Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli is witnessing distressing scenes as Telangana government bulldozers clear 400 acres of green cover for a ‘Future City’ project. Peacocks, deer, and other wildlife are fleeing as trees and shrubs are uprooted, threatening their habitat during nesting season.   Government agencies are shifting responsibility, with Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation directing the issue to the forest department, which in turn awaits a formal request. Environmentalists warn of fatal consequences as animals struggle to relocate amid urban expansion. A Supreme Court stay on tree felling raises hopes for intervention. (PC: X)

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Jamnagar, Gujarat, on Wednesday night. The crash happened around 9:30 pm due to a technical issue. Two pilots ejected before impact, but one died, while the other was injured. CCTV footage shows the jet falling and a bright flash after it hit the ground. The crash site, 12 km from Jamnagar, caught fire but was later controlled. The injured pilot is in the hospital. The IAF has ordered an investigation to find the cause. Officials rushed to the spot, and a search was launched for the missing pilot. (PC: PTI)

On April 3, 2025, the Supreme Court stayed the felling of nearly 1,000 trees in Kancha Gachibowli, Hyderabad, planned for an infrastructure project. The decision came after environmental activists petitioned against the move, citing ecological concerns and potential violations of environmental laws. The court has directed local authorities to submit a detailed environmental impact assessment before proceeding. This ruling highlights the judiciary’s role in safeguarding urban greenery and emphasizes the need for sustainable development in Hyderabad amid rising deforestation concerns linked to rapid urban expansion. (PC: The Hindu)  

On April 3, 2025, the Supreme Court delivered its verdict on the 2016 West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment scam, confirming large-scale corruption in hiring. The court imposed fines of up to ₹26 lakh on candidates who secured jobs illegally. Investigations revealed manipulated merit lists and unauthorized appointments in government schools. The ruling aims to uphold transparency and accountability in public sector recruitment. The decision sets a precedent for stricter oversight of government hiring processes and serves as a warning against systemic fraud in educational employment. (PC: Zee Business)

A new analysis using the Rangarajan poverty line shows a significant decline in poverty across all religious groups in India from 2011-12 to 2023-24, especially among Hindus and Muslims. The study attributes this to economic growth and government welfare programs. The poverty line, based on food and non-food expenditures, was updated using the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Experts highlight the role of inclusive policies in improving living standards. “The data confirms that poverty has declined across all communities,” the report states, emphasizing the impact of targeted initiatives. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court's decision, canceling the appointment of over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff in Bengal. The bench ruled the hiring process was “vitiated by manipulation and fraud,” stripping it of legitimacy. The state must conduct fresh recruitment within 3 months. Candidates who fail must return salaries drawn since 2016. Former Education Minister Partha Chatterjee, jailed in connection with the scam, remains under scrutiny. BJP called it a “crushing defeat” for Mamata Banerjee. The ruling deals a major blow to her government, which had defended the appointments. (PC: NDTV)

On April 2, 2025, around 9:30 PM, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter jet on a training mission crashed near Suvarda village, approximately 12 kilometers from Jamnagar city in Gujarat. The aircraft reportedly suffered a technical malfunction, forcing both pilots to eject. Tragically, one pilot succumbed to injuries, while the other is receiving treatment at a Jamnagar hospital. The IAF has expressed deep regret over the loss and ordered a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. Fortunately, no civilian casualties or property damage occurred on the ground. (PC: PTI)

On April 2, 2025, the Telangana High Court ordered an immediate halt to the clearing of 400 acres of green cover near the University of Hyderabad (UoH) in Kancha Gachibowli, following protests from students, faculty, and environmentalists. The state government planned to auction the land for an IT park, but petitioners argued it is rich in biodiversity and acts as a natural climate regulator. The court has paused all land-clearing activities and scheduled the next hearing for April 3, 2025, to further assess environmental concerns and the legality of the land auction. (PC: Business Standard)

On April 2, 2025, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill after a 12-hour heated debate, with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. The bill aims to streamline the administration of Waqf properties, ensuring transparency and better governance. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the legislation, stating it would protect poor Muslims and prevent land misuse. However, opposition leaders called it unconstitutional, alleging it could curb minority rights. The bill now moves to the Rajya Sabha, where eight hours have been allocated for further discussion, potentially setting the stage for more political confrontation. (PC: ANI)

The son of a Kenyan diplomat, accused of sexually assaulting a 5-year-old on a school bus in Delhi last August, has fled the country despite multiple FIRs filed against him. Although the Delhi Police registered charges under sexual harassment and child protection laws, the accused, a Class 12 student, cannot be prosecuted due to diplomatic immunity under international law. The girl's parents have petitioned the Delhi High Court to revoke his immunity, seeking prosecution, but the case is pending, with the next hearing on April 7, 2025. Diplomatic immunity protects foreign officials from host-country legal actions. (PC: Firstpost)