The National Commission for Women (NCW) has formed a four-member team to look into the recent violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal. Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar will lead the team. The group will visit Malda on April 18 and Murshidabad on April 19. Many women fled their homes and crossed the Bhagirathi River to find safety. Three people died and over 200 were arrested. The team will meet victims and local officials to understand what happened. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) will also send a team for an on-the-spot probe. Reports will help stop such violence from happening again. (PC: PTI)

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has warned that Donald Trump’s new tariffs could harm the global economy. It now expects world trade to shrink by 0.2% this year, instead of growing. The US has put high taxes on imports, especially from China. Trade between the two countries may drop by 81%. The WTO says this “decoupling” is worrying. It could lower global GDP growth to 2.2% or even 1.5% in the worst case. Other regions may still grow, as China looks for new trade partners. The WTO also said that market uncertainty is adding to the risks of a slowdown. (PC: EPA)

On April 16, 2025, Israeli forces intensified operations in Gaza, methodically destroying residential buildings and expanding “security zones” for indefinite military presence. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed troops will not withdraw from strategic areas, effectively establishing prolonged occupation. The offensive has displaced over 400,000 Palestinians, with many neighborhoods rendered uninhabitable. Since mid-March, airstrikes have killed at least 1,630 Palestinians, mostly women and children. Humanitarian access remains severely restricted, drawing international condemnation over potential violations of international law and worsening conditions for civilians in the besieged enclave. The crisis continues to escalate with no clear resolution in sight. (PC: Al Jazeera)

On April 15, 2025, West Bengal Police arrested brothers Kalu Nadar and Dildar Nadar for the brutal murder of Hargobind Das and his son Chandan Das during the violent riots in Murshidabad. The violence stemmed from tensions over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which triggered protests and communal unrest. The father-son duo were allegedly targeted and killed when their home was attacked by a mob. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the broader conspiracy and violence that shook the region earlier this month. (PC: PTI)  

UK inflation dropped more than expected to 2.6% in March, down from 2.8% in February, largely due to falling petrol prices. While the dip brings temporary relief to consumers, analysts warn the decline may be short-lived, with inflation projected to rise again from April amid increasing household bills and business costs. Chancellor Rachel Reeves welcomed the figures as "encouraging," but acknowledged ongoing economic challenges. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride criticised Reeves’s policies for prolonging inflation. The Bank of England predicts inflation will reach 3.7% later this year, remaining above the 2% target until at least 2027, complicating rate-cut expectations. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump lashed out at Harvard University, calling it a "joke" and accusing it of hiring "all-woke" staff and promoting campus activism. His administration froze $2.3 billion in federal funding after Harvard refused to comply with White House demands, including scaling back DEI initiatives. Trump criticized former mayors Bill de Blasio and Lori Lightfoot for joining Harvard's faculty, calling them "radical Left fools." He also threatened to strip the university of its tax-exempt status. In response, Harvard President Alan Garber defended academic freedom and rejected what he termed government overreach and unconstitutional interference in university affairs. (PC: Reuters)

During a hearing on the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, the Supreme Court questioned the Centre if Muslims would now be allowed to join Hindu religious boards, in light of the law permitting non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna highlighted issues around “waqf by user” and its historical significance, warning against undoing long-standing religious usage without proper documents. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued the law aims for inclusivity, now representing more Muslim sects. Muslim bodies have filed over 70 petitions claiming the law violates their rights. The case may be moved to a high court.     (PC: News18.com)        

The Supreme Court of India upheld a Maharashtra municipal body's decision to include Urdu on a public signboard in Patur town, dismissing a challenge against it. A bench comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah emphasized that Urdu is one of India’s recognized languages under the Constitution’s Eighth Schedule. They stated that language is a means of unity, not division, and is linked to culture, not religion. The Court reinforced that Urdu is not foreign to India and that linguistic inclusivity fosters national integration and cultural closeness. (PC: The Indian Express)

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the term "woman" in the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex, not gender identity. This judgment concludes a legal battle initiated by For Women Scotland, challenging the Scottish government’s stance on sex-based rights for transgender individuals with gender recognition certificates. While the ruling supports biological women’s sex-based protections, Judge Lord Hodge emphasized that it should not be seen as a victory over transgender rights. The Act continues to protect transgender people against discrimination based on gender reassignment and other forms of harassment. (PC: BBC News)  

On April 13, 2025, a Russian missile strike on Sumy, Ukraine, killed 35 civilians and injured 129, including children. The first missile hit a public bus, killing elderly churchgoers, while a second struck Sumy State University's cultural center during a conference, claiming more lives including university staff and students. Ukrainian officials condemned it as "sheer terrorism." NATO and EU leaders expressed outrage, pledging continued support. U.S. President Donald Trump sparked controversy by calling the attack a “mistake,” prompting criticism over his stance on Russia and U.S. support for Ukraine amid ongoing war. (PC: The Guardian)