Ju Wenjun retains World title
Chinese Grandmaster Ju Wenjun has clinched her fifth consecutive Women’s World Chess Championship title, defeating compatriot Tan Zhongyi with a commanding 6.5-2.5 score. After an early setback in game two, Ju rebounded with four straight wins, securing the title with a draw in game nine. This victory places her among the elite, matching legends like Vera Menchik and Nona Gaprindashvili with five world titles.
Read more at Firstpost
Muscle memory explained
Muscle memory is the process by which the brain and body remember repeated physical activities, making them easier to perform over time. It’s not the muscles themselves, but the brain and nervous system that adapt through practice. This helps activities like cycling, typing, or playing an instrument become automatic. Even after a break, skills often return quickly because the brain retains those movement patterns.
Read more at Cleveland Clinic
India-US trade agreement talks gain pace: What you should know
India and the U.S. are accelerating talks on a bilateral trade agreement, aiming to finalize the first phase by autumn 2025. Negotiations will commence on April 23 in Washington, focusing on reducing tariffs and enhancing market access. This initiative follows a 90-day pause on U.S. tariffs and aspires to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Key sectors under discussion include agriculture, textiles, and defense.
Read more at The Economic Times
Bond Yields decline
India’s 10-year government bond yield has fallen to its lowest level since 2021. This is mainly due to lower inflation and hopes that the Reserve Bank of India may cut interest rates soon. Another reason is that India is being added to a global bond index, which could bring more foreign investment and boost demand for Indian bonds, pushing yields even lower.
Read more at The Telegraph
Why Naini Lake is seeing record-low water levels this year?
Naini Lake’s water level has plummeted to 4.7 feet- the lowest in five years- due to a combination of factors. A significant decrease in winter rainfall and snowfall, with no snowfall recorded in 2025, has been a major contributor. Other reasons include deforestation, too much construction near the lake, and blocked natural water sources. Pollution from untreated sewage and solid waste has further degraded the lake’s condition, raising concerns about water scarcity ahead of the summer tourist season.
Read more at The Indian Express
2025 RBC Heritage leaderboard: Si Woo Kim leaps Justin Thomas for the lead after Round 3 at Harbour Town
Si Woo Kim claimed the lead after Round 3 at Harbour Town with a strong 5-under 66, moving to 15-under overall. Justin Thomas, who led earlier, dropped to second after a round of 69 that included a self-assessed penalty and a costly bogey. Andrew Novak also shares second at 14-under, setting up a competitive final round.
Read more at CBS Sports
Which countries are quitting a key landmine treaty and why?
Poland, Finland, and the Baltic states- Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania- are withdrawing from the 1997 Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel landmines, citing heightened security threats from Russia. These nations argue that exiting the treaty allows greater flexibility to defend their territories, especially as Russia, a non-signatory, continues using landmines in Ukraine. The move has raised concerns among humanitarian groups about increased risks to civilians and the erosion of global disarmament efforts.
Read more at The Indian Express
Indian Scientists To ‘Revive’ Extinct Indian Cheetahs
Indian scientists are working on an ambitious project to revive the extinct Indian cheetah using advanced genetic techniques. The plan involves cloning cheetahs using preserved genetic material and possibly breeding them with African cheetahs. This effort aims to reintroduce the species to Indian grasslands and restore ecological balance. The project marks a major step in wildlife conservation and genetic science in India.
Read more at NEWS 18
Clues on Mars hint at a once potentially habitable world: NASA
NASA scientists have discovered new clues suggesting that Mars may have once supported life. Data from the Perseverance rover reveals signs of ancient water flows, lakebeds, and organic molecules in Martian rocks. These findings indicate Mars had conditions suitable for life in the distant past. The research offers deeper insights into the planet’s history and the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life.
Read more at ABP Live
Intel CEO Tan restructures leadership, names new AI chief, memo says
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan has overhauled the company’s leadership structure to boost innovation and efficiency. Key chip divisions will now report directly to him. Sachin Katti has been appointed Chief Technology and AI Officer, replacing Greg Lavender. The move highlights Intel’s focus on AI and engineering, as the company aims to compete more effectively in the global semiconductor industry.
Read more at Hindustan Times
