In a high-stakes IPL 2025 clash at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by 12 runs. LSG posted 203/8, powered by Mitchell Marsh’s fiery 60 off 31. MI captain Hardik Pandya starred with the ball, taking 5/36 in a stellar spell. Despite his all-round heroics, including a late batting charge, MI couldn’t chase the target. The turning point came from 20-year-old leg-spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi, whose economical 1/21 and key dismissal of Naman Dhir choked MI’s middle overs. Rathi’s composure under pressure proved decisive in securing LSG’s crucial win. (PC: Times of India)

During his first official visit to Sri Lanka in his third term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Mithra Vibhushana medal—Sri Lanka’s highest civilian award. The honor recognizes his pivotal role in enhancing India-Sri Lanka relations, fostering cultural ties, and supporting regional cooperation. The ceremony marked a historic moment, as Modi became one of the few foreign leaders to receive this distinction. His visit also included the signing of seven key MoUs, including a landmark defense agreement, signalling a new era of strategic and diplomatic collaboration between the two nations. (PC: India Today)  

A Russian Iskander-M missile armed with a cluster warhead struck Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown, on April 4, killing 14 civilians, including six children, and injuring over 50. The attack destroyed residential buildings and heightened international condemnation. President Zelensky called the strike a brutal reminder of Russia’s disregard for peace, amid ongoing ceasefire discussions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Washington will not tolerate any stalling tactics by Moscow in ceasefire talks, urging concrete steps from Russia toward a genuine resolution. The incident underscores rising tensions and humanitarian concerns in the ongoing war. (PC: CNN)

In response to nationwide concerns and protests, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad clarified that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill does not target mosques, graveyards, or religious sites. Speaking to NDTV, he emphasized the bill’s goal is to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper execution of the Waqf donor’s intent by trustees. The bill introduces government oversight and includes non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards, which critics fear could infringe on Muslim rights and lead to property seizures. Massive protests in cities like Chennai and Kolkata reflect ongoing public anxiety despite BJP’s reassurances. (PC: NDTV)  

During a key meeting at the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to ensure the protection of Hindu minorities amid reports of rising communal violence. Modi emphasized the need for thorough investigations and accountability. Yunus dismissed many reports as misinformation and cautioned India against interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. He also requested the extradition of former PM Sheikh Hasina, now in India—a move India reportedly declined. Talks also touched on border issues and prospects for a bilateral free trade agreement. (PC:The Economic Times)    

On April 5, 2025, the United States officially began collecting a sweeping 10% "baseline" tariff on nearly all imported goods, a key part of former President Donald Trump’s revived trade agenda. The policy dismantles decades of global trade norms and introduces retaliatory "reciprocal" tariffs—up to 50%—on 57 countries, including 20% on EU goods and 34% on Chinese imports, starting next week. Global markets reacted sharply, losing $5 trillion in S&P 500 value. While Canada and Mexico are exempt, other nations face a 51-day grace period for goods in transit and limited product exemptions. (PC: The Hindu Business Line)

In a sharp political move, BJP's Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga put up posters across Delhi accusing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of destroying forests in Telangana. The campaign, aimed at countering Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, features slogans alleging environmental damage under Congress rule. The posters have appeared in several key areas of Delhi and reflect the intensifying pre-election narrative war between BJP and Congress.

In the March 13 Vadodara crash that killed Hemali Patel and injured seven others, 23-year-old law student Rakshit Chaurasia tested negative for alcohol but positive for marijuana, according to forensic reports. The crash occurred when Chaurasia’s car rammed multiple vehicles at high speed near Amrapali Chaar Rasta. His co-passengers, Praanshu Chauhan and Suresh Bharwad, also tested positive for cannabis use. Chauhan has been arrested, while Bharwad is on the run. Chaurasia faces charges under the NDPS Act and Motor Vehicles Act for drugged driving and causing death by negligence. (PC: NDTV)  

The U.S. under Donald Trump’s renewed focus on China has imposed a 54% tariff on Chinese goods, aiming to curb reliance on Chinese imports. This policy shift may benefit India, as global firms look to diversify their supply chains and move manufacturing out of China. Countries like Vietnam and Indonesia are also affected due to their deep integration with Chinese firms. India now has a chance to attract foreign investments, but it must improve infrastructure, ease regulatory hurdles, and scale up manufacturing capacity to seize this opportunity. (PC: The Economic Times)  

A young Indian national was stabbed to death in Clarence-Rockland, Ontario, east of Ottawa. The Ontario Provincial Police responded to the incident near Lalonde Street, where they arrested a suspect. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack. The Indian High Commission in Canada has extended condolences and is coordinating with local community groups to support the deceased's family. The case has raised concerns among the Indian diaspora in the region. (PC: Pixabay)