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3 Apr 2026


Trump labels Muslim Brotherhood chapters terrorist groups

US begins process to blacklist Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan chapters

US President Donald Trump has started a process to label certain branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organisations. The move focuses on chapters in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan, which the White House says have links to violence and regional instability.

Under the new executive order, US officials will study these chapters for the next 30–45 days before deciding if they should be officially designated as Foreign Terrorist Organisations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. If listed, their assets could be frozen, and members could face travel and financial restrictions.

The decision comes amid concerns that some Brotherhood branches support groups like Hamas and have encouraged attacks against US allies. Critics warn that labeling political-religious organisations as terrorists could affect civil society and political movements.

The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, is a transnational Islamist organisation. While some of its branches are already banned in countries like Egypt and Jordan, the US move would make it the first time Washington begins officially designating them as terrorist entities.

Also Read: US ends special protection for Myanmar nationals

US-China leaders talk trade, Taiwan, Ukraine

US President Trump and China’s Xi reaffirm talks to ease trade and geopolitical concerns

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke on the phone on Monday, discussing trade, Taiwan, and the war in Ukraine. Both sides confirmed the conversation.

On trade, the leaders followed up on an October agreement aimed at reducing tensions. The US lowered some tariffs on Chinese goods, while China eased export restrictions on key materials. Xi said cooperation benefits both countries, and Trump announced plans to visit Beijing in April, with Xi visiting the U.S. later.

Taiwan was also a key topic. Xi said the island’s “return to China” is crucial for the post-war world order. The US gave no comment on Taiwan, while Taiwan’s government rejected the notion.

The two leaders also touched on Ukraine. Xi said China supports peace efforts and encouraged all parties to reduce differences.

Experts say the call shows that both countries want to maintain dialogue, with trade progress being most tangible, while strategic issues like Taiwan and Ukraine remain sensitive.

Also Read: We’re Open for Business”, Afghanistan tells India

Afghanistan is open for business with India

Kabul seeks Indian investment, promises safety, and explores new trade routes amid Pakistan border tensions

Afghanistan is reaching out to India with a clear message: “We’re open for business.” Taliban Commerce Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, on a visit to New Delhi, urged Indian companies to explore opportunities in Afghanistan, offering full security guarantees for diplomats and investors.

Trade between the two countries currently stands at about $1 billion, but Azizi believes there’s potential for much more. To make this happen, Afghanistan plans to boost air cargo services, subsidise airlines, and open new land and sea routes via Iran and Central Asia, reducing dependence on Pakistan.

Azizi also highlighted opportunities in mining and rare-earth resources, emphasizing that Indian businesses would be welcome if they follow local regulations. To show openness, Kabul is even removing old blast‑walls, creating a safer, more welcoming environment for visitors and investors.

Peace and stability were central to his message. Responding to recent terror incidents in India, Azizi said Afghanistan wants “peaceful relations” and stressed that “not a single drop of Indian blood should be spilled.”

The Taliban government is also supporting women entrepreneurs, setting up a women’s Chamber of Commerce, and exploring $100 million partnerships. Azizi invited Indian ministers S. Jaishankar and Piyush Goyal to visit Afghanistan next year, signaling hope for stronger economic and diplomatic ties.

Amid rising border tensions with Pakistan, Kabul appears ready to pivot toward India, seeking partnership, investment, and a safer path forward for trade.

Also Read: Trump’s Gold Card offers paid US residency

Canada and India negotiate on trade, uranium deal

Bilateral trade talks revive as both nations eye a $50 bn CEPA and a potential $2.8 bn uranium deal

India and Canada have agreed to restart negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to boost bilateral trade to US$50 billion. Meanwhile, Canada is close to finalising a US$2.8 billion uranium supply deal, strengthening energy and trade ties between the two nations.

Delhi enforces 50% office attendance

All government and private offices told to shift half their staff to work-from-home under GRAP Stage III pollution

Delhi has tightened its anti-pollution measures as the city’s air quality slipped into the “severe” category. The government has ordered all government and private offices to operate with only 50% of employees in the workplace, while the remaining staff must work from home until further notice.

This decision is part of Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which is activated when pollution levels reach dangerous limits. The Delhi Environment Department issued the directive under the Environment (Protection) Act, making it mandatory for offices to follow the 50% attendance rule.

Senior officials, such as department heads and administrative secretaries,  must still report to the office, but even in these departments, only half the total staff can be physically present at any given time.

Private offices have also been asked to adopt staggered timings and continue strong work-from-home arrangements to reduce traffic and cut emissions from vehicles, one of the major contributors to winter pollution in Delhi.

Essential services, including hospitals, fire services, electricity, water supply, transport, sanitation, and pollution-control agencies, are exempt from the order.

The Delhi Police, district magistrates, and civic bodies have been directed to ensure that all offices comply. Any violation may lead to action under environmental protection laws.

Also Read: Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano erupts, India air travel impacted

Smriti Mandhana postpones her wedding

Her father's heart attack pauses Smriti’s wedding celebrations

Indian women’s cricket star Smriti Mandhana’s wedding to music composer Palash Muchhal has been put on hold after a sudden health scare in the family. Smriti’s father, Srinivas Mandhana, suffered a heart attack while having breakfast at the family farmhouse in Sangli, Maharashtra, forcing the family to cancel the planned November 23 celebrations.

“It was a frightening moment for all of us,” said Smriti’s business manager. Initially, the family thought it might be a minor issue, but when his condition worsened, he was rushed to a private hospital in Sangli. Doctors have confirmed that he is stable and under observation, but Smriti has understandably paused all wedding festivities to focus on his recovery.

Friends, family, and fans had been eagerly looking forward to the wedding, which had included colourful pre-wedding events like haldi and mehendi ceremonies. Social media was abuzz with glimpses of celebrations, from cricket matches among friends to vibrant decorations. But now, the priority is clear: Smriti and her family are rallying around her father.

Palash Muchhal and Smriti have requested privacy during this difficult time. While the couple remains committed to tying the knot, the exact date for the wedding will be decided once Mr. Mandhana’s health stabilises further.

Also Read: Six dead, over 30 injured in Tenkasi bus crash

Google AI mimics students’ handwriting

Google’s Nano Banana Pro replicates handwriting while answering math

Google AI is taking homework help to a whole new level. A tech enthusiast from Pune, Siddhant Choudhary, recently demonstrated how Google’s Nano Banana Pro can solve a handwritten math problem, and reproduce the answer in his exact handwriting.

Choudhary snapped a photo of a math question from his notebook, fed it into the AI, and watched in amazement as the solution appeared, perfectly mimicking his penmanship. “By far the best AI I’ve tried,” he said, joking that “students are going to love this.”

The viral demo has sparked both excitement and concern online. While many admire the AI’s capabilities, some worry it could make cheating easier, as teachers might struggle to distinguish human work from AI-generated answers.

Nano Banana Pro is part of Google’s Gemini 3 AI family and uses advanced tools to read rough notes, sketches, or handwriting, transforming them into polished visuals. Choudhary used a Flow tool from the Gemini Ultra plan for his demonstration.

This demo highlights just how far AI has come: fast, clever, and eerily human-like,  but it also raises important questions about learning, integrity, and the role of AI in classrooms.

Also Read: Indian Navy commissions INS Mahe, boosting coastal defense

Six dead, over 30 injured in Tenkasi bus crash

Local residents, police, and rescue teams responded quickly, using heavy machinery to free those trapped and rushing the injured to Tenkasi District Hospital

On Monday morning, tragedy struck near Duraisamiyapuram village in Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu, when two private buses collided head-on. The accident claimed the lives of six people, including five women, and left over 30 passengers injured.

The buses were travelling on the Thirumangalam–Shengottai highway, one heading to Tenkasi, the other to Kadayanallur, when the crash occurred. Passengers described chaos as the vehicles collided, with injuries ranging from fractures to head trauma.

Rescue teams, including police, fire services, and local volunteers, quickly arrived at the scene. The injured were rushed to Tenkasi District Hospital. Authorities also cleared the wreckage using heavy machinery.

Officials are investigating the cause, with early reports suggesting overspeeding or one bus straying into the wrong lane. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed condolences and directed authorities to ensure proper medical care for all victims.

Earlier this month,  a  a bus–truck collision had claimed 20 lives and left several injured in the state of Telangana.  The tragedy again highlights ongoing road safety concerns on busy highways, especially where private buses operate frequently. Families of the victims and survivors are receiving support from local communities, but the emotional toll is immense.

Also Read: Cyclone Senyar brings heavy rain in Tamil Nadu, Kerala