On April 14, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his conflict with Harvard University by halting $2.2 billion in federal grants and $60 million in contracts. This move came after Harvard rejected the administration's demands to dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, suppress pro-Palestinian student groups, and enhance cooperation with immigration authorities. Harvard President Alan Garber defended the university's autonomy and academic freedom. The controversy has sparked nationwide debate, with prominent figures including Barack Obama backing Harvard, accusing the Trump administration of political overreach and threatening institutional independence in higher education. (PC: AP)

On April 16, 2025, the Supreme Court of India will examine 73 petitions questioning the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The petitioners argue that the amended law infringes on citizens' fundamental rights, particularly property rights, and unfairly targets the Muslim community by enabling unchecked state control over Waqf properties. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna will preside over the hearings. The Centre maintains that the amendments ensure transparency and better governance. The case has sparked national debate over religious freedom, minority rights, and government authority. (PC: PTI)

On April 16, 2025, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan at 7:19 AM IST, with the epicenter located 164 km east of Baghlan at a depth of 121 km, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The tremors were strongly felt in parts of northern India, including Delhi-NCR, triggering widespread concern on social media. Afghanistan, located on the seismically active Indian-Eurasian tectonic plate boundary, frequently experiences earthquakes. Despite the strength of the tremors, no immediate casualties or major damage have been reported, though authorities remain alert for aftershocks. (PC: Reuters)

Former President Donald Trump has threatened to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status following its rejection of sweeping federal demands tied to antisemitism policies. Hours earlier, his administration froze $2.2 billion in federal funding, demanding changes in admissions, hiring, and teaching to curb campus antisemitism. Harvard President Alan Garber said the university would not compromise its independence or First Amendment rights. The administration’s proposed reforms included auditing academic departments and reporting students with “hostile” views. Trump accused the university of promoting political ideology and called for an apology. Harvard faculty argue the government is targeting academic freedom and free speech. (PC: Getty Images)

In a landmark decision, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has approved naming a stand at Wankhede Stadium after India captain Rohit Sharma. The resolution was passed unanimously during the AGM on April 15, 2025. Rohit now joins legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar in being immortalised at the iconic venue. The Divecha Pavilion Level 3 will now be known as the Rohit Sharma Stand. Stands named after Ajit Wadekar and Sharad Pawar were also approved. This honour recognises Rohit's incredible achievements, including leading India to recent T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy victories and five IPL titles with Mumbai Indians. (PC: India Today)

India has strongly rebuked Pakistan’s criticism of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, calling its remarks “motivated and baseless.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asserted that Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on India’s internal affairs and should instead reflect on its own dismal record of protecting minorities. The amended law, effective from April 8, aims to modernise and regulate Waqf property management, ensuring transparency and preservation of heritage sites. Pakistan had accused India of dispossessing Muslims of religious properties—a claim India has firmly denied. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged Pakistan to refrain from preaching to others. (PC: PTI)

Rapper Hanumankind made waves at Coachella 2025 by bringing a piece of Kerala to the global stage. The Indian-origin artist teamed up with Kochuveetil Beats, a traditional chenda melam ensemble, delivering electrifying performances of his viral hits "Run It Up" and "Big Dawgs." Dressed in traditional white attire, the drummers added a powerful desi flavor to the festival. Fans went wild as Hanumankind involved the crowd, showcasing Kerala’s vibrant culture to an international audience. Known for his breakout track "Big Dawgs" and a collaboration with ASAP Rocky, Hanumankind continues to make a mark with bold musical fusion and stage presence.

Punjab Kings created IPL history by defending the lowest-ever total of 111 runs, securing a thrilling 16-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders in Mullanpur. Chasing a modest target, KKR were cruising at 62/2 before Yuzvendra Chahal’s game-changing spell of 4/28 dismantled their lineup, bowling them out for just 95. Earlier, PBKS struggled with the bat as Harshit Rana (3/25), Varun Chakaravarthy (2/21), and Sunil Narine (2/14) dominated. Despite the shaky start, PBKS’s bowlers staged an epic comeback. The remarkable victory stunned fans and etched PBKS into IPL record books, with Chahal emerging as the undisputed hero of the night. (PC: BCCI)

Anurag Bajpayee, Indian-origin CEO of cleantech firm Gradiant, has been named in the high-profile Cambridge brothel scandal in the US. According to The Wall Street Journal, Bajpayee, along with other wealthy men, submitted IDs and references to access a secretive brothel offering a "girlfriend experience." The ring, busted in 2023, allegedly exploited Asian women through sex trafficking. Bajpayee, a Lucknow-born MIT graduate, is facing misdemeanour charges. Gradiant has expressed support, stating trust in the judicial process. The case has drawn attention for naming affluent clients, including public officials, shifting focus from traffickers to buyers in a rare legal move. (PC: Gradient)

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath lashed out at West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee over the ongoing violence in Murshidabad, stating, "Bengal is burning. The chief minister is silent. She calls rioters 'messengers of peace'." He condemned the state government for not taking action against those inciting unrest over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. "Such anarchy must be brought under control," he added. Adityanath praised the judiciary for deploying central forces and criticized the Congress and Samajwadi Party’s silence. Mamata Banerjee appealed for peace, saying the Waqf law was a central decision, not the state's. Police have arrested 150 rioters so far. (PC: PTI)