Telangana has officially declared heatwaves and sunstrokes as “State-Specific Disasters,” becoming the first Indian state to do so. Families of victims will now receive ₹4 lakh in compensation. The move comes as India faces rising temperatures, with Delhi reaching 37°C and Srinagar recording its hottest April day in nearly 80 years at 30.4°C. The IMD forecasts above-normal monsoon rainfall this year and predicts dry weather in Jammu & Kashmir until April 17. Gujarat has launched emergency water planning, ensuring summer preparedness. As extreme heat grips the nation, government responses are intensifying to protect public health and infrastructure. (PC: Hindustan Times)

China has issued over 85,000 visas to Indian citizens in 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen ties with India amid rising tensions with the U.S. over trade tariffs. The Chinese Embassy highlighted streamlined visa procedures, reduced fees, and exemptions from biometric data for short visits. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong invited more Indians to experience China’s “open, safe, and friendly environment.” As U.S. President Trump ramps up tariffs on Chinese imports, Beijing is encouraging India and other developing nations to unite against what it calls “tariff abuse.” The move signals China’s push to boost regional partnerships amid growing global trade friction. (PC: India Today)

Nvidia expects a $5.5 billion hit after the U.S. government imposed tighter export restrictions on AI chips to China. The ruling affects Nvidia's H20 chip, a major seller in China, now requiring a license for export, including to Hong Kong. Officials cited concerns over potential use in Chinese supercomputers. Nvidia's shares fell nearly 6% in after-hours trading. Analysts say while the loss is significant, Nvidia can absorb it. Experts warn the move may signal a broader tech decoupling between the U.S. and China, especially in the critical AI semiconductor sector, as both nations intensify their trade and tech rivalry. (PC: Getty Images)

In a thrilling IPL 2025 clash, Punjab Kings (PBKS) defended the lowest total in tournament history—111 runs—against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Captain Shreyas Iyer revealed he gave Yuzvendra Chahal a simple yet powerful message before the second innings: "Control your breathing and apply pressure with aggressive fielding." The advice worked wonders as Chahal took 4 wickets for 28 runs, sparking KKR's epic collapse. PBKS’s spirited bowling performance stunned cricket fans and elevated them to fourth place in the standings, while the match became a tactical masterclass in defending low totals under pressure. (PC: NDTV)

On April 15, 2025, a 3.5 magnitude earthquake struck Tibet at 11:01 AM IST, with its epicenter located at latitude 28.90°N and longitude 87.67°E. Occurring at a shallow depth of 10 km, the tremor heightened concerns over potential surface damage and aftershocks. The region, part of a seismically active zone caused by the Indian and Eurasian plate collision, had already experienced a 4.1 magnitude quake a day earlier. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, urging preparedness as experts warn that even minor quakes at shallow depths can trigger significant local impact. (PC: Reuters)  

On April 15, 2025, President Donald Trump initiated a national security investigation into the United States' dependence on imported rare earth elements, predominantly from China. This move, made under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, aims to assess the potential risks of relying on these critical minerals, vital for industries like electronics, renewable energy, and defense. The investigation follows China's recent export restrictions on rare earths, escalating the ongoing trade war. The review could lead to the imposition of tariffs and will take up to 180 days, with significant implications for global supply chains. (PC: Getty Images)  

On April 14, 2025, Blue Origin completed its first all-women space mission aboard the New Shepard rocket, featuring celebrities and pioneers like Katy Perry, Lauren Sánchez, Gayle King, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn. The 11-minute suborbital flight was celebrated as a milestone for women in space. However, it quickly drew criticism online, with skeptics calling it a “publicity stunt” and circulating videos claiming the launch was fake. While some accused Blue Origin of prioritizing celebrity over science, others defended the mission as a powerful statement for inclusivity and gender representation in space exploration. (PC: Republic World)

On April 14, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his conflict with Harvard University by halting $2.2 billion in federal grants and $60 million in contracts. This move came after Harvard rejected the administration's demands to dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, suppress pro-Palestinian student groups, and enhance cooperation with immigration authorities. Harvard President Alan Garber defended the university's autonomy and academic freedom. The controversy has sparked nationwide debate, with prominent figures including Barack Obama backing Harvard, accusing the Trump administration of political overreach and threatening institutional independence in higher education. (PC: AP)

On April 16, 2025, the Supreme Court of India will examine 73 petitions questioning the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The petitioners argue that the amended law infringes on citizens' fundamental rights, particularly property rights, and unfairly targets the Muslim community by enabling unchecked state control over Waqf properties. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna will preside over the hearings. The Centre maintains that the amendments ensure transparency and better governance. The case has sparked national debate over religious freedom, minority rights, and government authority. (PC: PTI)

On April 16, 2025, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan at 7:19 AM IST, with the epicenter located 164 km east of Baghlan at a depth of 121 km, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The tremors were strongly felt in parts of northern India, including Delhi-NCR, triggering widespread concern on social media. Afghanistan, located on the seismically active Indian-Eurasian tectonic plate boundary, frequently experiences earthquakes. Despite the strength of the tremors, no immediate casualties or major damage have been reported, though authorities remain alert for aftershocks. (PC: Reuters)