THE WEEKLY STEEP
What do you call a South Asian parent trying to fix the WiFi on Easter weekend? The Egg-gineer.
(Got a better one? Reply to this email with your best chai-time joke!)
WHAT’S BREWING 🫖
Global
👽 Signs of Life? Exoplanet Discovery Gets Real
Astronomers from the University of Cambridge have detected potential chemical signatures of life on the exoplanet K2-18b, located 124 light-years away. Using data from the James Webb Space Telescope, the team identified dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) in the planet's atmosphere. On Earth, these compounds are primarily produced by marine microorganisms like phytoplankton. Read more
Why it matters: If confirmed, this would represent the most compelling evidence to date of biological activity beyond our solar system. However, scientists caution that further research is needed to rule out non-biological sources.
“This is the strongest evidence yet for biological activity outside the Solar System,” said lead researcher Prof. Nikku Madhusudhan.
🇨🇳 Xi Jinping Wraps Southeast Asia Tour
Xi arrived in Cambodia for a two-day state visit as part of a Southeast Asian tour that has included stops in Vietnam and Malaysia. The visit serves as an opportunity to further strengthen already robust relations between the two nations. In Cambodia, Xi signed a $1.7 billion canal deal and pushed regional supply-chain partnerships. Read more
Why it matters: With U.S.-China trade tensions boiling, Beijing is hedging its bets close to home.
U.S.
Florida State University Shooting Leaves 2 Dead
FSU’s campus was rocked by a shooting that left two men dead and six injured. The shooter, a student and son of a sheriff’s deputy, used a service weapon and is in custody. Read more
Why it matters: Campus safety and gun access, back under a national spotlight.“Our officers are heroes,” said FSU President Richard McCullough.
Harvard vs. the Trump Administration: Visa Access at Risk
The Trump administration has threatened to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll international students unless it turns over detailed records on visa holders by April 30, specifically targeting those allegedly involved in illegal or violent activity. The federal government has already frozen over $2 billion in funding and is reviewing the university’s tax-exempt status. Read more
Why it matters: International students make up over 20% of Harvard’s student body. The crackdown could ripple across U.S. higher ed, affecting how institutions handle visas, data privacy, and international recruitment. It may also deter prospective students from studying in the U.S., impacting America’s long-standing reputation as a global education leader.
South Asia:
Deadly Unseasonal Rains Batter India and Nepal
Nearly 100 people have died since April 9 due to unseasonal, intense rainfall across parts of India and Nepal. Bihar reported at least 64 deaths, and Uttar Pradesh saw over 20 fatalities. In Nepal, lightning and heavy rains killed at least eight people. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of more severe weather ahead, including thunderstorms and strong winds. These conditions are highly unusual for April, monsoon-level rains typically begin in June. Read moreWhy it matters: The extreme weather underscores South Asia’s vulnerability to climate change, putting agriculture, infrastructure, and rural livelihoods at growing risk.
MONEY MOVES 💰
Markets Last Week:
S&P 500: Down 1.5% for the week
Dow: Down 2.7% for the week
Nasdaq: Down 2.6% for the week
Bitcoin: ~$84,583 as of April 18, 2025
Sensex: Closed at 78,553.20 on April 17, 2025
USD-INR: ~₹85.40 as of April 17, 2025
Notable Takes:
UnitedHealth (UNH) drags down Dow: The insurance giant tumbled 22% following disappointing earnings, becoming the biggest weight on the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Eli Lilly (LLY) surged 14.3% on Thursday: after its oral weight-loss drug orforglipron delivered strong Phase 3 results, positioning it as a game-changing alternative to injectables.
Tech continues to struggle: Nvidia retreated almost 3% on Thursday, building on its previous 7% drop after disclosing a $5.5 billion charge related to GPU exports.
European Central Bank cuts rates: The ECB reduced interest rates by 25 basis points to 2.25%, citing deteriorating growth outlook due to "rising trade tensions."
👀 Watch This Space: Tariffs are rising, tech is wobbling, and spring volatility is far from over. Diversify and chill.
PLAY BY PLAY 🏏
IPL: Recent Highlights:
Mumbai Indians secured back-to-back wins for the first time this season, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by four wickets.
Delhi Capitals edged out Rajasthan Royals in a Super Over thriller, with Mitchell Starc delivering in the final overs.
Lucknow Super Giants chased down 181 against Gujarat Titans, powered by quick fifties from Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram.
Player Spotlight:
Sai Sudharsan (GT) has been impressive as an opener, consistently scoring over 50 runs.
Virat Kohli (RCB) continues his strong form with three half-centuries.
Hardik Pandya (MI) has made a notable comeback with impactful all-round performances.
IPL Turns 18: On the occasion of IPL's 18th birthday on April 18, the league celebrates its journey from revolutionizing cricket to becoming one of the world's premier sporting events. Virat Kohli currently tops the batting charts while Yuzvendra Chahal leads with the ball as the tournament reaches its midway point.
Tennis: Monte Carlo Masters & WTA Charleston Open
Carlos Alcaraz won the Monte Carlo Masters, defeating Lorenzo Musetti 3–6, 6–1, 6–0.
Jessica Pegula claimed the WTA Charleston Open title, beating Sofia Kenin 6–3, 7–5.
GOLF: Rory McIlroy Makes History at the Masters. McIlroy clinched his first Green Jacket at the 2025 Masters, defeating Justin Rose in a sudden-death playoff. This victory completed McIlroy's career Grand Slam, making him only the sixth golfer in history to achieve this feat. He finished the tournament at 11-under-par, earning a $4.2 million prize.
F1: Oscar Piastri Triumphs in Bahrain: Piastri of McLaren secured his second win of the season at the Bahrain Grand Prix, finishing ahead of George Russell (Mercedes) and teammate Lando Norris. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) faced pit stop issues, finishing sixth.
NBA: The NBA playoff picture is taking shape as the regular season concludes:
Boston Celtics defeated Portland 128-118, with Payton Pritchard scoring 43 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
LA Clippers beat Detroit 123-115, highlighted by James Harden's 50-point performance.
Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers lead their respective conferences as teams finalize playoff seeding.
RAISING ROOTS 🌱
Chocolate Bunnies Meet Gulab Jamun
Whether Easter is central to your family's religious traditions or simply an American cultural experience your kids want to participate in, we've got you covered with activities that bring authentic South Asian flair to this spring celebration. From rangoli-inspired Easter eggs to masala egg Easter recipes, discover creative ways to honor both worlds and create meaningful traditions that your children will treasure.
This piece blends cultural warmth with Christian tradition and includes family-friendly crafts, recipes, and real-life anecdotes. Read More
LIVlNG WELL 🍵
2025 Ring Trends = Tiny Sculptural Power Moves
Somewhere between your morning chai and your third work Zoom, your fingers became a canvas and 2025's ring trends just entered the chat. These aren't just accessories. They're wearable manifestos of self-love, tiny sculptural revolutions that speak to your unique journey of personal well-being and confidence.
From fluid metal shapes to pinky-ring self-love statements, this year’s trends are wearable reminders that boundaries are beautiful and confidence fits every finger. Find Your Style
COSMIC CHAI 🔮
Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius):
Mars in Leo = You’re glowing and people are watching.
This is your green light week: pitch the bold idea, text the crush, post the selfie (no filter needed). You're radiating leadership vibes, just don’t steamroll people who aren’t moving as fast. If something’s been sitting in your Notes app for months, this is your cosmic push to launch it already.
Power move: Take initiative, even if it means risking a little ego bruise.
Playlist energy: Beyoncé’s “ALIEN SUPERSTAR,” but make it brown and bilingual.
Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn):
You’ve got your systems in place, but don’t forget your people.
Your productivity is peaking, but your group chats are gathering dust. Don’t be so deep in the grind that you forget to water your relationships. This week, reconnect with someone who makes you laugh-snort. Your soul needs that just as much as your to-do list needs a checkmark.
Power move: Make a plan, but let it have room for joy.
Playlist energy: Acoustic Coke Studio meets “Clean Girl Aesthetic” lofi.
Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius):
Your brain is buzzing, now bring some of that energy to earth.
Your ideas are gold, but scattered. This week, make one vision real: build the deck, write the grant, finish the blog post. Once you do, brag a little, you’ve earned it. Also, double-check your calendar. You’ve RSVP’d “yes” to 5 things that overlap.
Power move: Follow-through. And finish something before you tell people about it.
Playlist energy: Tamil indie + TED Talk beats.
Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces):
You're in your feelings and that’s not a bad thing.
This week, your emotional radar is extra sensitive, which means it’s a great time to create (or cry - both count). Whether it’s writing a letter you won’t send, finally making your grandma’s halwa, or journaling to an Arijit Singh ballad, your soul needs an outlet.
Don’t try to fix everyone else’s storm, anchor yourself first.
Power move: Set a boundary without apologizing.
Playlist energy: Lo-fi with a side of Lata Mangeshkar.
EDITOR'S PICK 🎙️
If You Only Listen to One Thing This Week…
The IPL Episode from Acquired
Whether you're a cricket obsessive or just pretend to understand net run rate at family dinners, this is a must-listen.
The Acquired team breaks down the business, culture, and chaos behind the Indian Premier League, from its startup-style founding in 2008 to how it became one of the most valuable sports leagues in the world (yes, bigger than the NFL per game).
Why we love it:
It’s smart without being gatekeep-y
You’ll finally understand how streaming rights became a multi-billion dollar battleground
It’s got just enough masala to explain the global IPL obsession to your co-workers
UPCOMING WEEK (April 18-25, 2025) 🗓️
April 19: NBA Playoffs begin
April 20: Easter Sunday - Happy Easter!
April 21: Boston Marathon (the world’s oldest annual marathon returns with runners from around the globe)
April 22: 🌍 Earth Day - Global environmental awareness events, cleanups, and corporate sustainability pushes.
April 24: NFL Draft Begins - Round 1 picks go live from Green Bay. Expect hype, hope, and at least one outfit that breaks the internet.
🎬 April 25: “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” premieres. Marvel fans assemble for the highly anticipated reboot hitting theaters worldwide.
Enjoyed this week's brew? Forward to that cousin who's been explaining the market volatility to everyone in the family WhatsApp, they'll appreciate our breakdown of the tariff drama.