Two individuals died and over 100 were arrested following violent protests against the Waqf Act in Murshidabad, West Bengal. Demonstrators, primarily from the Muslim community, blocked roads and disrupted rail traffic after Friday prayers, defying prohibitory orders. Clashes erupted when protesters hurled stones and incendiary devices at police, injuring several officers. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee clarified that the Waqf Act is a central law and declared it would not be implemented in the state. She urged the central government to address the unrest. The situation escalated in areas like Suti and Dhulian, prompting the deployment of the Border Security Force to restore order. (PC: Rising Kashmir & OrissaPOST)

On April 10, 2025, Google laid off hundreds of employees within its platforms and devices unit, which manages key products such as Android software, Pixel phones, and the Chrome browser. This follows a voluntary exit program offered by the company in January. A Google spokesperson explained that the move was part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations after combining the Platforms and Devices teams in the previous year. The goal is to enhance agility and effectiveness within the organization. Earlier in February, Bloomberg reported additional cuts in Google's cloud division, albeit limited to a few teams. These workforce reductions are part of broader restructuring efforts that began in January 2023, when Alphabet announced plans to eliminate 12,000 positions, representing 6% of its global workforce. Google did not respond to Reuters' request for additional comments. (PC: Boom)

A groundbreaking breast cancer drug, Capivasertib (Truqap), developed by AstraZeneca, has been approved for use in the NHS in England and Wales. This oral medication is targeted at hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer patients with specific genetic mutations. Capivasertib, when combined with hormone therapy, has shown promising results, increasing the time before disease progression. Clinical trials demonstrated a significant extension of progression-free survival, from 3.1 to 7.3 months. Experts are calling this a major step forward in personalized cancer treatment and recommend genetic testing for patients to access this life-changing treatment. (PC: The Guardian)

The Trump administration has launched an aggressive trade initiative to finalize 90 trade agreements within 90 days, aiming to stabilize markets and revive economic confidence after recent tariff shocks. However, experts and former trade negotiators are casting doubt on its feasibility. The plan faces major obstacles including limited staffing in key agencies, scheduling conflicts—such as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent skipping EU meetings—and ongoing trade tensions with China. Analysts warn that meaningful trade deals typically require months or years, not days, raising concerns over the plan’s strategic depth and implementation capacity. (PC: Reuters)

On April 11, 2025, a powerful explosion at MMP Industries’ aluminium foil manufacturing unit in Nagpur’s Umred MIDC claimed five lives and injured eight others. The blast occurred in the polished tubing section while 87 workers were present. Three workers initially reported missing were later found dead, while two others died during treatment. A suspected buildup of flammable gases may have triggered the fire, which rapidly engulfed the facility. Firefighters struggled to contain the blaze. Authorities have sealed the plant and launched an investigation into possible safety violations and operational negligence by the factory management. (PC: ANI)

On April 11, 2025, a widespread outage disrupted India’s UPI-based digital payment systems, affecting major apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm. Users across the country reported failed transactions and delays, sparking concern and frustration on social media. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) confirmed intermittent technical issues and assured that efforts were underway to restore normalcy. The outage highlighted the critical dependence on UPI for daily financial transactions. By late evening, NPCI announced the issue had been resolved and systems were stable, although users remained cautious about reliability going forward. (PC: Getty Images)  

A severe dust storm struck Delhi on April 11, 2025, causing major disruptions at Indira Gandhi International Airport. With strong winds and rain, over 200 flights were delayed, 50+ diverted, and several cancelled, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Terminal congestion and minimal airline assistance sparked outrage, as social media flooded with complaints about the chaos. Ongoing runway maintenance worsened the situation, exposing the airport’s lack of preparedness for weather-related emergencies. Authorities are now facing criticism for poor crisis handling and communication during peak travel hours. Normal operations resumed gradually after weather conditions stabilized. (PC: OpIndia)    

In a major development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified a Dubai-based individual who allegedly had prior knowledge of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. This came to light during the interrogation of Tahawwur Rana, recently extradited from the US and now in 18-day NIA custody. The elusive man reportedly met Rana ahead of the 26/11 attacks, raising new questions about international links in the terror plot. Rana remains under suicide watch and has been mostly uncooperative. This revelation could help uncover deeper global connections behind one of India’s deadliest terror attacks. (PC: NDTV)

Violent protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act gripped West Bengal’s Murshidabad district on April 11, 2025, resulting in over 110 arrests. Demonstrators clashed with police in Suti and Samserganj, engaging in arson, road blockades, and stone-pelting. Prohibitory orders were imposed, and internet services suspended to contain the unrest. A teenage boy was reportedly injured in alleged police firing. The violence also spread to Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly. The BJP accused the state government of failing to manage the situation and claimed the violence was organized and politically motivated. Tensions remain high in the region. (PC: PTI)

On April 11, 2025, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Indian Army lost his life during a high-intensity gunfight with Pakistani terrorists attempting to infiltrate across the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keri Battal area of Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army intercepted the infiltrators after spotting suspicious movement. A fierce exchange of fire ensued, resulting in the JCO sustaining fatal injuries. The area has been sealed off, and a major search operation is underway. The incident highlights the ongoing threat of cross-border terrorism in the region. (India Today)