On April 4, 2025, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was passed by Parliament, sparking immediate legal challenges. Congress MP Mohammed Jawed and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi filed separate petitions in the Supreme Court, arguing that the bill infringes on constitutional rights and threatens the sanctity of waqf properties. The bill permits inclusion of non-Muslims on waqf boards and expands government powers over waqf land, raising concerns about potential property seizures lacking formal records. Critics see it as an attack on minority rights. The bill now awaits President Droupadi Murmu’s assent to be enacted into law. (PC: PTI)  

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to face the in-form Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 5, 2025, at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. With skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad likely to miss the match due to an elbow injury, veteran MS Dhoni may return as captain. CSK, coming off two back-to-back losses, will aim to bounce back against a confident DC side riding an unbeaten run. Historically dominant at home, CSK leads DC 30-19 in head-to-heads, including seven wins out of nine at Chepauk. A bowler-friendly pitch is expected, with average scores around 156 runs. (PTI)    

On April 5, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his pro-tariff stance despite a massive $5 trillion drop in global market value over two days. Markets reacted sharply to China’s 34% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, set to take effect April 10. Trump dismissed investor concerns on Truth Social, claiming big businesses aren’t worried and a “BIG, BEAUTIFUL DEAL” will boost the economy. The S&P 500 fell 6%, Nasdaq 5.8%, and Dow Jones 5.5%. Meanwhile, Fed Chair Jerome Powell warned of inflation risks and economic slowdown, but Trump demanded interest rate cuts, insisting, “ONLY THE WEAK WILL FAIL!” (PC: CNN)    

On April 5, 2025, a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea, triggering a brief tsunami warning. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, with the epicenter located 194 kilometers east of Kimbe. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially predicted potential tsunami waves up to 3 meters but later canceled the alert. No immediate damage or casualties were reported. Authorities in Australia and New Zealand confirmed no tsunami threat to their territories. Papua New Guinea lies in the seismically active Pacific "Ring of Fire." (PC: Hindustan Times)    

Global markets plunged for the second consecutive day as US President Donald Trump's new tariffs sent shockwaves through the financial world. The FTSE 100 dropped 4.9%, its worst fall since March 2020. U.S. indices also suffered: Nasdaq fell 5.7%, S&P 500 down 5.71%, and Dow Jones dropped 4.98%. China announced a 34% retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods, escalating tensions. Investment analysts warn the $4.9 trillion market loss since Trump’s “Liberation Day” speech reflects massive uncertainty. Firms like Apple and Nike were hit first, but the selloff has spread across sectors. “People are just selling straight to cash,” said Horizon Investments' Mike Dickson. (PC: BBC)

India stands to gain from U.S. tariffs imposed under Donald Trump’s administration, as key Indian exports—including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and metals—are exempt from reciprocal duties. With China facing a 34% tariff on pharmaceuticals, India could emerge as a crucial supplier of affordable medicines. Government officials believe the tariff structure indirectly favors India, allowing it to expand trade into high-tariff markets like Mexico, Canada, and Vietnam. A committee is set to strategize India’s trade response in the coming months. “When it’s dark and gloomy, there is sunshine on the other side,” a senior official remarked on India’s economic prospects. (PC : Reuters)

Kolkata schools are struggling after 25,752 teachers and staff lost jobs due to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the bribe-for-job scam. Institutions like Bansberia Ganges High School in Hooghly lost 15 of 41 staff members, severely impacting education. The verdict followed a three-year CBI probe into recruitment corruption under former education minister Partha Chatterjee. CM Mamata Banerjee promised fresh recruitment, but WBSSC says hiring in three months is impossible. BJP accused TMC of corruption, while affected teachers plan legal action. The education crisis has sparked protests, with students and parents worried about their future. (PC: AP)

At the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus for the first time since Sheikh Hasina's ouster. Modi urged Yunus to avoid rhetoric that could harm India-Bangladesh ties, referencing Yunus’s recent call for increased Chinese influence in India’s Northeast. He emphasized the need to protect Bangladesh’s Hindu minority and address cross-border security concerns. Modi also supported Bangladesh’s leadership of BIMSTEC and stressed regional cooperation. Bangladesh raised the issue of extraditing Hasina, now under investigation by Yunus’s interim government. Both sides agreed to uphold bilateral dialogue and ensure stability in the region. (PC: X/@narendramodi)

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by 12 runs in a thrilling IPL 2025 clash at the Ekana Stadium on Friday. Despite Hardik Pandya’s maiden T20 five-wicket haul, MI fell short while chasing 204. LSG posted 203/8, powered by quick fifties from Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram. Rishabh Pant failed with the bat, but LSG’s bowlers held their nerve in the final overs. MI, missing Rohit Sharma due to a knee injury, couldn’t recover despite Pandya’s all-round brilliance. Both teams were eyeing their second win of the season after losing two matches each earlier in the tournament. (PC: BCCI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Colombo on Friday evening for a 3-day visit aimed at strengthening India-Sri Lanka ties. Despite rain, six Sri Lankan ministers welcomed him at the airport, including Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath and Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa. Modi, returning from a BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, wrote on X: “Looking forward to the programs in Sri Lanka.” On April 5, he will hold key talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Around 10 bilateral outcomes are expected, focusing on defence, energy, and digital cooperation. India had earlier provided Sri Lanka $4.5 billion during its economic crisis. (PC: X/@narendramodi)