The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed serious concerns over the removal of the 'waqf by user' provision from the Waqf (Amendment) Act, stating it could have “huge consequences.” A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Sanjeev Khanna heard 73 petitions challenging the new law, which excludes properties used for Islamic religious purposes from automatic waqf classification without formal documentation. The court questioned how centuries-old mosques could provide sale deeds and criticized the inclusion of non-Muslims on waqf boards. The Centre has been asked to clarify. No interim orders were passed; hearings will resume Thursday. (PC: India Today)

A U.S. federal judge has warned he may hold the Trump administration in contempt of court for defying an order to halt deportation flights to El Salvador. Judge James Boasberg said the government showed “willful disregard” of his ruling, calling their responses unsatisfactory. The deportations were carried out under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, which the Supreme Court later upheld—but Boasberg emphasized that this did not excuse the initial violation. The administration has until April 23 to comply or explain its actions. Failure to do so may result in prosecutions of individuals who ignored the court’s order. (PC: BBC)

Delhi Capitals posted 188/5 against Rajasthan Royals in their IPL 2025 clash at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Abhishek Porel anchored the innings with a 37-ball 49, while KL Rahul contributed a cautious 38. Late fireworks from Axar Patel (34 off 14) and Tristan Stubbs (34* off 18) boosted DC’s total. RR pacer Sandeep Sharma conceded 23 runs in the final over, scripting an unwanted record. Despite an aggressive start, DC faltered in the middle after Jake Fraser-McGurk’s dismissal and Karun Nair’s run-out for a duck. A powerplay total of just 46 hinted at early struggles, but the hosts recovered well. (PC: BCCI)

Chinmay Deore, an Indian student at Wayne State University, has joined three others in suing the Trump administration after their student visas were abruptly revoked. Filed by the ACLU in Michigan, the lawsuit argues their SEVIS status was terminated without notice or legal grounds. The case highlights growing concerns as hundreds of international students, including many Indians, face deportation amid an alleged crackdown on campus activism. The students maintain they committed no crimes and weren't involved in protests. ACLU’s Loren Khogali accused the administration of using fear tactics: “They’re coming for international students to sow chaos and fear.” (PC: India Today)

Author JK Rowling has praised the UK Supreme Court’s decision that defines "woman" under the Equality Act 2010 as a biological female, excluding transgender women with gender recognition certificates. Reacting to the ruling, Rowling wrote on X: “They’ve protected the rights of women and girls across the UK.” She added, “It took three extraordinary, tenacious Scottish women with an army behind them to get this case heard.” Rowling has reportedly donated thousands to support For Women Scotland, the group that challenged the Scottish government’s definition. While women's rights groups celebrated, LGBTQ+ advocates expressed concern over the ruling's implications for trans rights. (PC: AP)

In a historic first, a juvenile colossal squid was filmed alive in its natural habitat near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Captured at a depth of 600 meters by a remote-controlled vehicle aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Falkor (too), the sighting marks a century since the species was first identified. The squid, estimated at 30cm long, could grow to 7m and 500kg as an adult. The expedition, led by University of Essex scientist Dr. Michelle Taylor, also documented a glacial glass squid. The discovery highlights how little is still known about deep-sea marine life. (PC: Schmidt Ocean Institute)

In a significant move towards modernizing its arsenal, the Kerala Police has initiated a tender to procure 250 domestically manufactured AK-203 assault rifles, valued at ₹2.25 crore. This acquisition would make Kerala the first police force in India to adopt the advanced AK-203, a 7.62×39 mm caliber rifle known for its enhanced firepower and reliability. The rifles are produced by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture between Russian and Indian defense firms. The step highlights India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. (PC: ANI)

US mortgage giant Fannie Mae has terminated 200 employees, mostly of Telugu origin, for allegedly misusing the company’s matching gift programme. The employees reportedly collaborated with Telugu associations to falsify donations and divert funds. The layoffs were part of a larger restructuring effort that affected 700 staffers. Indian-American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has demanded a full explanation, citing concerns over due process. This incident follows a similar case at Apple earlier this year, involving donation fraud linked to Telugu nonprofits. Investigations are ongoing, and associations like TANA and ATA are reportedly under scrutiny for potential involvement in the scheme. (PC: HousingWire)

US Vice President JD Vance will visit India from April 18 to 24 as part of a diplomatic tour that also includes Italy. Accompanied by the Second Family, Vance will travel to New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and engage in cultural activities. The visit, described as partly private with official elements, will include discussions on shared economic and geopolitical priorities. His children—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel—will also join the trip. Prior to India, Vance will meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Vatican officials in Rome ahead of Easter celebrations. (PC: PMO)

Former President Donald Trump has announced a controversial new initiative aimed at reducing the number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. by encouraging voluntary departures. Under the proposed plan, migrants who choose to self-deport would receive financial support, including stipends and free plane tickets to their home countries. The policy, which Trump claims is more cost-effective and humane than forced deportation, has sparked widespread debate. Critics argue it may incentivize exploitation or create further instability, while supporters view it as a practical solution to immigration challenges. Further details on implementation remain pending. ( PC: NDTV)