The US has advised citizens to avoid travel within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border and the region of Kashmir. Caution is also advised for parts of Manipur and central/eastern India. US officials require approval to visit most parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Odisha—except their capital cities. Prior permission is also needed for visits to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and non-capital areas of Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura.

Reacting to Ukrainian President Zelensky’s statement rejecting recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Donald Trump criticized the stance. “No one’s asking him to cede Crimea. If he wanted to fight for it, why didn’t he do it 11 years ago when it was handed over without a shot?” Trump questioned. He added that peace was within reach, but Zelensky’s provocations are making it difficult to end the war.

In a controversial peace proposal, the United States has reportedly suggested informal recognition of nearly all Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia since the 2022 invasion. According to Axios, the plan includes lifting post-2014 sanctions on Russia, returning a small part of Kharkiv to Ukraine, and designating the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant as Ukrainian territory—though it would be operated by the U.S. and supply electricity to both Russia and Ukraine. While seen as a diplomatic win for Russia, the proposal could be a severe blow to Ukraine’s government and its people.

Harvard University has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing it of violating the Constitution by freezing $2.2 billion in federal funding. The university claims this was a retaliatory move after it refused to comply with federal demands related to campus protests. Harvard says the freeze endangers vital research on childhood cancer, infectious diseases, and veterans’ health. The lawsuit argues that the government failed to establish any reasonable link between its decision and concerns over antisemitism or academic conduct.

Thousands across the U.S. took to the streets on Saturday in major cities including Washington D.C., New York, and Chicago to protest against former President Donald Trump. Demonstrators opposed his stance on immigration, public sector job cuts, and policies on Gaza and Ukraine. Protesters chanted slogans like “Free Palestine,” while others waved Ukrainian flags and called on Washington to take a tougher stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a humanitarian gesture marking Easter Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine from Saturday 6 PM to Sunday 6 PM local time. His forces were instructed to suspend all military operations during this period. While Ukraine has yet to respond officially, Putin stated, “We hope Ukraine will reciprocate. However, our forces must remain ready to respond to any provocations or violations.”

At a press briefing on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that tariffs on Chinese goods might be reduced. “I don’t want tariffs to be too high, because at some point, people won’t be able to buy,” he said. Trump emphasized the importance of consumer access and signaled openness to easing tariffs. While the U.S. initially imposed sweeping tariffs earlier in April, China remained an exception—with tariffs on Chinese goods eventually rising to 145%. In retaliation, China raised tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%. Trump added that Beijing had reached out multiple times regarding the issue and expressed confidence that a “very good deal” between the two countries is on the horizon.

The United States has announced new port fees targeting Chinese-built and operated vessels, aiming to boost the domestic shipbuilding industry and curb China’s maritime dominance. These fees, which will come into effect around mid-October, apply to all Chinese-linked vessels entering U.S. ports. Ships will incur additional charges per tonnage or container, with fees starting at $18 per entry or $120 per container. For a vessel carrying 15,000 containers, the cost could surge by up to $1.8 million. The fees will be reviewed five times a year. However, waivers may be granted if the vessel’s owner places an order for U.S.-built ships.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with recently freed hostage Alexander Trufanov and his family in the Kremlin. He attributed Trufanov’s release to Russia’s longstanding relationship with the Palestinian people and expressed hope for more such humanitarian successes. Putin publicly thanked Hamas’ political leadership for heeding Russia’s request and facilitating the release.

Steve Witkoff, envoy for former U.S. President Donald Trump, stated that Iran must halt its nuclear enrichment and weapons program to secure a deal with a potential future Trump administration. “Any deal with Iran must be a Trump deal,” Witkoff emphasized, adding that the agreement must establish a framework for lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East. In response, Iran’s Foreign Minister noted conflicting messages from the U.S. and said such contradictions hinder effective negotiations. “If the Americans present a constructive position, I am optimistic about a potential agreement. If contradictions continue, the process will become increasingly difficult,” he added.

Despite ongoing wartime turbulence, the Russian ruble has outperformed all global currencies, becoming the best-performing currency against the US dollar in 2025. According to Bloomberg data, the ruble has appreciated by 38% since the start of the year. This surge is largely attributed to declining confidence in the US dollar, exacerbated by former President Trump’s global trade conflicts.

Investment returns on the ruble have surpassed those of the Swedish krona and Swiss franc, which appreciated by 13% and 11% respectively. The British pound also recorded a modest gain of around 6%. Meanwhile, gold and silver prices have risen by 23% and 12%, respectively. The ruble’s remarkable performance has been bolstered by Russia’s high interest rates—currently set at 21% by the central bank—and restrictions on capital outflow for foreign companies.

The Liberty Justice Center has filed a lawsuit in the International Trade Court challenging former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. The suit argues that Trump exceeded constitutional limits by imposing broad tariffs on various countries. Filed on behalf of five U.S. businesses, the plaintiffs include a New York wine importer, a fishing gear e-commerce firm, a U.S. pipe manufacturer using imported resin, a Virginia-based electronics and musical instrument maker, and a Vermont women’s cycling apparel brand.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that if Iran does not abandon its nuclear ambitions, the U.S. will launch military strikes on its nuclear facilities. Trump emphasized that Iran must completely give up the idea of developing nuclear weapons. Despite indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran in Oman—described as “constructive”—Trump accused Iran of using the talks to stall. He reiterated that a future agreement must clearly prohibit Iran from possessing any nuclear weapons, stating, “Iran is dangerously close; immediate action is required.”

Reacting to the Russian missile strike in Ukraine’s Sumy city that killed over 30 people, former U.S. President Donald Trump said, “They told me it was a mistake—but it’s terrible. The whole war is terrible.” He criticized the war as a misuse of power and blamed President Biden for its continuation. “If I had been president, this war would never have started. I’m trying to stop it and save lives,” Trump added, while avoiding a direct answer on who admitted the mistake. The victims had gathered to observe Palm Sunday. Ukrainian President Zelensky renewed calls for greater pressure on Russia and international security guarantees.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued a directive requiring foreigners staying longer than 30 days to register with the authorities. Failure to do so could result in fines or imprisonment. Citing former President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the department said, “Our message to illegal immigrants is clear—leave the U.S. and return home voluntarily.” Voluntary departure is considered safer, allowing individuals to book their own flights and retain their earnings. The department also noted that voluntary returnees may later reenter the U.S. legally. In cases of financial hardship, the U.S. government may subsidize airfare. Those who defy deportation orders may face a fine of $998 per day for each day they remain.