On April 16, 2025, the Supreme Court began hearings on 72 petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna raised concerns over how properties like the Delhi High Court building and the Oberoi Hotel were classified as Waqf land. The bench questioned whether the matter should first be heard by a high court. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued the law infringes on Islamic inheritance rights, especially criticizing Section 3(C) which alters government land classifications previously recognized as Waqf. (PC: ANI)  

The UK Supreme Court has ruled unanimously that the term "woman" under the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex, marking a major legal milestone in a years-long case between the Scottish government and campaign group For Women Scotland. Lord Hodge emphasized that the judgment should not be seen as a victory for one group over another, while affirming that transgender individuals still retain legal protections. The ruling was met with cheers and tears of joy from campaigners in court. Politicians including Kemi Badenoch and Rosie Duffield hailed the decision as a "victory for common sense." (PC: Reuters)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has named Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as prime accused in the National Herald money laundering case, alleging they orchestrated a "criminal conspiracy" to acquire Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) assets worth Rs 2,000 crore for just Rs 50 lakh. The current market value of the assets is pegged at Rs 5,000 crore. The ED claims 99% of AJL shares were transferred to Young Indian, a private company controlled by the Gandhis. The chargesheet also names Congress leaders Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey. A special court will decide on cognisance of the chargesheet on April 25. (PC: PTI)

The Trump administration has announced tariffs of up to 245% on Chinese imports, intensifying the US-China trade war. The move follows Beijing’s recent export bans on high-tech materials like gallium, germanium, and rare earth metals crucial to defense and tech industries. “China now faces up to a 245% tariff,” said a White House statement, calling it part of Trump’s “America First Trade Policy.” In response, China raised its tariffs on US goods to 125%. President Trump emphasized the tariffs are meant to secure U.S. industries and supply chains, while exempting other countries during ongoing trade negotiations. (PC: AFP)

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is set to take oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14, following the retirement of incumbent CJI Sanjiv Khanna on May 13. Justice Gavai, who will serve a six-month tenure until November 2025, will be the second Dalit CJI after Justice KG Balakrishnan. His nomination has been formally forwarded by CJI Khanna to the Union Law Ministry. Justice Gavai has played a key role in several landmark rulings, including the demonetisation verdict and the scrapping of the electoral bonds scheme. He began his legal career in 1985 and joined the Supreme Court in 2019. (PC: PTI)

The Supreme Court began hearing 73 petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing petitioners, questioned, “How can the state decide whether I’m Muslim enough to create Waqf?” He also criticized a provision requiring five years of Islamic practice to qualify, saying, “That’s unconstitutional.” CJI Sanjiv Khanna clarified, “We are not hearing arguments on staying the Waqf Act at this stage.” He noted concerns over land disputes, saying, “I was told even the Delhi High Court stands on Waqf property.” The Court will also consider if the matter should go to High Courts. (PC: India Today)        

In a landmark ruling, the UK Supreme Court has declared that the legal definition of a woman under the Equality Act 2010 is based on biological sex. The decision follows a legal dispute between the Scottish Government and advocacy group For Women Scotland. While reaffirming protections for transgender individuals, the court stated that sex-based rights apply to those biologically female, rejecting the notion of “certificated sex.” Campaigners say the ruling clarifies who can access women-only spaces and services. The court emphasized that trans people remain protected under gender reassignment provisions, and can still claim discrimination based on perceived gender identity. (PC: BBC)

In a thrilling IPL 2025 clash, Punjab Kings (PBKS) defended the lowest-ever total in tournament history—112—defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 16 runs. PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting praised the team's resilience, calling the win potentially "season-defining." Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28), battling a shoulder injury, and Marco Jansen (3/17) spearheaded the remarkable bowling effort. Ponting quipped, "I'm 50, don’t need more games like this," reflecting the nail-biting intensity. Despite a poor batting show, PBKS’ spirited fielding and tactical bowling changes led to a stunning turnaround, pushing them to fourth in the standings. (PC: BCCI)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that the recent violence over the Waqf law in Murshidabad was a "planned" conspiracy involving Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the BSF. Addressing a gathering of imams, she claimed that Bangladeshi miscreants were deliberately allowed entry to incite unrest in the state. Three people, including a father-son duo, were killed in the clashes. Mamata urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rein in Shah, accusing him of using central agencies for political vendetta. The districts affected share borders with Bangladesh, and initial probes confirm cross-border involvement in the violence. (PC: India Today)

Hamas announced it has lost contact with the captors of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. Alexander, a central figure in a proposed 45-day ceasefire deal, was to be released first as a goodwill gesture. Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, halting a two-month truce. Hamas warned families that continued bombardment could lead to more hostage deaths. With 58 hostages still in captivity, French President Macron urged a ceasefire and humanitarian aid access. The UN warns Gaza faces its worst humanitarian crisis in 18 months, as Israel blocks aid to pressure Hamas. (PC: AFP)