Chinese President Xi Jinping has unexpectedly swapped roles of Politburo members Li Ganjie and Shi Taifeng. This significant move, seen as part of Xi’s strategy to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 party congress, puts Li in charge of the United Front Work Department and Shi the Organisation Department, signaling Xi’s ongoing drive to eliminate rivals and reinforce loyalty.
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Thousands protested in London and Edinburgh against a UK Supreme Court ruling defining "woman" as assigned female at birth. Activists fear the decision impacts trans rights and access to single-sex spaces. The ruling stemmed from a dispute between the Scottish government and For Women Scotland over interpreting the Equality Act.
A Brazilian judge has mandated that Apple must permit third-party app stores and sideloading on iOS devices in Brazil within 90 days or face steep fines.
Several explosions occurred due to a fire in a truck carrying LPG cylinders near the Dharavi bus depot in Mumbai. Over 20 gas cylinders exploded, lighting up the night sky and damaging nearby vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the incident caused significant concern among residents.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, aged 92, passed away in New Delhi. He was admitted to AIIMS hospital and is recognised for being a key architect of India's economic reforms during his tenure as finance minister (1991-1996). Tributes from leaders highlight his significant contributions to the nation's governance.
US president Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on foreign-manufactured vehicles, effective from April 2. The move has triggered threats of retaliation from trading partners, with significant impacts already seen in Asian automotive markets. Japan and Canada are evaluating counter-measures, while additional trade levies are expected next week.
Formal talks commenced between Pakistan and the IMF for the review of a $7-billion bailout programme. The review will assess Pakistan's compliance with criteria, particularly focusing on revenue collection targets. The IMF has emphasized improving tax compliance and addressing tax evasion in the real estate sector.
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff credits his 1996-97 India trip to meet Guru Mata Amritanandamayi in Kerala as the genesis of Salesforce. During the visit, while explaining his vision, Mata Amritanandamayi emphasized the importance of giving back. This profoundly influenced Benioff, shaping Salesforce's philanthropic ethos and his personal belief in being kind to others.
A massive fire at a firecracker storage godown near Deesa town in Banaskantha district claimed at least 21 lives, with several others injured, many suffering severe burns. The fire caused the building to collapse. Emergency teams are working to retrieve bodies, and the injured are being treated at Deesa government hospital.
During a two-day session in Ahmedabad, Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, intensified their criticism of the BJP and RSS, particularly regarding religious freedom and alleged divisive ideologies. The party accused BJP of being on a "Machiavellian quest for exploitative power". Shashi Tharoor proposed an alternative approach, advocating for a message of hope and inclusivity rather than constant confrontation.
UPI is set to expand globally as 12,000 merchants in Singapore will soon accept UPI payments. NIPL has partnered with HitPay to facilitate this expansion, enhancing the payment experience for Indian tourists. This follows partnerships in the UAE and Trinidad and Tobago.