night. Tahawwur Rana was the closest ally of David Headley, who was the mastermind of the attack – they all should have been hanged earlier… But it’s a big day for the country. I have a request from the government that he (Tahawwur Rana) should be hanged as soon as possible,” Eknath Omble told ANI.

“He should be given such strict punishment that those in Pakistan who facilitate such things should think twice before committing such things… However, we tolerated the delay in Kasab’s punishment because it exposed the real face of Pakistan before the world.”

Tukaram Omble, a Mumbai Police sub-inspector, was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, for his bravery during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

On the night of November 26, 2008, Omble played a crucial role in capturing terrorist Ajmal Kasab alive. Armed only with a baton, he confronted the gunman, allowing security forces to overpower Kasab, but he lost his life in the process.

Meanwhile, the Central Government appointed Advocate Narender Mann as Special Public Prosecutor to conduct trials and other matters related to National Investigation Agency case RC-04/2009/NIA/DLI against Tahawwur Hussain Rana and David Coleman Headley, who is in a US Prison following a plea deal.

Rana is being extradited to India, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will take custody of him upon arrival.

Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, was convicted in the US for the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives and providing material support to the group responsible for the Mumbai attacks that killed over 174 people.

The Indian government has been seeking his extradition for years, and the US Supreme Court’s recent decision has paved the way for his transfer to India.

Rana’s extradition marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended greetings on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti and said that Lord Mahavir’s ideals give strength to countless people all around the world.

“We all bow to Bhagwan Mahavir, who always emphasised on non-violence, truth and compassion. His ideals give strength to countless people all around the world. His teachings have been beautifully preserved and popularised by the Jain community. Inspired by Bhagwan Mahavir, they have excelled in different walks of life and contributed to societal well-being,” PM Modi posted on X.

He further said that the Union government will always work to fulfil the vision of Bhagwan Mahavir.

“Last year, we conferred the status of Classical Language on Prakrit, a decision which received a lot of appreciation,” he added.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the message given by Lord Mahavir will continue to guide human society.

“Greetings of Lord Mahavir Jayanti to all countrymen. The messages of truth, non-violence, compassion and social harmony given by Lord Mahavir Ji will continue to guide human society for eternity. I pray to Lord Mahavir Ji for the welfare of all,” Shah posted on X.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Lord Mahavir’s ideals continue to inspire the people to build a just, peaceful and inclusive society.

“On the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, I bow to Bhagwan Mahavir and recall his timeless message of Ahimsa, truth and compassion. His ideals continue to inspire us to build a just, peaceful and inclusive society. My heartfelt greetings to everyone on this sacred day,” Singh posted on X.

Union Minister and BJP chief JP Nadda said that Lord Mahavir’s divine teachings and great thoughts will always remain relevant for a non-violent society.

“I extend my heartfelt greetings on the birth anniversary of 24th Jain Tirthankar Lord Mahavir, the eternal symbol of sacrifice, penance and peace. His works for establishing non-violence, truth, celibacy and non-possession in the society are immortal. They will continue to show the path of welfare of humanity to the entire world for ages. The life of Lord Mahavir Ji, dedicated to the creation of a civilized society and world welfare, is always inspiring. His divine teachings and great thoughts will always remain relevant for a non-violent society,” Nadda posted on X.

Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, who was born in 615 BC in a royal family and was given the name ‘Vardhamana’ in his childhood. It will be celebrated on April 10, according to Mahavir Samvat.

The festival of Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to highlight the significance of Jainism in the world, especially in India. The key teaching of ‘ahinsa parmo dharma’ or non-violence is of great significance in the world today. (ANI)

The popular Netflix series ‘Adolescence’ may be getting a sequel as Brad Pitt’s production company, Plan B Entertainment, is in early talks with Netflix and director Philip Barantini for what could become a second season of the British crime drama.

In a recent interview with Deadline, Plan B co-presidents Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner shared that they are discussing the “next version” of the story with Barantini. The first season was co-created by actor Stephen Graham and writer Jack Thorne. Gardner said they want to expand the story without losing what made it special. Kleiner added they hope Graham and Thorne will return for the sequel.

“Phil’s style of doing the episodes in one take is not a gimmick. It’s very much in conversation with the subject matter,” Dede Gardner told Deadline.

“In early conversations with Stephen and Jack, they were talking about how it’s too easy to look away. You can look away from the school, you can look away from the police station, you can look away from the counseling, you can look away from the family. In that kind of prismatic way of viewing, you can duck the issue. So our theory was, what would happen if you couldn’t look away? And will that make the subject embed in you in a different way? That was a thrilling thing,” he added.

Meanwhile, the popular crime miniseries ‘Adolescence’ is still going strong on Netflix, as the British show has now reached the fourth spot on Netflix’s Most Popular English TV list, climbing from ninth place just last week, reported Deadline.

According to the publication, from March 31 to April 6, the show pulled in another 17.8 million views, indicating that viewers are still hooked on it even a month after its release.

Adolescence is a British crime drama miniseries created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham and directed by Philip Barantini.

The four-episode series follows the arrest of a 13-year-old schoolboy, Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper, who is accused of murdering a female classmate. What also makes the series a masterclass is that each episode is filmed in a single, continuous take.

Graham, who is the co-creator of the show, also plays Eddie Miller, the father of the accused Jamie Miller.

The series premiered on Netflix on March 13 and has received widespread critical acclaim for its writing, direction, and performances. (ANI)

Sources have told ANI that there are two factors which have played a role in India securing Rana’s extradition.

The first was legal arguments that countered the double jeopardy offense. India, represented by a robust team of legal experts, successfully argued before U.S. authorities that the principle of double jeopardy is determined by the specific elements of the crime rather than the defendant’s conduct.

Indian officials refuted Rana’s claim of double jeopardy, emphasizing that his prosecution under India’s stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act does not violate this principle.

The counsel for Tahawwur Rana had urged the US Supreme Court to review the lower court’s decision to extradite him to India, citing the principle of double jeopardy, which prevents a person from being tried or punished twice for the same offence

The second factor that led to the country’s success in securing the extradition was India’s diplomatic influence. Sources close to the extradition process revealed that India’s strong diplomatic presence, global standing, and amicable relations with the United States played a pivotal role in expediting Rana’s extradition, overcoming legal obstacles along the way.

Meanwhile, Trial court records related to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that were called from Mumbai to Delhi at the end of January, naming Tahawwur Rana and David Coleman Headley as accused, were recently received by the Patiala House Court, as per official sources.

In January, Delhi’s Patiala House Court recalled its trial court records related to the Mumbai attacks, following an application filed by the NIA requesting their retrieval from Mumbai.

Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, was convicted in the US for the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives and providing material support to the group responsible for the Mumbai attacks that killed over 174 people.

Rana’s extradition marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

The Central government has appointed advocate Narender Mann as a Special Public Prosecutor to conduct the trials and other matters related to the NIA case. (ANI)

MS Dhoni added another achievement to his name in the IPL match between Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings in Mullanpur on Tuesday.

Dhoni became the first wicket-keeper to accomplish 150 catches in the IPL. He achieved this milestone after catching Nehal Wadhera during the Punjab Kings’ innings.

In the 8th over of the PBKS innings, Wadhera mishit a shot off R Ashwin, and Dhoni made a straightforward catch. Dinesh Karthik ranks second on the list with 137 catches to his credit.

Dhoni has produced several stunning stumpings and catches throughout the IPL. His quick work behind the stumps during tight moments has been key to CSK’s success, he has 45 stumpings to his name.

Against PBKS, Dhoni walked to the crease at No. 5 with 25 balls remaining in the chase and 69 runs still required. Dhoni once again faced the challenge of rescuing a nearly impossible scenario. The 43-year-old seemed to rewind time with an explosive 27 off merely 12 balls, hitting three sixes and a four.

He got out on the first ball of the 20th over, hitting down the leg full toss straight to Chahal. CSK has lost four out of five matches in the ongoing IPL so far. They have not batted first in any of these matches.

After the Chepauk innings by Dhoni, in which he played an average knock of 30 in 26 balls against Delhi Capitals (DC), with just a four and six, not firing in death overs like he would have expected to, this innings brought more cheers to fans.

Dhoni is the sixth-highest run-getter in the tournament’s history, with 5,346 runs at an average of 39.31 and a strike rate of over 137, with 24 fifties and a best score of 84. In IPL 2025, Dhoni has made 103 runs in five innings at an average of 51.50 and a strike rate of over 153.73; his best score is 30. (ANI)

The Supreme Court is set to hear on April 16 a batch of petitions challenging the validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Vishwanathan would hear the pleas.

According to caselist uploaded on the Supreme Court website, the matter is listed as item no. 13 for hearing.

The Central government had also filed caveat application in the Supreme Court urging it to hear the government in the petitions filed before it challenging validity of Waqf (Amendment) Act.

A Caveat application is filed by a litigant to ensure that no adverse order is passed against him or her without being heard.

Several petitions were filed in the apex court challenging the Act, contending that it was discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violates their fundamental rights.

President Droupadi Murmu on April 5 gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was earlier passed by Parliament after heated debates in both Houses.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress MPs Mohammad Jawed and Imran Pratapgarhi, AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, MP and President of the Azad Samaj Party Chandra Shekhar Azad, Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal Zia Ur Rehman Barq, President of the Islamic cleric’s body Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind Maulana Arshad Madani, Kerala Sunni scholars’ body Samastha Kerala Jamiatul Ulema, Social Democratic Party of India, Indian Union Muslim League, and NGO Association for Protection of Civil Rights have already approached the top court against the Act.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) also challenged the Act, saying it strongly objected to the amendments passed by Parliament for being “arbitrary, discriminatory and based on exclusion”.

Manoj Jha and Faiyaz Ahmad, MPs in Rajya Sabha from Bihar’s RJD, have also challenged the Wakf (Amendment) Act, 2025 on the grounds that it facilitates large-scale government interference in Muslim religious endowments. RJD MLA from Bihar Muhammad Izhar Asfi also challenged the Act.

The ruling party Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu, through its MP A Raja, who was a part of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Bill, also approached the apex court against the Act.

In his plea, Javed, who was also a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, said that the Act discriminates against the Muslim community by imposing restrictions that are not present in the governance of other religious endowments.

Owaisi in his plea stated that the amended Act “irreversibly dilute” the statutory protections afforded to Waqfs and their regulatory framework while conferring undue advantage upon other stakeholders and interest groups, undermining years of progress and setting back Waqf management by several decades.

Amanatullah Khan’s plea stated that the Act curtails the religious and cultural autonomy of Muslims, enables arbitrary executive interference, and undermines minority rights to manage their religious and charitable institutions.

Samastha Kerala Jamiatul Ulema contended that these amendments would distort the religious character of Waqfs while also irreversibly damaging the democratic process in the administration of Waqf and Waqf Boards.

Madani in his petition challenged various provisions of the Act terming them unconstitutional and destructive to the Waqf administration and jurisprudence in India.

His petition further said that several Waqf properties would be vulnerable due to the mandatory timelines for uploading details on the Portal and Database envisaged under the amendment, threatening the very existence of a large number of historical waqfs–particularly those created by oral dedication or without formal deeds.

While the NGO submitted that the Act is not only unnecessary but also an alarming interference into the religious affairs of the Muslim community, diluting the fundamental purpose of Waqf, which is a practice deeply rooted in Quranic references. (ANI)